A Small Backyard That Looked
Into the Neighbor's.
More garden space.
Something better to look at.
Susan had a typical smaller backyard in Stillwater — functional, but unremarkable. The main issue was simple: you sat outside and looked straight into the neighbor's yard. No sense of enclosure, no garden space to speak of, nothing to draw the eye. She wanted both problems solved at once.
The solution was a pair of curved Versa-Lok Standard planter boxes in tan — flowing shapes that break up the yard, create raised garden beds she can actually use, and give the space a focal point that isn't the neighbor's fence. Versa-Lok handles curves well, and in tan it has a warmth that suits the naturalistic feel Susan was after.
The curves are what make this project — and the caps are what make the curves. Every single cap block was cut at its own angle to follow the radius of the wall. That's the detail that separates a wall that looks right from one that doesn't.
Get a free estimateKubota in.
Curves taking shape.
The Kubota excavated and prepped the base, then the block work began — course by course, following the curved layout strings. You can see both planter boxes taking shape in the third shot, the gentle curves of the walls already visible before the caps went on.
Versa-Lok loves a curve.
The caps are where it gets serious.
"The curves are beautiful and Versa-Lok handles them well — but the caps are where you make or break a curved wall. Every one gets cut at its own angle to follow the radius. Do it right, it's worth every minute. Do it wrong, it ruins the whole look."
— Jacob Bluhm · Lead Installer · Heritage OutdoorsCurved planter boxes.
A backyard worth sitting in.
The finished planter boxes bring flow and structure to a yard that had neither. Garden beds she can actually use, a natural focal point that isn't the neighbor's fence, and cap work that follows every inch of the curve without a gap or a bad angle.
Curves that took time.
Results that show it.
Curved Versa-Lok in Stillwater —
what people ask us
Can Versa-Lok be built in curves?
Yes — Versa-Lok Standard handles a wide variety of radii, making it one of the most versatile block systems for curved walls and planter boxes. The pin system allows each block to adjust slightly to follow the curve. The most demanding part of a curved Versa-Lok wall is cutting every individual cap block at the precise angle to follow the curve cleanly — done right, it looks seamless; done wrong, it ruins the finished look. Heritage Outdoors takes the time to get it right. Call 651-219-3668.
How much do Versa-Lok planter boxes cost in Minnesota?
Versa-Lok retaining wall and planter box installation in the Twin Cities typically runs $55–$70 per square foot installed depending on wall height, complexity, and any curved sections. Curved walls take more time due to cap cutting. Heritage Outdoors has a $5,000 project minimum. Call 651-219-3668 for a free on-site estimate.
What colors does Versa-Lok Standard come in?
Versa-Lok Standard is available in several colors including tan, gray, and brown blend options. The tan colorway is a warm, neutral tone that blends naturally with most landscaping and complements a wide range of home exteriors. Heritage Outdoors can help you choose the right color for your property — call 651-219-3668.
Can a retaining wall add privacy to a small backyard in Minnesota?
Yes — raised planter boxes and retaining walls are one of the most effective ways to add visual interest and a sense of enclosure to a small backyard without building a fence. Curved planter boxes create a natural boundary, give you garden space, and change the sightlines so you're looking at your own landscape rather than your neighbor's yard.
Does Heritage Outdoors serve Stillwater and the east metro?
Yes — Stillwater is right in Heritage Outdoors' core service area. We serve Stillwater, Lake Elmo, Woodbury, Oakdale, Saint Paul, and the full east metro. Call 651-219-3668 or visit heritageoutdoorsmn.com for a free estimate.
Want curves done right
in your backyard?
Versa-Lok can do a lot more than straight walls. If you're thinking about planter boxes, a curved retaining wall, or just want to see what's possible in your space — Jacob will come out and walk through it with you.
Jacob & Haven. Family owned and operated out of Saint Paul. Hardscape and landscape design-build done right — from the first call to final walkthrough.
651-219-3668 haven@heritageoutdoorsmn.com