Find creative solutions for landscaping sloped areas of your yard.
These slope garden design ideas will help you use uneven terrain to your advantage.
Create a Wall of Flowers
To create a hillside flower bed, build aretaining wall.
Credit: Laurie Black
Just Add Water
Abackyard waterfallis the ultimate way to take advantage of planting on a slope.
A steep slope is an opportunity to create a dramatic, sheer curtain of water.
Placing a variety ofcontainer gardensin well-traveled areas, such as entries, gives them greater impact.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
see to it the containers have some heft so they don’t topple over easily .
Consider paving a level tobuild a patioand a comfy outdoor seating area.
Other good candidates for a dry hillside includePennisetum,salvia, yarrow, andlamb’s ear.
Credit: Andrew Drake
Carpet It
Plant roots are very efficient at anchoring loose soil on a sloped flower bed.
The dense mats formed by groundcover plant roots will reduce erosion and weeds.
The contrast between natural plantings and a deck is always striking.
Credit: Kindra Clineff
Test Garden Tip:Up the drama by building around an existing tree or planting one near the deck.
Make a Boulder Statement
Nestle clusters of boulders into the soil.
Bury the bottom one-third to one-half of each large rock to stabilize it.
Credit: Laurie Black
Pack soil firmly around the rocks, andfinish with plantings.
Step It Up
Steps convert a sloped flower bed from inaccessible to inviting.
Wide steps that meander or zigzag up a steep slope are easier to climb than those that escalate rapidly.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Try climbing the slope along several different paths until you find the most comfortable route.
Build a Babbling Brook
A shallow slope is the perfect site for a burbling stream.
Water can cascade down slopes that once seemed unmanageable while controlling erosion and managing moisture levels.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Creating adry creek or stream bedalso works if you don’t have a water source.
Lushplants for slopessoften the hardscape, add color and fragrance, and invite exploration.
A trickling stream with a series of cascades creates soothing sounds for relaxation.
Credit: Mike Jensen
Weave a Textural Tapestry
Create a sweeping swath of groundcover plants for a low-maintenance slope solution.
Boulders support a border that includes Forest Pansyredbud, cascadingJapanese forest grass, andlady’s mantle.
Garden Room Galleries
Take advantage of a long slope by dividing it into different levels.
Credit: Stephen Cridland
Here, wide terraces create planting spaces for individualgarden roomson each level.
Stone steps allow for easy access between levels.
Box It In
Use a slope to create garden art.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Here,boxwoodhedges create a visual masterpiece on a slope.
Theblue fescuebetween the hedges adds a pretty contrast in form and color.
Planting on the slope enables you to view the distinct planting pattern while enjoying a meal on the patio.
Credit: DEGENNARO ASSOCIATES
Credit: Erica George
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Credit: Lynn Karlin
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Credit: Erica George
Credit: Susan Gilmore
Credit: Mark Lohman
