Hillside Garden Plans

Hillside Landscaping with Plants

• Hillside gardens require a range of plantings from low lying groundcover to large conifers. Vary the plantings to create a stronger soil base and to avoid runoff. Choose plants with deep root systems to help anchor the garden and retain the soil. The deeper the root systems the more stable the plants will be and the less likely they are to wash down the hill after heavy rains. Hillside gardens often prove a relatively harsh environment for plants. To improve the survival rate of your plants, incorporate species native to your area. To fill in areas around plantings use rocks and boulders rather than mulch. Mulch is more likely to wash away, while the boulders will help to anchor the plantings.

Retaining Walls

• Retaining walls vary from low lying loose stone or wooden walls to a professionally-installed poured concrete or interlocking stone walls. Determine the type of wall you desire, based on the steepness of the hill, size of the planting area and budget. For very steep locations with significant runoff, a professional retaining wall may be your best choice. Retaining walls anchor the garden, providing a flat surface above and sturdy support to keep soil in place and reduce runoff. as water will pool on the newly created flat areas. For less imposing hills, creating walls by working from the bottom of the hill to the top using stones or salvaged wood, is a fine idea. More permanent installations and walls over two feet in height may require a building permit, so check with your local government agency for more information before beginning your structure.

Terraces

• Create small paths across the hill,which provide flat areas to walk on, allow you to enjoy the garden and access areas for weeding and watering your plantings. A terrace can be as simple as a flattened out path, which cuts horizontally across your hill. For a natural looking garden create a series of terraces at varied angles and with unique bends. Terracing a garden creates several different smaller planting areas that can be managed more easily and accessed in a safer manner. Work from the bottom of the hill up, creating terraces or paths at least two feet wide. When your first terraced area is flat and stable move up the hill and continue working in this way to the top.