Creating Your Garden Paradise
Creating your garden paradise from a slope or hillside can give that WOW. These garden spaces provide you with the opportunity to get those creative juices flowing as you construct a garden that is unique in style with such flavors that will have your imagination running wild as you see the endless possibilities of creating a thing of beauty.
However, constructing a garden on a slope or hillside calls for much thought and planning because what you want is a garden that is not only your oasis but a garden that is well suited for these areas.
Things to consider
- Angles
- Water runoff
- Soil runoff
- Poor quality soils
- Plants
1. When working on slopes because of the angle it is very difficult at times to keep your footing so extreme caution must be taken so as not to slip and injure yourself. Wearing boots that are not only comfortable but is designed for this type of job is a must.
2. Because these gardens are on an angle water runoff is great which also poses another challenge when seeking to maintain a garden in this type of area.
3. We hear that word angle again which can cause the soil to run off downhill, when this happens that spells trouble for the plants that were installed there.
4. Poor soil quality may also be an issue that must be dealt with in order to have success.
5. Knowledge of the type of plants that grow in these areas is a must, so much thought should go into this.
However, all is not lost there is still hope through careful planning that can help you to turn that slope or hillside into a garden paradise.
Getting down and dirty
In a good way of cause. Now comes the actual work, where do we start?
It is best to start by evaluating the angle or how steep the slope is which greatly influences runoff. Installing stone walls or terraces is a great way to control soil and water runoff besides giving that exotic look.
This is a project that calls for a lot of work by setting these stones in place while working on these hills or slopes. If you can’t do the job yourself and have set aside a budget then hiring a company that can design and construct these terraces may be your best option.
Soil matters
Now that you have your stone wall or terrace in place next comes the soil. The soil that is used should be good quality soil that will help your plants to grow and thrive as it maintains the right amount of moisture and nutrients for plant growth.
Choice of garden plants
Here are some plants that can be used in these gardens
What you want is a garden that is bursting with colors if I can use that word. Your garden should have flavor and be inviting. Choosing to install flowers is a great idea.
Flowering Plants
- Coneflower
- Daylilies
- Roses
- Russian Sage
- Violets
- Spring bulbs
Make a great choice or seeding planting flower seeds that are native to your region is good.
Ground Covers are great and can cover up and fill empty spaces while giving that natural look.
Ground Covers
- Rockrose
- Vinca
- English Ivy
- Dwarf Coyote Bush
Shaded Plants
Shaded plants make a great choice here are a few that can be installed
- Siberian
- Periwinkle
- Astilbe
- Lily of the valley
Plants for full sun
- Forsythia
- Catmint
- Purple Coneflower
- California lilac
- Creeping Juniper
Care for your hillside garden
Keeping your hillside garden weed-free is a must for your garden to keep its charm, giving your plants the right amount of water and fertilizer is also important, get to know your plant’s requirements.
Your nurseryman or garden sales representative is a good source of information.
Plant-insect pests and diseases
Insect pests and disease pose another problem to a plant’s health, care should be taken in treating plants that have fallen prey.
Additional information
For more on fertilizers, watering methods, plant disease, and insect pest control refer to the category section of this website.
Benefits of a hillside garden
- Gives a beautiful view instantly
- Ground covers can be easily seen
- Excess water will run off in the case of heavy rain wall
The final word on slopes and hillside gardens
Constructing a slope or hillside garden can be very exciting as you transform that drabbed area into a work of art that says welcome or home sweet home. What a great way to spend time with family and friends in a setting such as this.
So why not invest in a garden of this sort that is worth the effort? Trust me you will be glad that you did. Let’s get started on that hillside garden.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.