Gardening On The Edge

STEEP AND SLOPING SITES ARE CHALLENGING, BUT WITH A LITTLE CAREFUL PLANNING THEY CAN BE TURNED INTO LUSH PATCHES OF BOTH ORNAMENTALS AND EDIBLES

- Carrol Baker

Whether it’s meandering hills, steep slopes or an undulating block, it’s possible to create a beautiful garden in all kinds of steep and hilly places.

Sloping or hilly sites are more prone to dry soil due to exposure and water run-off diluting soil nutrients, and they can be challenging to access in order to maintain them. Whatever you grow will need to be hardy, sun-loving (unless the hill is in a shady area) and low maintenance. But, keeping this in mind, you can still grow a diverse range of edibles or ornamentals.

Of course, you can also tame the hilly landscape by constructing a series of level beds terraced with sleepers, gabion walls, rocks or concrete blocks. Blooming perennials flowing over rocks make a dramatic display. Or add a multi-level deck that hugs parts of the hillside.

Gentle slopes (up to 10–15 degrees) can usually be planted out. Greater than that, some form of retaining wall is often recommended. However, if you choose plants wisely and enrich the soil, it’s possible to go to a higher gradient without having to terrace.

BEFORE YOU START

Remove all weeds to reduce competition for soil nutrients. Avoid tilling the soil to excess. Turning over and breaking it up can promote erosion. Add plenty of organic matter to the soil.