The attitude of the owners to hilly landscapes is different: some are sad that they got only such land, and others, on the contrary, rejoice at the non-standard lot on the slope. In any case, a site with the uneven ground can be made very attractive, but creating a suitable design is not easy and quite expensive.

Installation of a Drainage System

Such a slope can be at risk of erosion if it is not well protected. The lack of protection will also gradually lead to the formation of blurs and faults, and the slope will lose its decorative, neat appearance. Therefore, when landscaping a hill, you first must design a drainage system to help drain melt and rainwater from buildings. It is essential to understand that due to the specifics of such a land, the drainage system must be designed considering the area’s characteristics; it is best to contact specialists for this.

When all problems with drainage are settled, you can proceed to the design. One of the options for decorating the slope is to create a stream lined with stones. To make it look more natural, you can make it curved. The gentle slope can be used for planting. Planting trees and shrubs on the sloping side is better, as their powerful roots will help strengthen the soil. 

Retaining Walls and Terraces

Equally important elements of the steep slope landscape model are terraces and retaining walls, the essence of which is to create a support for the slope. The material for such walls must be selected per the landscape. If possible, it is best to use natural materials. In this case, the support will become a harmonious element. Wild plants will sprout in the corners and cracks of the walls, adding naturalness. Also, the choice of material for retaining foundations depends on the general style of the yard and the buildings on it. With a landscape style, stone would be the best choice, and if the garden is modern, brick will look most harmonious.

Terracing a hillside is costly in material terms, but it contributes to a complete change in appearance. When terracing, the entire yard will be divided into several zones, allowing you to show your imagination and design each zone in a different style. Climbing plants, streams, stairs, and waterfalls are suitable as decorations for support systems.

Rock Garden on a Slope

The sloping yard is ideal for creating a rock garden on it, thanks to its multiple steps. Thus, the slope can be decorated with flower beds located at different levels, water cascades, and rosariums. You should pay attention to this advice: steep descents should be avoided if the paths meander, it will be more beautiful and more convenient. The rock garden can also be decorated with plants.

If the house is located at the end of the slope, then the hill blocks the view from the windows. To solve this problem, building a terrace near the house is recommended so there is more space. Then a big responsibility falls on the drainage system. The situation in which the house stands above the slope is much simpler. In this case, a beautiful solution would be to make a terrace on the hill, divided into different parts, to observe nice natural pictures from the window.

Slope Landscaping Secrets

First of all, when choosing plants, it is necessary to consider to which side the slope is oriented. This is important in order to take into account humidity and light – the basic principles for the favorable existence of plants. If the hill is located on the south side, it is best to choose plants that do not require a lot of moisture. For the northern slope, bulbous plants are the right choice. Be prepared that water will accumulate more often and dry longer at the end of the slope oriented to the north. Such soil is suitable for growing irises, ferns, and willows. When choosing plants, it is also necessary to consider the soil type. If the ground is primarily sandy, it will quickly absorb water; clay soil, on the contrary, will repel water, allowing it to either drain below or stagnate.

Very often, climbers are chosen to decorate the slopes. Grapes are the most popular, but periwinkle, thyme, and other plants will perform the decoration function and, at the same time, feel comfortable.

Although a hillside property causes certain difficulties in creating and caring for it, it is not at all a reason for despair. Even though it is more challenging to put it in order and decorate it than a flat lot, with the help of these tips, the work of specialists, and your imagination, it is possible in a short time to get a garden that will delight you for many years.