Landscaping on a Hill. Two Possible Way Outs
Mike Silverstone
October 12, 2007
It's rare when gardener is lucky to have a true flat surface on which to garden. We must say that it is normally very tough, confusing and difficult to landscape such premises. In case your garden slope is extremely steep, please forget the idea of making lawn or laying out a garden that needs any kind of your attention, as it can be hazardous trying to cut or look after them.
There are two possible way outs when landscaping on a hill: the first one is to plant the trees and the second one is to plant shrubs root system of those would minimize water runoff, especially during heavy rainstorms, and anchor the soil. We would like to add to the list of way outs an additional bullet: tall perennial grasses also work well on hills and require no maintenance.
Sowing wildflower seeds over the slope will make it look natural, two virtues at a time: it looks beautiful and keeps the topsoil from eroding or washing away. Fifty seeds will be sufficient for every square foot of the slope. In case the area of seeding is small, don't buy to much of seeds, but for large areas, wildflower seeds are available in bulk. The most important thing to be considered is whatever you plant requires no regular attention from you if it is a steep hill.
For example, a steep hill may be planted with different colors of azaleas and your family will say - look, what a beautifully landscaped hill we have. We promise you to have a breathtaking site in the spring and early summer. As we plant azaleas on a steep hill so it not only helps with erosion but is gorgeous too. Not only does the leaves slow erosion by catching the rain before it hits the ground but the roots help keep the soil from washing away.
All we described above is referring to sunny areas but for shady areas, these advices won't work as shady landscaping on a hill is a little different. The crucial moment for wildflowers grow process is the availability of light so a shady area is not a good choice for them. You may plant shade-loving ferns, perennials and low growing vines in shady areas.
Another gardening trick how to landscape on a hill is to create stair steps or terraces. This will make you work a bit more as you have to do a lot of digging. Retaining wall also may be required, depending on how steep the slope is. Additionally, you may level you hill in order to create a leveled area. Planting shrubs or perennials on one same level helps with erosion problems and makes it far easier to work in your garden.
You are lucky enough if it happens that you have weathered or interesting looking rocks on your hill, then it is may be a good idea to create a rock garden. It's more preferable to plant some low growing lianas and perennials in your rock garden to emphasize texture and interest to your rock garden.
What you have to do before taking any hill landscaping actions is to form an action plan. You may possibly ask garden contractor for some advice about your garden; they will be of great assistance. Whatever your garden is, it is most important that you take time to enjoy your gardens whether they are on a hill or in beds.
There are two possible way outs when landscaping on a hill: the first one is to plant the trees and the second one is to plant shrubs root system of those would minimize water runoff, especially during heavy rainstorms, and anchor the soil. We would like to add to the list of way outs an additional bullet: tall perennial grasses also work well on hills and require no maintenance.
Sowing wildflower seeds over the slope will make it look natural, two virtues at a time: it looks beautiful and keeps the topsoil from eroding or washing away. Fifty seeds will be sufficient for every square foot of the slope. In case the area of seeding is small, don't buy to much of seeds, but for large areas, wildflower seeds are available in bulk. The most important thing to be considered is whatever you plant requires no regular attention from you if it is a steep hill.
For example, a steep hill may be planted with different colors of azaleas and your family will say - look, what a beautifully landscaped hill we have. We promise you to have a breathtaking site in the spring and early summer. As we plant azaleas on a steep hill so it not only helps with erosion but is gorgeous too. Not only does the leaves slow erosion by catching the rain before it hits the ground but the roots help keep the soil from washing away.
All we described above is referring to sunny areas but for shady areas, these advices won't work as shady landscaping on a hill is a little different. The crucial moment for wildflowers grow process is the availability of light so a shady area is not a good choice for them. You may plant shade-loving ferns, perennials and low growing vines in shady areas.
Another gardening trick how to landscape on a hill is to create stair steps or terraces. This will make you work a bit more as you have to do a lot of digging. Retaining wall also may be required, depending on how steep the slope is. Additionally, you may level you hill in order to create a leveled area. Planting shrubs or perennials on one same level helps with erosion problems and makes it far easier to work in your garden.
You are lucky enough if it happens that you have weathered or interesting looking rocks on your hill, then it is may be a good idea to create a rock garden. It's more preferable to plant some low growing lianas and perennials in your rock garden to emphasize texture and interest to your rock garden.
What you have to do before taking any hill landscaping actions is to form an action plan. You may possibly ask garden contractor for some advice about your garden; they will be of great assistance. Whatever your garden is, it is most important that you take time to enjoy your gardens whether they are on a hill or in beds.
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