You fell in love with a house, but it has sloping ground, don’t panic! You will see that this is not as problematic as it seems. Thanks to a few simple gestures and tips, you can easily enhance it. Plants, partitions, terraces, paths… We review all the details that will make your exterior a very beautiful garden.
Relief to say goodbye to monotony
Your sloping land conceals real treasures if you know how to exploit it. Terraces that spring up here and there, original paths that wind their way and small convivial spaces hidden in the most unexpected corners … So many ideas that give it all its singularity. A well-landscaped sloping garden is often more stimulating and less monotonous than a flat garden. It has a crazy charm as long as you take into account all the parameters to imagine the garden of your dreams. More complex to arrange does not mean less beautiful.
Let your creativity express itself, create landings, have fun with the reliefs, the charming paths to link your terraces together. Multiply the pleasant little corners: terrace for eating meals near the house, a more intimate little corner in the hollow of the slope for reading or taking a nap, play area for children, far from the house … you can perfectly install a swimming pool on your sloping ground. The ideal is the swimming pool embedded in the slope on one side and above ground on the other. The overflow effect then becomes a real asset as it is aesthetic. By dividing your land into zones, you also give it a certain elegance.
However, before starting to imagine your garden, it is essential to assess the situation of the slope, the nature of the soil, the stability of the mound, etc.
Know the land well to develop it well
It is essential to be aware of the constraints presented by the land, before even imagining its development. Trust the expertise of a professional who takes into account the topography of the land.
The different important elements are:
His exhibition : full south, it will be necessary to select plants that can withstand heat, sun rays and drought. Full north, west or east, the choice will be different.
Ground stability : it determines the success of the development work. Plants prefer stable soils, and once established, their roots limit erosion. A landscaper calculates the angle of stability of the ground which must be absolutely respected, according to its hold on the ground, the difference in level of the slope and the nature of the materials which compose it.
Erosion : The peculiarity of a slope is that water does not seep into the ground. This is dry and often poor since the nutrients are absent. If so, a landslide is possible.
If your land has a steep slope, greater than 8% or some unstable materials, only a professional can offer you suitable arrangements.
If your land has a gentle slope, less than 8%, the risk of landslides is particularly reduced and you can manage it yourself.
Choose the way to arrange your garden
This step requires a little thought and a good study of the ground which you carried out beforehand. You choose a sloping or terraced layout, but you can also mix the two.
To dress a slope, the slope must not be too steep. It will be less exhausting in work and less expensive. You cannot then put all the plants in, but the result can be very pleasant. The slope is not very accessible, maintaining it is more complicated, think about it when choosing your plants!
Creating landings facilitates soil erosion, access to plantations and natural watering. This work requires a little more effort and is only possible if the soil depth is sufficient. If you fall on rock too quickly, it will be impossible to create landings and terraces.
To choose, consider the view you will have from the living room, do you prefer a flowery and vegetated slope or different atmospheres with terraces?
Safety is also a determining factor, especially if you have children. The landings allow guardrails to be installed, avoiding the risk of falling.
Dress the slope without touching it!
A not too steep slope with stable ground lends itself perfectly to landscaped mosaic beds.
Ground cover plants stabilize the ground thanks to their root system. They limit the flow of water. If the slope is a little steep, place a biodegradable planting tarpaulin before it. It stabilizes the plants and the soil, without preventing water from infiltrating.
We avoid putting grass, because it would be complicated to mow in particular. Favor plants that require little maintenance and no pruning. Mix foliage and flowers for more aesthetics.
Do you have rockeries and stones on your land? Keep them and stage them. These materials give stability to your land and create a microclimate suitable for rock garden plants.
It is possible to add plants that require more water, in this case, provide automatic drip irrigation.
Add a waterfall or stream and play with the light fixtures to boost the volume of this garden!
Break the slope with the creation of landings
Create landings by leveling the slope of the land in several successive levels. They will be perpendicular to the slope to prevent erosion and water runoff. Each level is retained by a support device. This is made with a wooden palisse, a dry stone wall, a masonry wall, Corten type steel slats or gabions.
You start at the top of the slope, so the earth at the top allows the lower parts to be raised to a plateau.
You can create your terraces as you wish. Just remember to place your aromatic herbs and your dining area near the house. The vegetable garden should not be too far away either. The highest landings will be devoted to the ornamental garden and to relaxation areas or games for children.
Landings heat up more quickly in the spring and stone walls, for example, offer the possibility of retaining heat for longer.
Accessibility of the sloping garden
Accessibility is an important factor in the sloping garden, whatever its layout. You can opt for:
- A staircase if the slope is steep or if you have adopted a level layout.
- A pretty little path winding between your beds and your terraces, if the slope is gentle enough.
All fantasies are allowed, let go and imagine an original path to accentuate the personality of this sloping ground.
A terrace with a breathtaking view
The high terrace on a very steep slope constitutes an additional room. As you gain height, you overlook your entire garden and offer yourself a lovely view of the environment. Small additional bonus: if the angle of the slope is sufficient, arrange a small play area or a storage space between the support pillars.
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