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I love designing on residential properties with noticeable elevation changes.

There is so much opportunity and variation for hillside landscaping that it is a designer's dream come true! One can learn a great deal about gardening and landscape construction by using an existing slope in their garden as a feature.

Understanding your Terrain

I begin by finding out which direction the slope faces. Why? I need to find out what plant material can grow in this location. Cold air flows down a hill and collects on the bottom of the slope. This area will be a cooler microclimate because of these prevailing winds. Slopes intensify the solar effect. A south facing slope will warm up quickly in the spring creating an ideal location for sun-loving plants like sedums and vegetables. An east facing site will receive morning sun and a west facing one will feel the intense warmth of the afternoon sun. Of course, a north facing slope will receive the least amount of sun. I would hesitate to remove existing trees or shrubs growing on existing slopes as they stabilize the slope and prevent the soil from eroding away.

Water Flow

Drainage is an important factor to consider. Which way would the water flow if there was a large rain storm? I find the highest point of my garden and the lowest point to find the answer. If you don't know this information, take your hose to the highest point in your garden, turn the water on and watch where the water flows. Remember you are planting on a slope where there will be lots of water run off (depending on the soil type as well). Select the plants that are more drought tolerant for a steeper terrain.

Natural vs. Terraced Slopes

Slopes can hide unwanted views, create privacy and/or provide a look out. Some people are fortunate to have slopes in their front and backyards. They also create an instant third dimension in the garden beyond the scope of length and width. If you decide to alter the slope on your property, making it less steep or more of a hill remember, the more drastic the changes, the more costs will incur. If you decide against a naturalized slope, you may opt for a terraced garden with retaining walls. There are more planting possibilities with terracing as the plants will be growing on flat plateaus situated along the hill. The terrace walls will retain the slope instead of the plant material.

Slopes create interest and diversity in your garden; if you don't have one you won't know what you are missing.

 

Marilyn Pomer is a landscape designer for Greenescape Designs Inc. If you have any questions or comments e-mail Pomer at marilyn@greenescape.ca.