Gardens on Hillsides and Inclines

Slopes are tough places to garden. Rain runs off a slope quickly so the soil is often dry and erosion from rain and wind can cause mudslides. So, how do you cope with a slope? Solutions depend on the steepness of the slope. Extremely steep slopes may be best topdressed in stone, but a rocky hillside need not be bare. Plants that are adapted to this kind of terrain can be tucked between stones, transforming a rocky outcrop into a beautiful garden.

Luckily not all slopes are dangerously steep. If you can find places where you can stand while you plant or weed, fast-growing groundcover plants are a good choice. Not only do groundcovers hold the soil firm, but their leaves and stems break the impact of heavy rain, allowing water to soak into the soil, rather than eroding it. A moderate slope devoted to one species of ground-cover is easiest to maintain. But adventuresome gardeners can combine a tapestry of groundcovers with varying textures. Underplant the groundcovers with tough, spring-flowering bulbs for an additional splurge of color.

Mingle ornamental grasses and deep-rooted perennials or wildflowers on a gentle slope to create a rustic meadow. A decorative fence that separates the meadow from manicured yard areas will tie it into a suburban setting.

In this section, we'll delve further into these solutions, but there are a few practical issues to address before launching into a project on a slope. First, be sure to follow the essential rule for working on a slope: begin at the bottom of the slope and work your way upward to avoid creating an avalanche as you work. After setting out, new plants will need to be mulched to hold the soil in place and prevent weeds from sprouting until the plants can spread to cover the bare soil. Straw-textured mulches knit themselves together and stay in place over bare soil better than loose mulches like bark nuggets. And finally, to make a hillside garden even more care-free, install soaker hoses beneath the mulch to provide young plants with water for their first season.