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Got a hillside slope in the backyard that you have been craving to landscape? Well, now is the perfect time to get on with it.
The slope might look intimidating but, there are quite a few benefits when you are landscaping a hillside backyard. There are few hardships when it comes to hillside landscaping, but it can be easily tackled with some proper measures.
To achieve your dream garden, make a fool-proof plan after doing some research. Read the rest of the article to understand what you must consider before starting with this project.
Base
Since you are working with a slanted surface, you need to make some structure so that you have some platform for your plants. Maybe make some platforms or ridges. You can also make uneven breaks in the slope with some large boulders. Making stair and steps instead of pathways are very important.
Many people use mulch on the ground, but I would suggest you otherwise. Use more gravels and large trees to hold your ground well. You can also work on some nice flower beds but make sure to keep decent edges.
Choice Of Plants
Choosing the right plant is significant since all plants might not thrive well on a slope. Since most of the water drains out, perennial is a great choice. Planting native trees and plants is a safe choice as they adapt to the environment easily.
You should also consider keeping a few of the original plants that are not invasive. This helps give shade, some structure to build your garden around and holds the soil well. Soil erosion is one of the main evils you must fight against when landscaping on a slope. For that, choose plants and shrubs with a decent root network and grip.
- Burning Bush.
- Hellbore
- Fragrant Sumac.
- Japanese Maple
- California Lilac.
- Hydrangea
- Creeping Juniper.
- Boxwood
- Snowberry.
- Siberian Carpet Cypress.
You should also consider some ground covers so that you do not have bald patches n your garden. Some places can be decorated with gavels and stones as well as some garden ornaments, but to take it a notch up, you can try some ornamental ground covers, grass, or shrubs. Check out a few of the options below.
- English Ivy
- Vinca Minor
- Junipers
- Roses
- Creeping Myrtle
- Black Mondo grass
- Creeping Phlox
Let us Look Into A Few Foolproof Landscaping Ideas and Tips.
Rock Garden
It is the best way to have a low-maintenance garden. It gives you a stable base for the plants and gives an asymmetrical aesthetic look. It looks pleasing to the eyes and gives your garden a very relaxed and laid-back look. You can adorn your rock garden with creeping plants and ornamental grasses. For a lush look, you can also have some moss if the weather is pleasing.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are blessings to have in a hillside garden. Yes, it can be a tedious job to get them, but it is worth every penny and sweat you will shed. It not only helps you to hold back your soil and give a structure to your garden but also give a cascading look to your garden.
It can look exquisite depending on the design. You can use stone walls or even concrete for your retaining walls. Cobblestone is one of the most common choices that people rely on.
Vegetable Step Gardening
Hillside gardens can be perfect for vegetable gardening in steps. Plant those vegetables at the bottom, which thrives in more water, and rest to plant above it. Make sure you have stairs or paths to go in between the beds. In such a garden, all the plants get equal and abundant sunlight, but for water, you must consider drip irrigation.
The Art of Layering
When it comes to landscaping for the hillside, you need to layer your garden. It is better to have all your tall trees and pine and the back to hide the rest of the garden.
Having multiple tiers in the garden gives you a composed and edgy look. It also becomes neat and looks professional. Having different layers makes your garden more functional and retains the soil well.
There are no hard and fine rules when it comes to landscaping. Beauty, aesthetics, and functionality must be balanced, and you are well off. Take inspirations from different ideas and go with your instincts when you are landscaping.
If you find it too hard, you can always take the help of a professional. But landscaping your garden, especially a hillside one, gives you thrill at a whole new level.
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