A lot of the gardens I design have slopes which need terracing and creating paths through the garden that are safe and easy to walk on.
The starting point is the survey where I will take measurements. If the garden is quite big or the levels are very complicated, then a land surveyor will be brought in, and they plot all the levels in the garden. You can appoint your own surveyor, or I can manage this for you.
I normally use terraces and retaining walls to create both planting and seating areas on steep slopes. These are normally built out of natural stone or oak sleepers. Gradual slopes can be planted to help manage soil erosion using a mix of ground cover, grasses, shrubs, and perennials. I choose plants whose root system will bind together and help reduce erosion.
Pathways can be created with steps in a variety of materials. In natural gardens I tend to use mulched paths as much as possible as this helps absorb the rainwater. However, in very steep slopes bark mulch would simply wash away so often we use stone.
Steps must be comfortable to walk up and safe to walk down. Where necessary handrails can be included in the design.
Planting must be low-maintenance, especially on very steep slopes, as you do not want to crawl up the slopes to weed.
Gardening on a slope is challenging and using my services as a professional designer will help you make the most of your space and my experience can help you face these challenges. So do give me a call on 07775611047 or email me at sam@fellsidegardendesign.co.uk
Using steps to manage a small slope in a new garden
Using levels to create a more interesting seating area
Terracing a steep slope using flints and oak sleepers
Steps should be a real feature in the garden and not just functional
Steps lead to a raised terrace
Steps in clay pavers
Space saving steps from terrace to garden
Porcelain steps lead up to the garden from the house
A series of gradual steps in stone lead down to the lower seating area
A raised seating area in a town garden
A raised patio with modern sandstone water feature
