Plot on a slope: ideas for multi-level landscape design

Searching for slope garden ideas may seem daunting at first. But it turns out that hill gardens can be not only beautiful, but also functional. This type of landscape can offer you many opportunities that are simply not available on flat land. Yes, it will take a little more planning and professionalism when it comes to retaining wall and drainage calculations. But as a result, you can become the owner of one of the most amazing plots.

Choose from contemporary plans that include tiered levels, retaining walls and water features. Or opt for more planted beds, sloping paths and babbling streams. Even safety essentials such as safety railings, steps and drainage channels can be unique design elements that add a special look to your backyard.
In this post:

     Strengthening slopes with your own hands
     Place to rest
     Curved elements
     Series of small terraces
     Add steps
     Use gabions
     Multi-tiered vases
     Show landings
     Rock Garden

Strengthening slopes with your own hands

Don't despair if you get a plot on a slope. Just properly strengthen the slopes, and your site will be transformed. To strengthen sloping earthen surfaces with your own hands, use our tips:

     Clear the slope area of plants;
     Remove the top layer using a shovel or similar tools;
     Select reinforcement material. Biomats, geogrid, stones, logs, gabions are good options for creating side supports;
     Place reinforcing material on the sides of the slope;
     Fill the gaps between the reinforcing material with earth and small pebbles;
     Plant plants with branching and deep root systems that are suitable for rocky soil.

A slope ready for strengthening can be planted with small fruit trees and shrubs, thus creating a garden where space saving is required.

     Important: never plant tall trees on an unstable slope; in a strong wind they can be torn out of the ground along with their roots.

If the percentage of the slope of the uneven place exceeds 8-10 degrees, you can dig the base of the reinforcing material deeper. For large slopes, the recess for fortifications can reach one meter.
Place to rest

A sloping garden can provide many functional ideas. For example, you can place a place to rest in a “shelter”. If you prefer to admire the views from above, it is best to create a relaxation terrace at the highest point of the site. If you plan to relax in the shade, then the lowland and northern slope are an excellent option for arrangement.

The terrace can be decorated with retaining walls. They will create a natural restriction and help with zoning. Even small walls will add privacy and enclosure to the areas, protecting them from wind, noise and bustle. A relaxation area or barbecue becomes very cozy, bounded by a smooth arc of a retaining wall, which can be immediately supplemented with a stationary bench.

Retaining walls can easily be used as built-in lounge chairs and planters, so consider the number of guests carefully. The decor can be as simple as possible: try a combination of stone and wood.
Curved elements

Slopes do not have to be leveled - they can give you the opportunity for an interesting design. If the garden has a gentle slope, most of it can be covered with turf. On one side of the slope you can create many multi-level flower beds. They will rise synchronously with the slope, and a ladder will pass through them. The geometric severity of the cascade of flower beds can be diluted by the smooth curves of the bench. Together they will create an organic, pleasant atmosphere.

Series of small terraces

Sometimes you can level the entire garden, but you will be left with a large difference in height on one side or at the end of the area. There is an alternative approach. A series of small terraces can be designed in the garden.

The slope is removed by installing sets of raised beds where you can grow not only flowers, but also vegetables or herbs. It will look functional, stylish and the small levels add visual interest to the garden.

Add steps

A simple staircase built from blocks, wooden sleepers or decking will certainly do, but can take up valuable ground space. Instead, opt for a few prefabricated metal steps. Not only can they look original, but they are also a great choice if you like our modern garden ideas.

Installing steps close to a planted slope can also be elegant and pleasing to the eye. This is a practical and elegant solution for a sloped garden. The secret is to make sure that each step is the right size for comfortable descent and ascent. Carefully consider the choice of materials and how they will affect the final look.

Use gabions

Retaining walls are the key to sloping garden terrace ideas and can make striking garden wall ideas. There are many varieties available

ians, and they vary greatly in cost and installation. Block walls, plastered or uncoated, will require careful planning and preparation, as well as carefully calculated drainage channels.

Stone-filled gabions, such as the ones pictured, are a convenient solution because they are not only strong enough to support heavy mounds of soil, but they also look attractive and, most importantly, allow rainwater to pass through. Gabions range in size from 0.5 m to 2 m wide and can be made from rigid welded mesh or flexible woven wire.
Multi-tiered vases

Dividing a garden with a steep slope into tiers should not result in dividing the space with rigid straight lines. There are many clever ways to soften and blur these divisions, especially if you're looking for small garden ideas.

One way is to use stepped pots. They can be integrated into your landscaping or added as free-standing containers.
Show landings

A garden that rises above your home or patio is a great opportunity to showcase beautiful plantings. Keep your landscaping ideas to a minimum—flights of stairs will tie the space together without distracting from the plantings. Add layers of shrubs and trees for year-round garden shape and structure. Then fill in the gaps with colorful and textured perennials and ornamental grasses. Also use climbing plants over fences to complete the look.
Rock Garden

​​Let the beauty of natural stone and Japanese gardens inspire you to transform a dull slope. Create small gravel paths, rocky borders planted with low-growing alpine plants, azaleas and conifers. They provide beautiful landscaping all year round. In addition, a Japanese rock garden creates a calming mood.