Finding sloping garden ideas can seem tricky at first. Although it may be more difficult to garden on a hill, the many opportunities it offers can be very beneficial. Some extra planning is needed, as well as professional help with calculating retaining walls and drainage, when building a home. In addition, a lot of physical strength is necessary when it comes to altering the shape of the land. The end result is usually a breathtaking and interesting outdoor space.
Now that you’ve seen our favorite sloping garden ideas, start coming up with your own plan for how to put them into action in your own yard. If you need more ideas for your outdoor space, check out our garden layout ideas feature.
1. Surround a seating spot with levelled borders
This garden has been designed with sloping land in mind, using it to create a dramatic and eye-catching Viola ‘Molly Sanderson’ feature. If you have sloping land in your garden, you can use it to create a stunning feature, like this one made with Viola ‘Molly Sanderson’. The design of the yard pulls the eye upward with its wooden-cladded flowerbeds and verdant lawn. Curved steps add to the rustic feel.
Meanwhile, the seating space is given plenty of shelter, positioned on a deck at the same level as the house. The end result is a stunning view where every part of the garden can be enjoyed.
2. Brighten the space with pale walls
This tiered garden 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.
Thehardwood deck is a great place to entertain guests. There is a paved seating area with a curved planter. This design softens the look and provides a calming visual element. There is a lawn with lots of plants on the lower level of the plot.
We love the materials and colors used in this scene. The light colors reflect light throughout the room, making it appear more open and contributing to the sophisticated atmosphere. The end result is a light and relaxed feel, which is perfect for the rich plants and bright agapanthus blooms.
3. Add a soothing vibe with curved features
Although it may be more difficult, slopes don’t necessarily have to be flattened and can actually provide an opportunity for interesting design. Nigel Gomme, Landscape Designer of CITYSCAPERS, explains that most of this garden’s gentle slope was kept and turfed.
On one side of the room, there are several beds arranged in tiers. The stairs increase in height as they follow the slope, and there is a zig-zagging path between them. We love the soft, round shapes of the furniture, which are reflected in the wooden bench. Together, they offer an organic, pleasing vibe.
Nigel describes the small stream on the other side of the lawn that uses the natural fall in the land to meander down to a pond set into the patio by the house. The three ways the sloping topography is expressed in the garden are by having contrasting yet complementary gardens on each level, mostly using the natural slope of the land.
4. Try a series of small terraces
According to Jo Fenton of Fenton Roberts Garden Design, it is possible to flatten an entire garden, but oftentimes there will be a large height difference remaining on one side or at the end. You will need a retaining wall, which can be costly, and it can cause problems with your neighbors being able to see into your yard.
In this garden, Jo has demonstrated a different way to create a sloping garden. It is absolutely stunning! To make the most of the views, we used a few focal points such as a gazebo, a water fountain, and a beautiful stone wall.’ In this garden, we designed a series of small terraces to work with the slope. To take advantage of the views, we used a few focal points, like a gazebo, a water fountain, and a beautiful stone wall. The garden’s slanted surface is taken care of by adding two elevated areas where the clients can grow their plants and herbs. not only is it helpful, it also looks great, and the lower areas add depth to the garden.
Our guide to raised garden beds can help you get started on your own gardening projects.
5. Plant billowing borders
Jo Fenton of Fenton Roberts Garden Design explains that sections of a sloping garden can be concealed within planted areas, allowing other areas to be leveled for practical purposes.
Instead, we terraced it with a series of small steps.’ The garden had a very steep slope so we couldn’t make it completely flat. We made a series of small steps instead. The design of the garden includes sloping flowerbeds, two paved terraces, and a lawn. A path that is not very wide bisects this large area that has plants so that the work of maintaining it can be done.
Using plants that are tall and textured will make the area more romantic and exciting. This look would work perfectly as a part of a cottage garden .
6. Add statement steps to your sloping garden ideas
Adding a set of steps to your outdoor space can help to add definition and structure, whether you are linking terraces or defining a steep slope.
A stairway doesn’t have to be complicated or take up a lot of space to be effective. Choose metal steps instead of sloping garden ideas. They are also a great way to make a space feel bigger and brighter Not only do they look chic, but they can also hover over borders and have a minimal footprint. They are also a great way to make a space feel bigger and brighter.
If you love modern garden ideas, they are a great choice.
7. Mix smart steps and sloping beds
This text is discussing how setting steps flush into a planted slope is a practical and elegant solution for sloping garden ideas. The key to creating a successful stairway is to ensure that each step is the correct size for comfortable walking and that the stairs are wide enough to make a bold statement, especially when surrounded by lush vegetation.
Think carefully about choosing materials and the finished look. The dark hardwood steps in this design resemble the bold windows of the house while maintaining a look that is both smart and organic.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our garden steps ideas feature.
8. Use gabions as a retaining wall
Retaining walls are a key part of terracing a sloping garden, and can also make for a striking garden wall. There are many different options to choose from that vary widely in cost, planning, and installation.
You will need to plan and prepare carefully for blockwork walls, whether you render them or leave them bare. You will also need to calculate drainage channels meticulously. Gabions filled with stones are strong enough to support banks of soil, look attractive, and allow rainwater to filter through.
Gabion baskets come in a range of sizes from 0.5 to 2 meters wide. They can be made from rigid welded mesh or from flexible woven wire.
9. Make room for sunken seating
Adding tiers to a steeply sloped garden is a good way to make use of the space and create several small, usable areas. You should call in professionals to help you figure out the best layout and size for any retaining walls you need. It’ll be worth it in the end.
Try to find ways to make use of the limited space in your sloping garden. You can use retaining walls as extra lounge seating and planters. Consider how many people you want to be able to accommodate. Choose a decor that is simple and elegant, with a combination of stone and wood.
10. Build in steps and borders
If you have a retaining wall and steps going up a slope in your garden, adding return walls on either side can create a more striking and aesthetically pleasing feature. Pairing contrasting materials, like slate and white rendered walls, adds interest and drama to the finished result.
Not only is it practical, but it also creates a visual contrast between two different styles of gardening. The lower level appears to be well-kept and contemporary, while the upper level is more wild and unkempt. The short walls at the sides of the garden also help to show off the border plants that were chosen carefully.
Factors to Consider Before Landscaping a Slope
Grade of the Slope
The grade of your slope is the most important factor to consider when picking landscaping ideas for a slope. You can tell how steep the grade of a slope is by looking at it. According to Mississippi State University, a steep slope is an area of land that rises more than 20 percent in angle.
This means that for every 10 feet of area you walk, the elevation changes by 2 feet.
- Steep slope : If you have a steep hillside with a rise of 50 percent or more, you won’t be able to rely strictly on vegetation to hold everything in place and will require a combination of landscape design methods to control erosion and the loss of topsoil.
- Shallow slope : Slopes that range around 20 percent are usually more stable and not difficult to maintain, as you don’t have the same problems with erosion as you do with a steep slope. It is possible to stabilize slopes of 33 percent or less by establishing vegetative plantings on them.
Drainage and Soil Erosion
The main concern with landscaping on steep slopes is water runoff and erosion. Without proper drainage, the water will carrying away the soil downhill.
Under particularly windy and rainy conditions, water washes away topsoil, mulch, or rocks, and accumulates them at the bottom of the slope. If there is a lot of runoff, it can cause channels to form in the slope and make the area less stable.
Different types of soil experience different rates of erosion – for example, sand washes away more easily than clay. The water should drain away from your home’s foundation to avoid any damages.
When you have a shallower slope, you don’t need to worry about drainage and erosion as much, as long as you choose plants that will help keep the soil in place.
Don’t worry because there are various ways to deal with the problems of drainage and erosion when it comes to landscaping a steep slope.
Options for Preparing the Slope
If you have a smaller slope, you can still use these landscaping ideas to make your outdoor space more interesting. No matter if you are looking to install a low-maintenance and inexpensive rock garden or an extravagant front-yard landscape, there is an option for you.
- Erosion Control Fabrics: There are various options in erosion control fabrics available to use on a steep slope, including biodegradable choices with prices fitting into everyone’s budget.
There are several different types of fabric that can be used in a hillside garden, including coir netting, logs, mats, and geotextiles. The products cover the soil and keep it from moving.
- Trenches : A relatively inexpensive way to control erosion and the flow of water, as well as add to the slope’s design is by creating properly placed trenches in the slope that direct the flow of water.
Place river rocks along the trench to improve the appearance and prevent erosion. Other irrigation options include drip irrigation or planting drought-tolerant plants.
- Retaining Walls : Although you might require a building permit depending on the size of the retaining wall, adding a retaining wall at the base of the slope will not only assist in stopping erosion but can work as a design feature.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for landscaping a slope, pressure-treated landscaping timbers are a great choice. They’re also durably and will last for several years.
If you’re looking for a more natural look, consider creating a large-rock wall at the base of your hillside landscaping. It will be more expensive, but it will give your landscaping a more polished look. In addition to a natural stone wall, other materials that can be used to form the barrier include bricks, cinder blocks, or concrete.
- Step Terracing : Adding step terracing to your slope acts as several retaining walls spaced throughout the hillside garden. Terracing also creates garden paths, giving you access to your flower beds and colorful groundcover plants.
There are various areas on the slope that are flattened with landscape timbers or railroad ties supporting the sides of the step. There are different ways to landscape a terraced slope, so everyone can find a way that fits their budget.
Planting the Slope
When it comes to landscaping a slope, plants not only create attractive focal points, but also help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. They do double-duty, controlling erosion while looking pretty. Those looking to landscape a slope on a budget have many options which are inexpensive.
You need to take into account the following points about your slope before buying any plants.
- Water runs downhill . Blame that darn gravity. So the soil at the top of the slope will have a tendency to be drier than the soil at the bottom, so choose plants accordingly.
- Note the slope’s light conditions throughout the day . Are you landscaping a shady slope area or one located in the sun? Select groundcover plants that will thrive in the conditions.
Now that you have considered all the conditions of the slope, you can purchase your plants.
Purchasing Plants for a Slope
A mix of groundcovers, ornamental grasses, and shrubs is best since the plant’s root system works to anchor the soil in place. Annuals can be spaced out throughout the area, and replaced with different ones as the seasons change.
If you want to avoid problems, stick to native plants that are already used to the climate conditions in your area. Native plants are plants that are typically found in a certain area. You can find them ranging in different types, such as grasses, flowering types, and shrubs.
Landscaping and hardscaping results are satisfying. Although raking leaves can be fun, it is also tiring, takes a long time, and can be difficult if you are not experienced. You are not alone in shouldering the time, labor, and frustration. This project can be completed quickly, easily, and without spending a lot of money.
