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Slope garden design


Sloping garden ideas: 20 landscaping and styling solutions for plots on a hill

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(Image credit: Amanda Broughton Garden Design)

Finding sloping garden ideas can seem tricky at first. But it turns out that gardens on a hill can offer plenty of opportunities that a flat site simply can't. Yes, a bit more planning is involved, and some professional input when it comes to calculating retaining walls and drainage. Plus, plenty of muscle power is needed when it comes to re-shaping the plot. But, the end results are often some of the most breathtaking and interesting outdoor spaces out there.

Choose from super-chic, contemporary plans that include neat tiers, smartly rendered retaining walls, and slick water features, or go for wilder and more relaxed plant-packed borders, informal mown paths and rippling streams. The choice of hard landscaping materials is endless, with each offering distinct characteristics. Even practical necessities such as safety railings, steps and drainage channels can become eye-catching design features, that add personality to the final look. 

So, sit back, take a look at our favorite ideas, and then start dreaming up your masterplan for your sloping garden ideas. And if you want even more inspiration for your outdoor space, head over to our garden layout ideas feature. 

1. Surround a seating spot with levelled borders

Sloping garden ideas can help to show off your borders

(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)

Sloping garden ideas can be used to create show-stopping impact, as seen in this plot. The eye is drawn upwards by the wooden-cladded flowerbeds, which cocoon a verdant lawn. Curved steps add to the rustic feel.

Meanwhile, the seating space is given plenty of shelter, positioned on a decked area at the same level as the house. The result is a breathtaking view where all aspects of the garden can be appreciated at once.

Take a look at our outdoor seating ideas for more stunning designs.

2. Brighten the space with pale walls

Garden designed by Living Gardens

(Image credit: Living Gardens)

This tiered plot designed by Living Gardens demonstrates how sloping garden ideas can be used to create a modern, attractive space that all the family can enjoy.

There's plenty of room to entertain on the hardwood deck. Above, a paved seating area is surrounded by a curved planter, which softens the design and provides soothing visual interest. A lush lawn takes up the lower level of the plot.

One of our favorite things about this scene, however, is the choice of materials and colors. The pale hues bounce light around, helping to open up the space and adding to the clean, elegant vibe. The resulting look feels airy and relaxed, and makes a wonderful backdrop to the verdant planting and dazzling agapanthus.

Need more family garden ideas? Take a look at our feature.

3. Add a soothing vibe with curved features

Garden designed by CITYSCAPERS

(Image credit: CITYSCAPERS)

Slopes don't have to be flattened – they can provide character and opportunity for interesting design. This garden has a gentle slope, most of which was kept and turfed, explains Nigel Gomme, Landscape Designer of CITYSCAPERS . 

On one side, a series of tiered level beds cuts into the area. These step up in sync with the slope, with a stepped path snaking through them. We love the gentle curves, which are mirrored by the wooden bench. Together, they offer an organic, pleasing vibe.

'On the other side of the lawn, we created a small stream that uses the natural fall in the land to meander down to a pond set into the patio by the house,' Nigel says. 'So in a single garden, the sloping topography of the site is expressed in three contrasting yet complementary ways and mostly, in fact, by keeping the slope.'

4. Try a series of small terraces

Garden designed by Fenton Roberts Garden Design

(Image credit: Fenton Roberts Garden Design)

'You can sometimes flatten a whole garden but you will often be left with a large height difference on one side or at the end,' explains Jo Fenton of Fenton Roberts Garden Design . 'This will require a retaining wall which can be very costly and can introduce issues with overlooking your neighbors.'

Jo demonstrates an alternative approach to sloping garden ideas in this gorgeous plot. 'In this garden we worked with the slope by designing a series of small terraces. The slope across the garden is dealt with by introducing two sets of raised beds where the clients grow their vegetables and herbs.' It's functional, stylish, and the shallow levels add visual interest to the garden.

Don't forget to check out our guide to raised garden beds if you want to get started on your own.

5. Plant billowing borders

Garden designed by Fenton Roberts Garden Design

(Image credit: Fenton Roberts Garden Design)

'Sloping sections of a garden can be hidden within the planted areas enabling other areas to be flattened for practical use,' says Jo Fenton of Fenton Roberts Garden Design.

'This steeply sloping garden was too extreme to flatten out entirely. Here, we mixed sloping flowerbeds with two paved terraces and a lawn. A narrow access path bisects this large planted area enabling the maintenance to be carried out.'

Adding plenty of height with textural plants adds a sense of romance and drama to the zone. This look would work perfectly as part of our cottage garden ideas.

These Corten Steel garden stairs by Adezz at Flora Select make a striking feature for sloping garden ideas

(Image credit: Flora Select)

Whether you are linking terraces or adding definition to a steep slope, a set of practical and eye-catching steps will help define and add structure to the outside space. 

A simple stairway built from blocks, timber sleepers or deckboards will of course do the job but can take up valuable floorspace. Instead, opt for some prefabricated metal steps – such as Corten steel designs – for your sloping garden ideas. Not only do they look rather chic and introduce a gravity-defying edge to any design, but they can hover over borders and have a minimal footprint too.  

They make a great choice if you love our modern garden ideas.

7. Mix smart steps and sloping beds

Hardwood decking steps link different areas of this garden designed by Andy Sturgeon and built by Construction Garden Builders

(Image credit: Ben Robert/Blooming Photography/Garden design by Andy Sturgeon/Construction by Garden Builders)

Graceful and easy on the eye – setting steps flush into a planted slope is not just practical but an elegant solution for sloping garden ideas. Solid and distinct, the secret is to make sure the size of each step is right for comfortably strolling up and down and that the width is generous enough to make a bold statement, especially when surrounded with lush planting. 

Think carefully about choosing materials and the finished look. In this design, the dark hardwood steps echo the bold windows of the house but keep the look smart, yet organic too.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our garden steps ideas feature.

8. Use gabions as a retaining wall

This gabion wall is a striking garden feature. Designed by Andy Sturgeon and built by Construction Garden Builders

(Image credit: Ben Robert/Blooming Photography/Garden design by Andy Sturgeon/Construction by Garden Builders)

Retaining walls are key to terracing sloping garden ideas and can become striking garden wall ideas too. There are plenty of options available and these vary widely in cost, planning and installation.  

Blockwork walls – rendered or left bare – will require careful planning and preparation, as well as meticulously calculated drainage channels. Stone-filled gabions – such as these pictured – are a handy solution as not only are they strong enough to support hefty banks of soil, they look attractive and crucially let rainwater filter through. 

Gabion sizes range from 0.5m to 2m wide baskets and can be made from rigid welded mesh or flexible woven wire.

9. Make room for sunken seating

These black-blue slate walling slips from Bradstone are a smart choice for modern sloping garden ideas

(Image credit: Bradstone)

Introducing tiered garden ideas to a steeply sloping plot is an effective way to manage the space and create a series of small but useable areas too. You will need to call in the professionals to calculate the best layout and the size and load of any retaining walls, but the result will be well worth it. 

Use your sloping garden ideas to look for clever ways to make the most of limited space. Retaining walls can easily double up as built-in lounge seating and planters so think carefully about the number of guests you wish to accommodate. Keep the decor simple and opt for a super chic stone and timber combo.

10. Build in steps and borders

Keep it sleek and modern with these Casarta slate steps from Marshalls

(Image credit: Marshalls)

Adding return walls to a retaining wall and flight of steps can create a striking feature in steep gardens on a slope. A bold combination of materials – such as this pairing of slate and white rendered walls – adds drama to the finished result. 

As well as being supremely practical, it also helps to visually link two contrasting styles of gardening – smart and contemporary on the lower level and soft and wilder at the top. The short return walls also help to showcase the carefully selected border plants.

11. Go for tiered planters

Jura Beige Limestone Step Treads from London Stone are a timeless choice for any garden scheme

(Image credit: London Stone/Construction by Oakley Landscapes)

Dividing a steeply sloping garden into tiers doesn't have to result in a space that's split up by hard, straight lines. There are plenty of clever ways to soften and blur these divisions, particularly if you're searching for small garden ideas.

One way is to use stepped, angular planters. Or, go for fewer, larger planting pockets for your sloping garden ideas – these could be built into your new landscaping or added as freestanding containers. Fill with tall, airy, year-round planting that will soften the harsh, straight lines without casting heavy shade. There's lots of expert advice on designing flowerbeds in our guide to garden borders. 

12. Divide with sweeping curves

This beautiful garden designed by Amanda Broughton Garden Design uses sweeping paths and stone walls as part of its sloping garden ideas

(Image credit: Amanda Broughton Garden Design)

Disguise a steep but sizeable plot by introducing sweeping garden path ideas and an equally curvy retaining wall to your sloping garden ideas. Not only does this subtly divide up the sloping site into a series of terraces, but it also adds a sense of horizontal movement too. 

In this beautiful design, a snaking stone wall creates a cozy seating area and also provides the opportunity for a falling water feature. 

13. Add character with railings

This garden on a slope was designed by Lindsey Evans Garden Design

(Image credit: Linsey Evans Garden Design)

Steep, terraced gardens on a slope must comply with building and safety regs but it's also a great excuse to invest in some super stylish railings. Choose from off-the-peg or handcrafted, bespoke designs to complement your garden's style and setting. 

With so many different materials and finishes to choose from, it's worth researching the options before committing for your sloping garden ideas. Polished stainless steel and aluminium tubular designs give off a truly contemporary and nautical feel whereas wrought iron is much more traditional and ornate in its possibilities.  

Fancy a pop of color? Then go for powder-coated steel railings that can be finished in one of hundreds of RAL shades. Wood, tension wire between wood and metal posts and even toughened glass are also stunning options. We have lots more inspiration in our decking railing ideas feature.

14. Use sloping garden ideas to showcase planting

Large flowerbeds and varied planting are key features of this sloping garden by Acres Wild Garden Design

(Image credit: Acres Wild)

A garden that slopes up from the house or patio is the perfect opportunity to show off beautiful planting. Keep your landscaping ideas to a minimum – a flight of timber steps or duckboards leading from A to B will link and punctuate the space without taking away from the planting. 

When it comes to planning borders for your sloping garden ideas, introduce layers of shrubs and trees for year-round form and structure. Then, fill in the gaps with vibrant and textural perennials and ornamental grasses.

Encourage low-growing evergreens and foliage to spill over and soften the hard edges of any steps, patios or retaining walls, and use climbers over fences to complete the abundant look.

15. Terrace with easy-care decking

Cladco’s Hollow Stone Grey and Black Charcoal Solid Bullnose Decking Boards were installed in this garden by Gull Rock Decking

(Image credit: Gull Rock Decking)

The best composite decking is a smart, no-fuss and versatile material – perfect for creating steps and usable levels in a sloping garden. 

Needing less upkeep than timber deck boards, these vinyl-wrapped planks come in a wide variety of finishes and profiles and can be easily installed to suit your individual site. 

Head over to our decking ideas feature for more inspiration. 

16. Take a soft approach

This large garden by Acres Wild Garden Design has a beautiful, natural feel to its landscaping design

(Image credit: Acres Wild)

Gardens on a slope can be given a wild touch by playing it simple and keeping hard landscaping to a minimum.  

If you have a gentle slope, a neatly mown path leading through a flower-laden meadow is an elegant solution that puts nature and natural form centre stage. Add some drama to the look by keeping the layout symmetrical. Then, place a striking sculpture or one of the best garden benches at the far end of the path – a perfect solution for long garden ideas on a slope.

17. Dig out a sunken patio

Designed by Nordland Landscapes , this garden makes the most of its sloping plot

(Image credit: Krisztian Sipos Photography/Garden design by Nordland Landscapes)

Maximise your garden's usable space by digging out the base of the slope to create a sunken patio. An enclosed seating area instantly creates a cozy feel and offers an extra degree of shelter and warmth, so is perfect for those cooler months. 

A retaining wall will have to be planned and constructed by a garden designer or landscaping professional to ensure it can support the weight of soil behind it and deal with any resulting drainage issues. This smart, urban design involved installing a hidden slot drain to handle any sudden downpours. 

Find more patio ideas in our guide. 

18. Include falling water

A modern water feature links different areas of this garden designed by Susan Dunstall

(Image credit: Susan Dunstall Landscape and Garden Design)

Gardens on a slope – whether they're terraced or left angled – provide the ideal opportunity to bring in flowing water. It could be a gently babbling stream that meanders down through rocks and is niftily recycled back to the top by a hidden pump and water reservoir, or something decidedly more contemporary. 

In this eye-catching garden, the very steep site is divided into two distinct levels with a pair of stunning water chutes and a raised pond built into the lower wall. If you want to incorporate something similar in your garden design, you'll find plenty of inspiration in our water feature ideas gallery. 

19.  Reinvent the rockery

This modern take on a rockery was designed by Wildroof Landscapes

(Image credit: Jo Crompton Photography/Garden design by Wildroof Landscapes)

Let the beauty of natural stone and Japanese gardens inspire you to transform a dull, sloping site. Fine gravel paths weaving through rocky borders planted with low-growing sedums, alpines, azaleas and statuesque conifers provides beautiful year-round color and interest. And, it creates an instantly calming mood, too. 

This Japanese inspired tea garden by Wildroof Landscapes is a crevice garden full of character and texture. Local stone laid side on and packed close together makes a bold contrast with laid dry-stone walls and boulder-edged planting areas.

If you love the look, be sure to check out our small Japanese garden ideas, too.

20. Go on – add a slide!

This family garden designed by Eldridge London turns the sloping nature of the plot into a fun garden feature for the kids

(Image credit: Lyndon Douglas/Garden design by Eldridge London)

There's no need for an excuse – every sloping garden surely has to have a slide built in! It could be a colorful moulded or aluminium children's version that you bed neatly into a grassy bank, but why not go all out and choose a beautifully-crafted design that everyone can enjoy? 

This gorgeous garden includes intricate cedar-clad planters, a lawn, and angled steps. The stainless-steel slide is extra wide and adds a minimal but striking feature for uber-modern gardens on a slope.

We've got plenty of ways to keep kids entertained outdoors in our garden activities for kids feature – head on over to take a look. 

How do you drain a sloping garden?

When it comes to providing drainage for your sloping garden ideas, 'Soakaways (essentially a hole in the ground filled with rubble) are a brilliant, sustainable option,' says Garden Designer Jonathan Martin of Living Gardens. 

This is because, 'You're not sending excess water into drainage but taking it away from the surface to soak into the soil below.'

Can you flatten a sloped garden? 

Sloping garden ideas can be brought to life with gorgeous garden lighting, like in this garden designed by Living Gardens

(Image credit: Living Gardens)

Completely flattening a significant slope is difficult (and generally, expensive). But instead, you can opt for multiple levels, as Garden Designer Jonathan Martin of Living Gardens explains. ..

'You can't easily change the difference in height between the top and the bottom of your garden, so what we usually opt for is a tiered design,' he says.

'In the pictured garden, the gradient was so steep that we needed to step down three steps straight out of the house. This is followed by two tiers down to the lawn. Even then the lawn slopes, so to deal with drainage we dug two soakaways, one a third of a way down the lawn, and one two thirds of the way down, to take the excess water away from the surface.' We adore the use of garden lighting ideas here, too.

Nigel Gomme, Landscape Designer of CITYSCAPERS adds, 'A sloping garden is typically viewed as problematic but as a designer I love slopes as they embody a kind of three dimensional potential that can lead to unique and really engaging spaces.'

'You can cut into a slope, you can cantilever out over it, you can add a rubber liner and rocks and pebbles and run water down it to create a stream – there's so much latent potential to explore. So my advice would be don't rush to flatten it – think of a slope as a resource rather than a problem and be inventive in how you engage with it.'

Do I need permission to level my garden? 

Clever sloping garden ideas can include fabulous terraced structures, like in this garden designed by CITYSCAPERS

(Image credit: CITYSCAPERS)

In general, you don't need permission to level your garden as part of your sloping garden ideas. 'But there are caveats,' says Nigel Gomme, Landscape Designer of CITYSPACERS. 'The first thing you need to consider are trees within the garden. Changing soil levels within their root zones, which are generally twice as wide as the canopy, can damage or even kill trees,' he explains. 'If there are tree protection orders on any trees within your garden you could be breaking the law. So, it is well worth seeking professional advice before you start.'

'Other things to consider include boundary walls and fences. How will level changes within the garden affect your neighbor's wall or fence, for example? If you’re dropping the ground level quite a bit, boundary walls may need underpinning which is an expensive undertaking. '

'However, with thought, there can be ways around some of these problems. We recently landscaped a garden [see above] that steeply sloped away from the house and was also pitched to the side, with protected trees throughout,' Nigel continues. We couldn't change soil levels, build walls or lay paving within the root zones of the trees and the client wanted level surfaces. So, we built raised platforms, decks and walkways that appear to float over the sloping landscape: the trees were unharmed, attractive practical level areas were created for entertainment and outdoor dining, and the sloping terrain was basically left untouched. The point here is that to level a garden you don't necessarily have to level the ground itself, you can build level structures above it instead.'

Looking for more inspiration? Head over to our guide on landscaping around trees.

Garden Designer Jo Fenton of Fenton Roberts Garden Design adds, 'We often encounter the problem of a steep drop from the house into the garden leaving people feeling disconnected from their outdoor space. This can be solved by adding a raised terrace to the back of the house. However, if this raised area is over 30cm above ground level you will often have to apply for planning permission. This is because the terrace may overlook your neighbors.'

Jill puts her love of plants and all things garden related down to the hours spent pottering around with her Nan and Grandad when she was little. Today she is lucky enough to have a garden of her own in Surrey, England, and spends much of her time writing about them too. 

How to Garden on a Slope: 12 Ideas for Hillsides

Turn uneven ground into a lush garden with these landscaping tips

By

Marie Iannotti

Marie Iannotti

Marie Iannotti is a life-long gardener and a veteran Master Gardener with nearly three decades of experience. She's also an author of three gardening books, a plant photographer, public speaker, and a former Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator. Marie's garden writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines nationwide and she has been interviewed for Martha Stewart Radio, National Public Radio, and numerous articles.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 09/28/22

The Spruce / Marie Iannotti 

A slope or hillside can be intimidating when landscape planning. They're also challenging to walk on and work on. Gardening on a slope additionally comes with the risk of soil runoff. Since water naturally runs downhill, it's a good idea to stabilize a slope with contour rows, terraces, or raised beds.

However, hillsides also have some built-in advantages. You have an instant view, and creating a dynamic sense of movement with plants positioned on a hill is easy. This resourceful gardener used the contrasting plant textures of the conical evergreens, spiky flowers, flowing ornamental grasses, and rounded shrubs to animate the garden. The scene is kept moving by a river of silver lamb's ear that runs the length of the bed.

Also, if you're landscaping on a budget, consider groundcovers that will give you a carpet of green along the slope. Incorporate a flower garden on the hill by selecting hillside flowers and vegetation that like to grow in crags and crevices, or on a slope, like sedum, rock cress, creeping phlox, and sweet alyssum.

Click Play for Hillside Landscaping Ideas

Retaining Your Sloped Garden

Retaining walls are how you keep dirt from washing away on a slope. Soil erosion is bound to happen with water and gravity doing the dirty work. But you can add wood, rock, or concrete block to make a retaining wall to hold the soil in place. You can also stagger retaining walls to build a tiered garden on a slope.

Consider installing a retaining wall if you have a steep slope of over 50% or 45 degrees. When installing any retaining wall, add a good drainage system behind the wall to prevent the wall from cracking or collapsing.

Hillside Lots & Gardens - Top 135 Photos, Lot, Garden & Garden Landscape Design

7 Mile

Common Ground Landscapes

Architect: nickwhite.com Builder: Collie Construction Landscape Contractor: www.louisahoffmannursery.com
Fresh Design Idea Classic Paving Slope Lot and Garden - Great Interior Photo

Water's edge

West Winds Nursery LLC

Perennial Geraniums, Autumn Bride Heuchera , Carex pennsylvanica were planted in massed drifts along this hillside. Vardar Valley Boxwood and Otto Luyken Laurel are used to add some height and evergreen foliage to the planting. The wide, serpentine sandstone slab staircase with generous sized landings are used to create a beautiful walk to the water. nine0007

Garden of Splendor

flora Distinctive Landscapes

Stylish design: sunny, summer drought-tolerant Mediterranean-style hillside garden with garden path or gate, good lighting and paving stone - the latest trend
9000 Garden3

9003 Kentfield0 Artist's Avant Garden

Hog wire fence surrounding dog run with dog house. photo by Galen Fultz
Original design example of classic shady and hillside garden with gravel and fence

Planted Dry Creek

Eden Garden Design

Planted dry creek with limestone boulders and river rock provides a beautiful and functional drainage solution along the frontage of a sloping property. Photographer: Greg Thomas, http://optphotography.com/

Coos Bay

Mosaic Gardens

Lush plantings surround garden paths in this garden on the Southern Oregon coast. The rusting steel arbor at the top of the hill supports four fruiting pear trees. The ipe bench below the arbor is large enough to seat several people. This garden is battered by winds and browsed by hungry deer, but is nonetheless a testament to the incredible climate of the Oregon coast. See more photos of this garden at our website, mosaic-gardens.com. photo: Buell Steelman, Mosaic Gardens

Lafayette 2

Envision Landscape Studio

Original Design Example: Large sunny drought tolerant modernist hillside garden with retaining wall, good lighting and gravel

Hardscape

Stoutstone step0 Design- Build 90 stones2 ground cover between. For natural landscaping that brings beauty to your home or business, contact the professionals at Stout Design-Build, where we offer you a range of landscape design and building services that are . . . "Organic. Responsible. Naturally!" Stout Design-Build is a full service design and building firm that offers a variety of residential and commercial services. We can help you with landscape design, landscape construction, building construction, and more. Our professionals have 20 years of design experience. We work with LEED certified, Green Point Rated, and standard properties. We focus on designing you a landscape that is efficient and beautiful with natural products from plants to patios, and with the implementation of water and energy conservation. We also renovate homes and offer them up for sale, providing you with stylish living at affordable prices. Everything we do is environmentally friendly, with great craftsmanship, so you will always get the best in quality whether you need landscape design and building or one of our other services. Contact the professionals at Stout Design-Build in Los Angeles, CA to get beautiful landscape design and professional quality services. Call 310-876-1018 to set up your consultation! nine0007

San Marino Residence

Ron Yeo, FAIA Architect

Large Stone Slab Steps. ... Photo - Tim Street-Porter
Fresh Design Idea: Shady Lot and Slope Garden in Modern Style - Great Interior Photo

Outdoor Stairs Of Boulders

Big Rock Landscaping

Outdoor staircases are required in a slopped yard, but they can be a stunning focal point rather than an eye sore.
Pictured: modern style slope garden and garden with landscaping stone, pebbles and metal fence

Patterson Project

Twisted Rock Terrascape & Design, Inc.

Our client had a very steep rear yard that was virtually unusable, albeit quite large. We were hired to design and build a functional yard utilizing large outcropping boulders to create tiers for family get togethers, planters, and treed areas. The project rounded off with side yard privacy in the form of Columnar Spruce, as well as concrete edging and aggregate bedding for ease of maintenance. What a great project!! nine0007

Dibbits Waterfall

Lavish Gardens

Massive waterfall garden in Trenton, Ontario.
Pictured: Huge Sunny Plot and Rustic Slope Garden with Waterfall, Good Lighting and Pebble Covering with

Slope Plot Design: Features and Suitable Plants

When you are going to purchase a suburban area, the choice of whether to take a flat one or an option with a slope will definitely come up.

And sometimes there are situations when a site on a slope is the only option available. For example, you choose a site in a specific geographic area, and there are no even options. Or do you dream of a plot where there will be a pleasant descent to the coastal zone of a lake or river. nine0003

This article will tell you what to do with plots on a slope. Let's start by discussing the pros and cons of such areas for living and landscape design.

Pros and cons of a site on a slope

The site on the slope pleases with undeniable advantages, and imposes some restrictions. Let's take a closer look.

Benefits of a site on a slope

It is always a field for a unique landscape. It is not possible to create two identical landscape designs for sloped lots. Because each relief has features that dictate the rules. nine0003

All landscape elements that require a height difference, such as flowing cascading waterfalls, rockeries, alpine slides, terraces, are easier to create on a site with a slope - the relief itself will help. It is difficult, and in some cases impossible, to erect such elements on flat areas.

I would like to talk about terracing separately. This is an exquisite landscape technique that creates a convenient zoning of the site. With the help of terraces, you can separate the recreation area from fruit and vegetable plantings, create space for flower beds and playgrounds. nine0003

If the slope is on the south side, then this will increase the yield. Because the sun's rays glide down the slope longer. Planted in such a zone, fruit and vegetable plants will produce more yield if they are provided with sufficient watering.

You are guaranteed an excellent view from the house, because it will be installed at the highest point of the site. You will enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets. If you stayed in hotels in the mountains, then remember this feeling very well. If you install panoramic windows in the house, then the landscape behind them will become one of the main decorations of the room. nine0003

Cons of a site on a slope

1. A sloping site is difficult to properly plan on your own, so you will need the services of a landscape designer. On the one hand, these are additional expenses, on the other hand, it is an opportunity to realize landscape dreams and create a design that will delight for years.

2. You need to water the site more often, as water does not retain well on the slope. But this task is easily solved by automatic watering systems or by planting plants that can withstand drought. nine0003

3. Sites on a slope require more attention: it is necessary to think over paths and stairs, and make them so that it is convenient for people of any age to move along them. In children's areas, install an additional security system, for example, to enclose a hedge. And fit these elements into the design so that the landscape outside the window looks organic.

4. The site must be strengthened to be sure of its stability. The fact is that on a site with a slope, due to rain, groundwater, wind and snow, soil displacement is possible. Especially if there is a source of water somewhere nearby - a lake or a river. The coastline must be strengthened, otherwise it will slowly erode. nine0003

Strengthening the slope on the site

Consider natural and artificial methods of strengthening for areas with different degrees of slope.

Reinforcement of slopes above 35%

If you are the owner of a site with a steep slope, then it is in your power to make a super interesting design. To do this, use artificial reinforcement methods that will become unique solutions in your landscape design.

Retaining walls

A retaining wall is a small wall that is built on the site. From the name itself it follows that it supports the earthen mass and prevents it from sliding. Such walls are erected from building materials. Use concrete blocks, bricks or stones. Decorate with shell rock, limestone or other decorative elements. The solution looks stylish when the retaining wall is finished with the same materials as the basement of the house. Such an intersection creates a complex, holistic look, stylistically combining design elements. nine0003

Retaining walls will be an excellent platform for creating stunning landscape compositions.

Building materials

In strengthening the slopes, special building materials are often used. These include biomats made of coconut and straw, geotextiles - non-woven material made of polypropylene fibers, geogrid - a mesh with flat cells made of fiberglass, geogrid - a fabric of cells, which is characterized by increased strength, geomats - material from several layers of geogrid. nine0003

They differ among themselves in strength, and therefore in the level of load that they can take on. The higher the slope angle, the stronger the material must be.

And the principle of work is similar for everyone. The main task is to prevent weathering and washing out of the soil, and this is exactly what we need. The geomaterial is laid out along the slope, dug into the ground, and covered with a layer of fertile soil from above. The material does not harm the soil or plants that can be safely planted from above, and is invisible on the site. nine0003

Gabion

A gabion is a mesh of strong wire filled with something strong, such as rubble, stone and gravel. It works on the same principle as a retaining wall. Durable material holds the load with which the earth presses on it, and strong wire prevents the stones from crumbling. In such a bundle, the gabion becomes an excellent soil-retaining material, and in some cases also a decorative element.

Reinforcement of slopes up to 25-30%

Plots with an average slope can be strengthened both with the help of artificial tools, which we are talking about above, and with the help of plants.

To correctly select a plant, you need to look at its root system: it must be widely branched. Additionally, you need to take into account the growth rate, and choose fast-growing species and varieties.

In the following paragraphs, we talk about the general principles, and look for a detailed list of suitable plants at the end of the article. nine0003

Planting trees and shrubs

As the root system expands, it naturally strengthens the slope. In fact, a strong, powerful tuft of roots forms in the soil, which fixes the soil. Despite the branching of the rhizome, raspberries and blackberries, for example, will not be able to help with sodding the soil, since the density of the root system is insufficient. But wild roses, creeping junipers, dwarfs, as well as firs, spruces and yews are perfect for this role. A mock orange, dereza or spirea can also strengthen the slope. nine0003

Planting perennials

You can strengthen a not very steep slope with perennials, if you follow the same principles. We choose fast-growing options with a branched root system so that they form a retaining layer over time.

Pay attention to hybrid stonecrops, thyme, phlox, particle and sap.

Strengthening of slopes up to 8-10%

Areas with a slight slope can be strengthened by artificial means, such as a gabion or a retaining wall. But this is only beneficial if they are elements of landscape design. Geogrid for such areas, in principle, is not needed. nine0003

Planting trees and perennials is a practical and convenient option. And create a design, and strengthen the slope. But there are several more budget options, which we will discuss below.

Reinforcement with wooden boards or logs

A method often used to strengthen coastlines. Wooden shields are installed on piles, most often from larch. Use this method only under the supervision of professionals, because you have to make very accurate calculations. nine0003

Willow stakes

If there are weak areas on a site with a slight slope, you can support them by driving in willow stakes. The shoots will take root and become an elastic mechanical barrier. True, they need systematic care. Willows planted in this way can be braided into the original fence, or can be left untouched.

Lawn grass sowing

This option is also suitable for strengthening a small slope. The scheme is exactly the same: the roots create sod. Any herb will work for this. You need to focus on the wishes in the design and agronomic indicators: soil acidity, illumination of the area. nine0003

As you can see, there are many options to strengthen the slope. Moreover, in areas with medium and low slope, the designer will be able to use non-standard techniques for decorating zones, so your garden will be truly unique and unrepeatable.

But many have a desire to level the site. Let's look at this option as well.

Slope leveling

Leveling a site is a construction manipulation that makes the surface of the earth level with respect to the horizon. nine0003

They do this according to the following logic: pits - to bury, hills - to unearth. If there is not enough soil, it is imported additionally.

If the slope is small, you can do it yourself with a tractor and a shovel. For sites with an average or high slope angle, at least additional physical strength and special equipment will be required.

Slope Landscaping

Slope Site Planning Rules

  1. The highest point is for buildings. Plan a house or garage here.

  2. The lowest point is a bathhouse and a pond. It is most logical to organize a pool or a decorative pond in a lowland so that even the slightest displacement of the soil does not harm the structure. And the bath, of course, is located at a safe distance from residential buildings.

  3. At the lower points - we plant tall trees. They will help to visually smooth out the height differences. nine0003

  4. In the south - we place plants that are loyal to the dryness of the soil (if automatic watering is not installed). The slopes on the south side are under the sun longer, which means that if timely watering is organized, you can choose almost anything your heart desires for planting.

  5. In the north - it is worth focusing on coniferous and heather plants. They will be comfortable enough on the north side. nine0003

Landscaping and site design on a slope

Design choice

Elevation differences are a gift for those who love original landscape solutions. Consider a few tricks that will definitely fit well into the site on the slope.

1. Alpine slides and rockeries

These are compositions of plants and stones, simulating natural landscapes - they perfectly level out the transfer of heights, harmoniously fitting into the relief. nine0003

2. Terraces

A practical and interesting solution: terraces will benefit from design differences in relief, creating your personal Versailles around the house. In addition, it is convenient to zone the space with terraces: you will create corners for different tasks. A secluded area for reading and working, a terrace with a gazebo for meeting friends, a terrace with a playground for fun games for children and grandchildren. Like a puzzle, you can assemble the perfect site for you. nine0003

3. Waterfalls

Waterfalls fit perfectly into hilly areas. By the way, creating a harmonious waterfall on a flat surface is quite difficult. And where there are differences, he suggests himself. How wonderful it is to listen to this murmur and admire the peaceful and smooth movement of the water stream on a warm summer day.

Walkways and stairs

Doing without them in such conditions will not work. A good walkway combines walking comfort, durability and decorativeness. nine0003

On a more even surface, neat paths can be equipped, reminiscent of forest expanses. To visually align the height difference, the paths are often made winding.

Where there is a steep slope, you will need a ladder.

If the angle of inclination of the stairs is high, mount the railing.

If the staircase is long, more than 10 steps, it will need a concrete base, which will act as a foundation. nine0003

Best plants for slopes

What plants to choose for a site on a slope?

Trees

First of all, these are tree species with a branched, fairly voluminous root system, such as ordinary or intermediate mountain ash, small-leaved linden, and high ash.

Strong fibrous roots that bind the soil well form bird cherry, Norway maple, field maple, ash-leaved, red, as well as most elms and beeches. nine0003

Shrubs

A rather powerful and branched root system is distinguished by: honeysuckle, sucker, willow, spirea, privet, barberry.

Tree-like caragana, aralia, vesicles, derains, dog roses are also successfully used for fixing slopes.

Conifers

First of all, we recommend paying attention to ground cover conifers.

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