How to Make a Landscaping Berm

Make a list of what plants you want to grow in your berm(s). Find out what their mature size will be and plot a basic sketched layout for where they will go. Avoid overcrowding, both in your sketch and when planting. For example, you don't want to put 30 bushes and 3 tall trees on a 6-foot by 4-foot berm.

Order a load of soil for your garden, or purchase large bags in enough quantity if making a smaller berm. You will need enough soil to mound it 1 to 2 feet in height for average berms.

Move wheelbarrow loads of soil to the berm locations, adding enough until you have achieved the approximate size. Experiment with length, sizes and shapes that appeal to you. Add more soil than you anticipate for each berm as they will settle and flatten a bit.

Spread the soil and shape the berm using shovels and rakes. Rake the top of the berm somewhat level, and let the edges slope naturally to the existing ground. Walk across the berm gently to help flatten it. Step back and view the berm from all sides -- add more soil where needed to fill sunken areas.

Lay out the potted plants in their previously sketched-out locations. You can alter the arrangement by simply moving plants around to get a feel for how they'll look when in the ground. Once you find a satisfying design, dig holes the appropriate size for your plants, add any nutrients, compost or fertilizers and install the plants.

Trim the berm with rockery if desired. Larger stones work better for big berms, and smaller ones may not need any at all. This is simply a design and maintenance issue. Some gardeners prefer to let lawn or ground covers grow up and over the berm, beneath trees and shrubbery. Finish off by adding a garden ornament, such as a bird bath, sculpture or other interesting element.