{"id":43342,"date":"2025-01-06T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/72cb4e4f-b4ce-45a7-968d-e20ea32e2520"},"modified":"2025-01-06T09:31:24","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T08:31:24","slug":"how-to-design-a-garden-on-a-slope-inspiration-for-your-sloping-garden","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/rss_feed\/how-to-design-a-garden-on-a-slope-inspiration-for-your-sloping-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"How to design a garden on a slope: inspiration for your sloping garden"},"content":{"rendered":"

Creating a garden on a sloping site brings a host of challenges, but, says designer Charlotte Harris, with careful planning it is also an opportunity to make a really interesting space. <\/p>

By Charlotte Harris\n <\/p>

Published: Monday, 06 January 2025 at 07:00 AM<\/p>

\n\n

Natural changes in elevation can help break up a space. They enhance movement and offer up new perspectives and vistas. Gradients also offer exciting opportunities for thinking about planting differently. This is why, despite some potentially daunting slopes<\/a>, a new garden site that we\u2019re working on in northwest Scotland excited us from our first visit. Leaving aside the breathtaking views across a sea loch and the rugged terrain, this sloping garden has dynamic potential.<\/p>

You may also like:<\/strong><\/p>

How to create a sustainable garden<\/a><\/li>
How to design an accessible garden<\/a><\/li>
Charlotte Harris’ 100 must-have plants<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
In this case, we wanted to design a beautiful garden that could be sensitively woven into the landscape, while also minimising any heavily interventionist construction. A thorough topographic survey, with contours and levels at regular intervals, was critical. This detailed mapping provided a precise understanding of the levels \u2013 an understanding that became even more nuanced through repeated on-site explorations of the site\u2019s characteristics and features. Taking that time to consider, ideally on different days and at different times of the year, is invaluable.<\/p>

Planting Despite a tough climate with 40oC summers, strong winds, little water and poor soil, Fernando Martos made this garden near Madrid, which cleverly softens the slope with structural yet organic pillowy hedges, through which the perennials and grasses are woven. <\/figcaption> <\/figure>
A survey also allows for the calculation of volumes that might be required to fill areas for flattening or levelling out. That volume can then be matched up with areas of the garden that would benefit from a reduction in levels. Balancing the \u2018cut and fill\u2019 will ideally remove, but certainly reduce, the carbon-heavy and expensive options of removing waste material or bringing in new. It\u2019s also essential to store the soil correctly on site to ensure it remains healthy.<\/p>
For this Scottish project, we tried to avoid chunky retaining walls<\/a>, designing them in as several smaller ones that are gently staggered, rather than a couple of huge whoppers. They\u2019re made using the traditional craft of mortar-free, dry-stone walling, which allows water to pass through the crevices and gaps in the stonework, without the need for formal weep holes, which most retaining structures will need. Land drains have also been added behind the base of the walls to ensure a belt-and-braces approach in preventing a build-up of hydrostatic pressure.<\/p>
$\"Garden$
Ha-ha An 18th- century device to allow uninterrupted vistas while maintaining the practical functions of the landscape (originally livestock), a ha-ha can be a helpful device to screen. Here in Dorset, we have dropped the tennis court out of sight. It\u2019s also an approach we\u2019re using on the Isle of Skye on a project to part- disguise a driveway as it leads up to the house. <\/figcaption> <\/figure>
The paths zig-zag and meander, working with the contours of the land, to make ascents and descents smoother and less tiring. When choosing materials for sloping paths, consider those that offer good traction, durability and permeability. On this project, where the slopes were gentle, along contours, we decided to use angular gravel sourced from a nearby quarry. It locks into place better than round gravel, and this angular look is also reflected in the surrounding geology. A compacted sub-base beneath the gravel provides a firmer base, reducing movement, and timber or metal edging also helps stop it moving downhill.<\/p>
$\"Garden$
Look outs One of the most memorable modernist garden experiences I\u2019ve had is of a simple platform set into the side of the sub-tropical gardens surrounding architect Lina Bo Bardi\u2019s house, just outside S\u00e3o Paulo. Here in Massachusetts, landscape designer Matthew Cunningham similarly celebrates the vantage point of the slope \u2013 the pop of the blue furniture is an extra joy. <\/figcaption> <\/figure>
Steps and ramps<\/h2>
In steeper sections, steps and terraced landings are needed to make the garden easier to navigate. In our Scottish example, the steps in the lower loch-side garden are simple strips of reclaimed granite lintels, chosen for durability and landscape relevance, with a uniform riser height to ensure that people\u2019s natural walking rhythms are not disrupted. A similar effect could be achieved with railway sleepers on edge, or timber planks \u2013 just ensure they are properly treated to withstand outdoor conditions. Steps should be designed in scale with a garden. Here, they\u2019re wide to suit the expansiveness of the setting; they open the space up and enable easier movement. Narrow steps might feel pinched here, but in a more intimate space like a courtyard or small garden, they would feel entirely suitable. A hard landing at the base of a step run \u2013 gravel or natural stone<\/a> \u2013 is a small but significant detail to prevent wear.<\/p>
$\"Garden$
Slides I\u2019ll never forget the joyousness of whizzing through the Tate Modern on Carsten H\u00f6ller\u2019s slides back in 2006. This garden in London, designed and built by Garden Club London, handles levels with a wonderful sense of playfulness, introducing a slide for the children (and I\u2019m quite sure the adults) of the family. <\/figcaption> <\/figure>
One alternative to steps is to use a ramp (no steeper than 1:12 for independent use and 1:10 for assisted use), which can be helpful for future gardening. Planning now how you\u2019ll move barrows and bulky items about will leave your future self less sweaty and grateful for your foresight.<\/p>
Managing drainage is particularly crucial in a sloping garden, and it\u2019s worth taking specialist advice early on to plan it. In the Scottish project, land drains, planted swales and the narrow diagonal channels that are set into the ribbon tracks were designed to handle water together as it moves downhill.<\/p>
$\"Steps$
Steps in lawn In this Wiltshire garden, Sheila Jack has embraced the gentle incline and responded by introducing these natural stone edges into the sloped lawn. Elsewhere, a sinuous path of cobbles ramps gently through, handling the level changes and undulations while at the same time avoiding steps. <\/figcaption> <\/figure>
Planting for slopes<\/h3>
lanting helps to stabilise a slope and manage water movement. Choosing species suited to the demands of slopes and to your specific setting (including exposure to prevailing winds) can deliver a beautiful, ecological and a practical \u2018bioengineering\u2019 function.<\/p>
Slopes also require us to rethink our planting design, as they alter perspectives \u2013 taller species at the back and shorter at the front won\u2019t work here. There are different ways of experiencing the planting: from the side as you move up and down steps; from the top looking down; and from the bottom looking up. Also, the soil on a slope will hold more moisture at the bottom and be dryer at the top, so be sure to double check your right plant is in the right place.<\/p>
$\"Garden$
City garden steps Steps gently interface into retaining walls here in the designer Emily Erlam\u2019s own London garden, where she has crafted beautiful opportunities from a narrow city plot. Four terraced levels were created from building spoil, each of which has its own feel and degree ofintimacy, enhanced by the planting and the 4 selection of materials. <\/figcaption> <\/figure>
Tap-rooted perennials<\/a>, such as Centranthus rube<\/em>r, Mertensia maritima<\/em> or Eryngium maritimum<\/em>, help to anchor the soil, as do the spreading root networks of ivies and ferns. Ornamental grasses<\/a>, such as Deschampsia cespitosa<\/em>, Anemanthele lessoniana<\/em> and cultivars of Panicum virgatum<\/em> \u2013 showstoppers for slopes that have texture and movement \u2013 also have fibrous roots that help knit the soil.<\/p>
Pioneer plants including willow, broom, rowan, alder and gorse are also well adapted to trickier situations such as this. Using mulches on a slope helps retain moisture and reduce erosion. Heavier materials applied in a thin layer \u2013 site-won shredded prunings, larger bark or gravel \u2013 are less likely to be washed away.<\/p>
Gardens on slopes are also wonderful opportunities to look to similar landscape typologies for inspiration \u2013 alpines, scree, rockery and crevice gardens are all up for grabs. Slopes move water and nutrients away. In my own sloping garden, I\u2019ve added small linear pockets just above some of the tree whips we\u2019ve planted on a steep slope, to encourage moisture to slow on its downward journey; a home-made version of techniques used in traditional agriculture. The idea of \u2018micro-reservoirs\u2019 might be coming on a bit strong here, but hopefully you get my drift.<\/p>
Watch the drop<\/h3>
Lastly, when we are talking about slopes, I have to put my proverbial health-and-safety hi-vis vest on. Currently in the UK, level drops of more than 600mm require edge protection \u2013 usually a balustrade of 1.1m. You should always check current building regulations to make sure you\u2019re on top of them. Even when drops are shallower than 600mm, consider how you can deter people going too close to the edge by designing in planting beds, or softening any small drop to the side. On the Scottish project, we will be using shrubs such as bog myrtle, broom and coppiced willow.<\/p>
Sloping garden inspiration<\/strong><\/p>
$\"Scottish$
This project in Scotland features diverse methods of managing and celebrating slopes – \u00a9 Harris Bugg Studio <\/figcaption> <\/figure>

Pausing places <\/strong>avoid it feeling relentless when traversing steps. General guidance is for platforms at every flight or ten to 12 steps; we limit that to five to seven, with landings at least three times the tread width of a step if it\u2019s a place to take a breath. This is increased if it\u2019s a terrace, such as this \u2018sitooterie\u2019 with firepit.<\/li>
Crib walls<\/strong> are interlocking timber frames that cost- effectively retain steeper slopes. The timber gives a natural finish, especially once seeded with wildflowers and grasses.<\/li>
An anchored timber platform<\/strong> on buoyant pontoons to deal with the sea loch tides.<\/li>
Planting<\/strong> acts as powerful bioengineering of slopes, with carefully selected vegetation here including robust, structural shrubs and tap-rooted, mat- rooted and fibrous-rooted perennials. Slopes of more than 1:3 (33 per cent) are the top end of what can be planted without additional matting or terracing.<\/li>
Experimentation<\/strong> with brush mattressing, a technique used on riverbanks. Bundles of hazel branches are staked into the slope to reduce and slow run-off. Over time, they trap sediment, providing a base for plants and habitats to grow.<\/li>
Expansive steps<\/strong>, in scale with the setting, are designed as a feature as well as a practical way to navigate levels. They open up the space, enabling easier movement, and provide places to perch and enjoy the view. Designed to work with the contours, they gently turn and zig zag down.<\/li>
Step risers <\/strong>in gardens differ to houses, generally made a consistent height of 150mm. Too shallow, and the steps are uncomfortable to use; too high, and they\u2019re too much effort. Treads are notably wider than the 300mm minimum we use in more compact spaces.<\/li>
Site-won boulders<\/strong> from the excavation for the house help with localised stabilisation. They make any grading more naturalistic, and connect to the setting. Varying the size from large to small is the trick to ensure it feels natural.<\/li>
Curving and switching<\/strong> back the driveway helps to manage difficult gradients. Brushed- finish concrete ribbon tracks with gravel in-between provide a non-slip surface and avoid heavy hard landscaping.<\/li>
Narrow diagonal channels <\/strong>are set into the tracks to help divert water run-off.<\/li> <\/ol> Case study for a sloped garden design<\/h2>
How Californian design studio Terremoto uses simple, natural design materials to tackle slopes<\/strong><\/p>
$\"Garden$ \u00a9 CAITLIN ATKINSON <\/figcaption> <\/figure>
Well known for its regenerative, creative- design approach that prioritises stewardship and social responsibility, Terremoto produces work of radical re-imagination.<\/p>
$\"Elegant,$
Elegant, timber- fronted steps \u00a9\u00a0CAITLIN ATKINSON <\/figcaption> <\/figure>
After talking to David Godshall from Terremoto about its design for two sloping gardens, I came away feeling so invigorated. \u201cA wall with concrete should be the last solution, not the first,\u201d says David, \u201cand only used when all other options are exhausted. Let the land be. Slopes are exciting, and kids love to play on hills.\u201d Responding to, rather than imposing on, the site comes from knowing it, walking it and revering it. In one garden, a simple series of trails avoids all tree roots.<\/p>
$\"Timber$
\u00a9 CAITLIN ATKINSON <\/figcaption> <\/figure>
Elegant, timber- fronted steps curve down through the landscape and carefully past the trees. This makes it enjoyable to explore, while at the same time is still mindful of rich, living underground networks.<\/p>
In the other garden, dead trees from the site have been used to create retaining walls as well as a wonderful new habitat.<\/p>
Discover more on sustainable garden design <\/a>from Charlotte Harris<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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Case study for a sloped garden design<\/h2> How Californian design studio Terremoto uses simple, natural design materials to tackle slopes<\/strong><\/p>