Inheriting a sloping garden can seem a challenge. You might have found yourself scratching your head and thinking; “how on earth do I make this space work for me?”
Although the task to tackle a sloping garden may seem a little daunting at first, the reality is that gardens with uneven heights and surfaces can be re-imagined, creating an outdoor space that’s full of height, intricate detail and a bit of drama. With the help of some expert advice and exploring solutions creatively, you can turn your garden space into one you will love all year round.
Here are few of our favourite ideas for making a sloping garden work for you with some stunning results.
Switch it up with some steps
Whether your sloping garden features a steep or soft incline, installing steps adds to the flow and movement within your garden and are a stunning design feature themselves rather than simply a means of access.
The material you choose for your steps will have a huge impact on the overall look you are aiming for. You could opt for a natural look with rocks and boulders taking inspiration from nature or go for a more contemporary look with sandstone or porcelain steps. The choices are endless.
Depending on the space you have to work with and the level of incline, deep steps (of around a metre) can create an elegant, sweeping incline. What’s more, installing steps can help avoid the heavy work of building retaining walls – helping you to steer away from high costs.
Make it work with mixed levels
Embracing different levels within your sloping garden creates a dynamic landscape and oozes character. You can get this look through hard landscaping – installing steps, sleeper bed backdrops and decking are just a few of your options.
Take a look at this stunning sloping garden we worked on for our customer, based on their existing designer drawing, featuring sleepers to create mixed level planters, installation of steps and a range of perfect planting. The result was a stunning contemporary design.
Soft landscaping, experimenting with plants and trees of different heights can be another easy way to add character to your sloped garden. If you need coverage, a few mature trees or even palm trees could be the right choice, either of these combined with ornamental grasses, shrubs and border plants can look smart and sophisticated.
Take it back to tiered planters
Another great way to introduce different levels to your sloping garden is tiered planters that can soften a space to offset harsh, straight lines without casting heavy shade. These can be built into your new landscaping for a smooth finish or added as free-standing containers.
Whether you want to go for a contemporary garden look, with definition and a clean finish, or a softer more natural look (or maybe you have something else in mind), it’s great to think about introducing different heights, to create a more dynamic space. Introducing planters at different heights and depths and introducing plants and trees of varied levels in your planters, you’ll be able to create a garden full of texture and depth.
Draw out a defined path
Establishing a garden path through your sloped garden may not be the easiest job in the world butdoing so can create huge impact on your outdoor space. A big consideration is the type of material you should use, ensuring slip-resistance underfoot, especially as there will be more water run-off. But it’s well worth the effort of all that planning.
Give some thought to incorporating clever ways that will add interest to coax you and your guestsalong the path. Why not create a focus, drawing your eye down the path with a water feature? Or soften the edges of your path with fragrant blooms and herbs to offer a sensory experience.
We hope you feel more inspired and less daunted when it comes to tackling your sloping garden – knowing the myriad of options available to you. You’ll create a garden that you’ll love for years to come.
If you’re looking to take the next step to bring your ideal sloping garden to life and need some inspiration and expert help, we can help to design your garden around you.
Get in touch on 07961 234448 or email [email protected]