How to Landscape on a Berm

Draw up a landscape plan of the berm, listing its height, width and length. List the plants you are adding along with their mature height and spread. This gives you an idea of how many plants you need to cover the berm and how to space them.

Plant the tallest plants along the top level of the berm. Consider using a staggered pattern, using a single specimen at the top center, or using three plants with one in the center and the others on the outer edges. Smallish trees such as plumeria, crape myrtle and ligustrum work well in berm plantings.

Add a second layer of perennial plants that are approximately one-half to one-third the height of the top layer plants. Consider using blooming shrubs or those with colorful foliage to add color to the berm area. Plants such as gardenia, Indian hawthorn, bird of paradise and croton work well as taller, second-level plantings.

Add a third layer of perennial plants that are half the height of your second-layer plants. They will give the berm an even flow and tiered effect. Consider using native grasses or perennials such as bush daisy, plumbago or boxwood.

Add a lower level of low-growing blooming annuals. Change them out with new annuals throughout the season to keep the color of the berm going. Consider using annuals such as begonia, petunia, salvia or marigold.

Plant the bottom of the berm with low-growing perennials to define an edge. Consider using evergreen plants for year-round color such as liriope or mondo grass. They are low-maintenance plants and work well as border plants.

Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch in the berm. It helps the soil retain moisture and prevents unwanted weed growth. The different layers of plants will help hold the mulch in place.