Lucky dip
A garden on a slope is usually a problem or a chance, but to profit from it, don’t treat a hillside site like a “normal” garden.
Terracing
Terracing was the standard solution, turning a continuing slope right into a series of alternating level areas and steep drops supported by retaining walls. To do that properly, remove
the topsoil, then create level terraces from the subsoil and build supporting walls to hang everything firmly in place before replacing the topsoil. Each terrace may be landscaped with a rather different theme, so that you can pack quite a few interest right into a small area. Any terrace is probably going to empty well, but pay heed to the aspect, as that has a huge impact on what grows best. South-facing terraces are warm, sunny and ideal for vines, evergreen herbs, rock plants and Mediterranean shrubs. North-facing terraces usually get good indirect light but very little direct sun, so they’re ideal for any such ferns that may tolerate drying conditions and, given the addition of a lot of well-rotted organic matter, many choice woodland plants. East or west-facing terraces are good for many garden perennials and other plants that need good drainage.
Landscaping a slope
When you don’t want the expense, disruption, or look of terracing, leave the garden sloping but installed steps to make access easier. Brick, stone or concrete-slab steps suit a proper garden. If wide enough, a brief flight of steps will also be used to display potted plants equivalent to spring bulbs, or annual herbs.For steps with a more informal look, sink reclaimed railway sleepers, planks or rustic logs into place to make secure risers, leaving level, bare-earth treads (don’t use loose gravel or bark chippings, since these shift underfoot and it’s easy to slide).Rather than steps, you’re able to create earth paths that finish up the garden in a sequence of long, shallow “hairpin bends”, so the trail itself is not steep, even if it’s quite a walk to achieve the head of the garden. Alternatively, use a mix of steps and winding paths to divide the garden up right into a series of features at different levels, with sunniest habitats on the top and damper, shadier habitats towards the bottom. Save the flattest areas to build a gazebo, seating area, summerhouse, or shed (and level ground is, without a doubt , essential for a pond). Add handrails
for safety at the steepest paths and construct storm gullies alongside paths or steps (heavy rain takes the best route downhill, which regularly means pathways become torrents).
Planting a slope
Soil erosion is known as a big problem; heavy rain will wash soil and stones down a sloping garden, leaving debris on the lowest point. If that occurs to be the back of the home, plant a low hedge or shrub border as a barrier to give protection to paving or gravel paths. On steep ground, use plants whose roots will hold the soil together to attenuate or prevent erosion. Choose shrubs with wide, shallow root systems, and spreading ground-cover plants of the kind that root as they run along the floor, corresponding to periwinkle, ivies, lamium and the like. Lawns (including wild-flower lawns, chamomile or thyme lawns) also are quite good at stabilising slopes. Avoid leaving bare soil, because it washes away too easily – keep it planted. For beds and borders on slopes, choose one of these plants that grow naturally on Mediterranean hillsides, reminiscent of cistus, hebe and lavender. And really steep, small areas are good places to create a rocky outcrop for growing alpine and rock plants (in sun), or a “stumpery” using gnarled tree stumps or branches with ferns and other shade lovers. Having something to search as much as makes all of it worthwhile.
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Plant of the week: Pittosporum
In the run-as much as Christmas, the quest is on for foliage to chop from the garden. a favorite with flower arrangers is pittosporum. With densely packed, oval-shaped leaves, pittosporum tenuifolium is available in several varieties, all of which look superb with flowers. You can also grow it in large tubs on a patio or balcony – it’s happy in partial sun. And being naturally dense in nature, it will probably face up to a lot of snipping.
What to do in garden this week?
Check stored potatoes, onions, apples, squashes, etc within the garage. Remove any that show signs of rot or rodent damage, and aim to make use of up the remainder. Some won’t keep for much longer. Start collecting next year’s seed catalogues so that you can take a seat after Christmas and make up your order. Stand garden canes in a jar packed with wood preservative to assist prevent rotting.