Designing on a Gradient

There are many things to take into account when designing on slopes or gradients, the most important being where the water is going to go. When we created this garden understanding how to drain what was a very wet site efficiently was key. Over 400 tonnes of soil was removed to allow space to move around the property as well as creating raised beds and borders requiring drainage systems that fed into the main surface water drain. It was also an opportunity to carefully locate parking spaces and log stores as well as hide ugly utilities and bin storage.

Landscaping on a sloping site can also provide opportunities to produce interesting raised borders or terracing which can become highly productive vegetable or cut flower gardens as well as mixed planting schemes. Wide steps and wall copings can provide attractive casual seating areas or staging for pots which, along with dynamic lighting, combine to create dramatic entrances.

Make the most of opportunities to plant species that enhance the senses at new higher levels. This gives you the chance to explore up close the beauty, fragrance, touch and even taste of plants that can get lost in a lower level border.