The slope is not really a hill but because it is rock so close to the surface, after a good rain all the rest becomes runoff. But your advice is appreciated because I need to look at the solution in two parts - a barrier combined with my pond with just a dry river bed that can assist in the drainage. I was considering putting in raised bed gardens so maybe I can place those and some landscaped berms (sp?) in that area past the pond. That would also add much more interest to my yard and define the area. Any follow up advice is appreciated.

We built a REALLY BIG stream bed for a natural runoff on our property. We lined it with landscape fabric (to try to cut down on weeds) then put in a LARGE assortment of rock.....from boulders to gravel. It looks very natural. (Plants that are native to your property will give it a more natural look - unless, of course, you are going with a more formal look - then I suppose plants that would like a wet location would look the best) Will try to post photos.

Welcome back! I can give you a brief idea of what we're doing. Grass: We're doing as much as our HOA covenants will allow. We have to keep our front meadow mowed under 9". However, we don't do anything else to it...no watering, no fertilizing. It's on its own. Runoff/thirsty plants: We have a slope down to our house where we route the water and the downspouts to a dry stream bed. We have planted moisture-loving plants in that low area that also can withstand our heat/drought with minimal drip irrigation. We don't use any sprinkler systems. On the slope, we converted it from spotty grass to a big flower garden. This holds the soil in place and slows down the runoff from the meadow. All plants up on the slope are drought and deer tolerant and receive no irrigation. We water new plants only long enough to get them established. Birds/butterflies: We have both a NWF Certified Backyard Habitat and a Monarch Butterfly Waystation certification. We have planted to feed/attract both birds and butterflies. We also provide a water source (manmade stream) that the birds use for drinking and bathing. It also attracts dragonflies and frogs. Shade trees: due to the HOA covenants, we've not been allowed to plant up the south side with trees. That said, our house is passive solar by design and placement. Cheaply: we DIY as much as possible, including building patios, dry stream bed, irrigation, paths, etc. Additionally, I use only organic fertilizers. I have written many blog entries over the last year regarding deer, drought, butterflies, etc. Cameron Here is a link that might be useful: gardening blog

Rustygreer: I understand what you are saying and your thought process appears to be on track. It sounds like you are dealing with difficult circumstances. However, even a little freeze-thaw will impact the integrity of the construction over time if you have no base at all below grade. Ideally, you would excavate to a point where the bedrock interferes or to about 8" if you can get that deep. Then, as you say, compacted gravel, followed by the flagstone. Again, some flagstone should be below grade even on short walls. The attached two-tiered wall is a lot taller than what you are referencing but in this case we have 6" of compacted CA-6 gravel base and about 6" of flagstone below grade. Good luck with your project!!