10 sloping garden ideas — simple landscaping tips for a tricky space
- Add stone walls for interest. Garden wall ideas can provide interest by creating terraces with steps built in. ...
- Create a defined route. Position steps at alternate ends of each terrace to create a defined route or pathway through the garden.
- Create a unique garden path with edged borders. ...
- Don't be afraid to experiment. ...
- Plant ornamental grasses. ...
How do you plan a garden on a slope?
Measure The Steepness: When you are planning on gardening on a slope, site investigation is a crucial step in the process. The amount of steepness on a slope is a key player, so it’s important to measure the exact steepness of your slope. The steeper the slope, the more difficult it is to grow plants.
How do you build a retaining wall on a slope?
Dealing with a moderate slope can be easy if you use pavers to create the retaining wall as seen here. Note how the homeowner has built in a set of steps that allow everyone to get up into the rest of the yard. The trees and shrubs also help keep the soil in place.
What do you need to build a house on a slope?
On steep or unstable slopes you’ll probably need earth-moving equipment and extensive foundations plus whatever ‘face’ material you want to see, whether it’s bricks, rendered blocks, sleepers or gabion mesh cages. If the slope is gradual, levelling can be achieved with timber retainers, such as sleepers.
How do you fix a slope in your backyard?
In many ways, progress is a good thing, but when it comes to that steep slope in your backyard progress is not a good thing when all the soil starts washing away. This homeowner made use of custom plastic mesh to hold back the advances of time. You could fill the mesh with soil and plant grass, ground cover, or even flowers.
How do you build a retention wall on a slope?
Steps to Follow When Building a Retaining Wall on a SlopeStep #1: Get the Trench Compact and Level. ... Step #2: Install the Wall Rock. ... Step #3: Excavate the Second Level. ... Step #4: Place the Base Course of Blocks. ... Step #5: Compact the Wall Rock Behind the Blocks. ... Step #6: Fill in the Step Up Areas.
How do you build a retaining wall on a slope UK?
0:386:23How To Build A DIY Retaining Wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFriend ground use you'll need screws now because I'm adding a step I'll need a mix of 75 mil hundredMoreFriend ground use you'll need screws now because I'm adding a step I'll need a mix of 75 mil hundred and 125 ml bugle batten screws brick set concrete at least one bag for each post hole.
What is the cheapest way to build a retaining wall?
The cheapest type of retaining wall is poured concrete. Prices start at $4.30 per square foot for poured concrete, $5.65 for interlocking concrete block, $6.15 for pressure-treated pine, and about $11 for stone. Installation or supplies, such as drainage stone or filter fabric, are not included.
How do you build an uneven ground wall?
How to Build a Retaining Wall on Uneven GroundStep 1: Install Stakes and Attach String. ... Step 2: Level the String. ... Step 3: Dig Retaining Wall Trench. ... Step 4: Tamp Soil and Add Gravel. ... Step 5: Add Sand and Wall Blocks. ... Step 6: Add Second Row of Blocks. ... Step 7: Pour Gravel and Spread Fabric.
How do you build a supporting garden wall?
0:0010:16How to Build a retaining wall-Garden project - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's a retaining wall that's sort of cobbled up over the years but never moved.MoreIt's a retaining wall that's sort of cobbled up over the years but never moved.
How deep should a garden wall foundation be?
Start digging at the lowest part and go down until firm ground is found. For a light garden wall, a trench 30 cm (12 inch) deep should be sufficient if the soil is firm and well drained. But on unstable or weak ground, make it 46 cm (18 inch) deep.
What is the easiest retaining wall to build?
What is the easiest retaining wall to build? Short walls under three feet high and constructed of concrete blocks or masonry blocks are the easiest type of wall for DIYers to build. They are ideal landscape solutions for a front yard or raised flower bed.
Can I build a retaining wall myself?
Choose a DIY-friendly building material. Retaining walls can be made from wood, bricks, natural stones or concrete blocks. For DIYers, it's best to use concrete retaining wall blocks, which can be interlocking and are heavy enough to stay in place without cement or other adhesive.
What can I use instead of a retaining wall?
The most common retaining wall alternatives are:Natural stone or brick walls.Wooden timbers.Gabion walls.Precast concrete.Hedges and natural trimming.Bioengineered soil walls.Natural Borders, Stones, and Mulch.
How to make a terrace on a slope?
How to terrace a sloping garden. Manipulating a gentle slope to produce level terraces isn’t difficult – you can usually cut and fill by hand using a spade. First, cut the soil out of the slope using a large spade to create the first level.
What do you need to terrac a steep slope?
On steep or unstable slopes you’ll probably need earth-moving equipment and extensive foundations plus whatever ‘face’ material you want to see, whether it’s bricks, rendered blocks, sleepers or gabion mesh cages.
How to make a gravel path?
If you're diy-ing your sloping garden, consider laying a gravel path. However, the process will be a little different from an ordinary gravel path. You'll want to prevent your gravel sliding downwards as much as possible; there are three main ways to try and achieve this: 1 Use self-binding gravel which should stay more compact. 2 Use gravel stabilisation grids underneath your path; 3 Break up the path with bricks or stones, which will act as barriers for your gravel and to stop it sliding. You will probably still see some movement, though, so be prepared for this if opting for gravel.
Why is drainage important for a patio?
Good drainage is essential so that your patio doesn't become submersed every time it rains. Ensure your builder has a made provision for drainage of retaining walls (weep holes), and for the patio itself, particularly if it is surrounded by retaining walls rather than borders the water can run off into. Designing your sloping garden so that the end ...
What is terracing in a garden?
Terracing (see below), separated by retaining walls, gives you the perfect opportunity to introduce defined zones within a garden: allocate an area for kids on one; plan a kitchen garden on another; make room for outdoor dining or living spaces on others. RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU...
How to stop gravel from sliding?
Break up the path with bricks or stones, which will act as barriers for your gravel and to stop it sliding. You will probably still see some movement, though, so be prepared for this if opting for gravel.
How high should a slope riser be?
Outdoor steps are very different from indoor ones, as they should be deeper and wider. As a guide, the riser (the vertical face) should be no higher than 15 to 20cm.
What is a stone wall garden?
A stone wall garden may offer privacy, delineate an area, serve as slope protection, act as a barrier, be used to create a spa setting or offer a combination of all these functions. The beauty of using garden stone walls is how they blend into the natural landscape and add a feeling of permanence. Interested in building a stone wall?
What is a garden stone wall made of?
Garden stone walls may be made entirely out of stones or they can be a combination of stone and wood or even stone and metal. Stones may be purchased or, if you’re lucky, your property may yield enough stones for a wall. A stone wall in the garden may be built on a slope and act as a retaining wall. This type of wall can also be planted which makes ...
How to put capstones on a stone?
When all levels are completed, tool the mortar and add the capstones. Use an adhesive in a caulk gun to apply two good beads to the top level of stones. Place the capstones onto the adhesive and then pick them up and put them back in place again to allow the adhesive to spread evenly. Stagger the stones so the centers of the capstones align with the joint of the stones underneath.
How to set stones in mortar?
As you set the stones, tuck the fabric into the dirt and tap the stones down into the mortar. Use a level front to back and side to side to ensure the layer is level. Tap the stones in with a trowel to get a tight fit. As you build the next layer of stones, follow the lip on the backside of the first layer.
How to level a stone?
Level each stone as you lay it. The stones should fit fairly snug. Use a level to check the evenness of your work and utilize the gravel to help level the stones. Some stones may need to be cut with a wet saw or a hammer and mason’s chisel to fit.
Do stone walls have to be tall?
Stone walls don’t have to be tall, imposing structures. Low walls serve just as well to delineate or highlight an area.
Can you design a stone wall garden?
Really, stone wall garden ideas are only limited by your imagination. There are plenty of pictures on the internet to help get you started, and once you begin looking it may be difficult to settle on just one design.
How to make a sloping garden?
Sloping garden ideas. 1. Add stone walls for interest. Garden wall ideas can provide interest by creating terraces with steps built in. The walls will create small pockets to grow alpines and drought-resistant plants, and will provide a backdrop to the plants. 2.
What is the best way to plan a garden?
When you think about how to plan a garden, it's important to consider the soil. Towards the top of the slope the soil will inevitably be drier than at the bottom, and a simple soil test will help identify the soil texture, which will influence the range of plants.
What should be level areas in a slope?
According to Mark Lane, there should be level areas (terraces) cut into the slope with steps or ramps linking each terrace, with retaining walls to hold back the soil.
What type of grass is best for slopes?
Ornamental grasses are perfect for slopes. If you're wondering how to grow ornamental grasses, most prefer well-drained soils, and the added angle of the slope will provide a cascade effect when the wind blows them. 6. Plant according to your space.
What is the best material to build a walkway?
This is purely down to personal choice, but consider hard standing materials such as a riven paving or a slab with a rough finish or gravel for level pathways.
Can you plant on a steep slope?
You may think you are limited to what you can plant on a steep slope, but in fact, you have an abundance of options, according to Mark Lane. 'If a slope is not seen as a problem, then many plants can be grown on an angle, while at the same time stabilising the soil.
Is it easier to garden on a terrace?
It also means that gardening on these terraces is easier as there is no awkward bending or leaning to get the right angle or the right standing or sitting position.'
1. Develop a Tiered Retaining Wall
Although landscaping a steep slope is a daunting task, it offers an excellent opportunity to make your backyard visually appealing. One of the best landscaping ideas on a slope is building a tiered retaining wall.
2. Build a Pathway or Stairs
Building a pathway or hillside steps is another excellent idea for landscaping a steep slope on a budget.
3. Come Up With a Natural Rock Garden
One of the most widely used methods for landscaping is planting various types of plants on the lawns. The plants help to prevent soil erosion and also make your lawns beautiful. However, plants may not hold firmly on a steep slope, primarily because of erosion and other drainage issues .
4. Use Groundcover Plants
As mentioned earlier, one of the most significant challenges with landscaping a slope is soil erosion. The topsoil on a steep slope can easily wash off and leave a muddy mess which can be unattractive.
5. Build a Vegetable Garden
Does your backyard get enough sunlight? If yes, why don’t you take advantage of that and grow a sloped garden?
6. Landscaping Using Boulders
Landscaping with boulders on a slope is another excellent idea of transforming your backyard on a budget. Boulders of varying sizes will make your yard attractive and enhance its functionality.
7. Railroad Ties
Like landscaping stones on a slope, railroad ties also have several functions in a garden. For instance, they can come in handy in building terraces, barriers, retaining walls, or stairs. If you want to make slip-resistant stairs, you can use the ties to make frames and fill them using gravel.
How to make a sloped flower bed look natural?
Nestle clusters of boulders into the soil. They anchor portions of the sloped flower bed and add natural beauty. Arrange rocks into groups staggered informally for a natural look . Bury the bottom one-third to one-half of each large rock to stabilize it. Pack soil firmly around the rocks, and finish with plantings.
How to transform a steep sloped flower bed into valuable living space?
Transform a steep sloped flower bed into valuable living space by straddling it with a multilevel deck. The contrast between natural plantings and a deck is always striking.
How to anchor loose soil on a hillside flower bed?
So turn a tough hillside flower bed into a beautiful planting by selecting easy-care groundcover plants for slopes that root into the bank wherever their stems touch so il. The dense mats they create will reduce erosion and weeds.
How to prevent erosion in a sloped flower bed?
Connect two levels with a curving stairway that minimizes the severity of the sloped flower bed. Drought-resistant groundcovers and succulents that thrive in hot weather can prevent erosion on steep grades and make the journey more interesting.
What is a good wall for a hillside flower bed?
A retaining wall is great for a hillside flower bed because it creates planting opportunities when you select construction materials that allow you to plant in nooks and crannies along the wall's surfaces. Sedums spill from spaces in a 4-foot-tall retaining wall made of dry-stacked salvaged concrete.
What is a step in a flower bed?
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.
How to take advantage of a long slope?
Take advantage of a long slope by dividing it into different levels. Here, wide terraces create planting spaces for individual garden rooms on each level. Stone steps allow for easy access between levels.
How to build a slope garden?
Building Steps: One of the easiest and the most reliable ways to gain easy access to a slope garden is to build steps. You can choose from a variety of materials, such as: 1 Flat rock boulders 2 Stepping-stones 3 Pressure-treated timbers 4 Rot-resistant logs
Why is my garden on a slope?
One of the biggest problems you’ll face when trying to garden on a slope is that of the growing conditions of the soil. You might have dry soil that erodes easily or distributes nutrients poorly. By following a few simple steps, you can easily create a garden that addresses these concerns, and maximizes its yield.
What happens if your slope is above 40%?
The lower the percentage, the easier it will be to garden on your property. If your slope is above 40%, you’ll have substantial problems when you start to gardening. It will be hard to run a lawn mower down the slope and you will have difficulties watering, mulching, weeding, triming, and harvesting.
How to test soil for sand?
Testing your soil is easy. Simply place a few cups of soil in a clear glass jar, and then fill the jar with water. Watch for the particles that rise to the top. If the soil tends to clump together and has difficulty rising, it is likely a heavier clay soil. If it disperses and the water passes through easily, it is likely sand.
What is the role of soil in gardening?
Different soils behave differently when it comes to retaining water and nutrients, as well as supporting plants’ roots and overall growth and development.
How to help plants grow?
You can install certain irrigation measures to help your plants grow. A trickle water system is a good option, as it will promote a good water supply that constantly and consistently provides your plants with enough water. Testing your soil is easy.
Why do slopes have dry soil?
Slopes often have dry soil, as moisture quickly runs off or evaporates, meaning it can be difficult to maintain adequate moisture. These kinds of growing conditions may cause soil erosion.
When life hands you short steep slopes throughout your backyard, you use them to create a fun path through the garden?
When life hands you short steep slopes throughout your backyard, you use them to create a fun path through the gardens. It looks like this homeowner hand-laid the rock walls, this style of building a wall is a lost art. The heavy use of mulch helps to keep the gardens in place and create a wonderful color palette.
Why do people use rocks in their yard?
The rocks help hold back the extra soil needed to create the patio and the mulch keeps soil erosion under control.
Can you mow down a steep slope?
Mowing down a slope this steep would be no fun at all. So instead the owner planted gardens in all the areas he couldn't or wouldn't mow. The staggered stairs stop at garden level for maintenance. That small beach would be a great place to relax in the sun.
Can you use bricks in a sloping garden?
Just because you have a sloping garden doesn't mean you can't do something different with it. Using paving bricks to created multiple tiered gardens and a nice gently set of steps takes what was probably an unused area of the yard and creates something beautiful and functional out of it.
Can you use pavers to build a retaining wall?
Dealing with a moderate slope can be easy if you use pavers to create the retaining wall as seen here. Note how the homeowner has built in a set of steps that allow everyone to get up into the rest of the yard. The trees and shrubs also help keep the soil in place.
Can raised garden beds feed the family?
17. Raised Garden Beds Can Feed the Family
Can you buy slabs of rock?
Yes, you can buy large slabs of rock just like these from a local distributor. Finding them is easy, the hard part comes in getting someone to help you lay them perfectly going down the slope in your backyard. But you will find as you sit by the firepit that the expense and effort are well-worth it.
