A steep garden can feel a little intimidating, a place you look at but don’t really use, like it’s a piece of nature that’s just a bit too challenging to properly develop. We all have visions of tending our flowers only to roll from the top to the bottom, which sounds comical but could actually be quite serious.
As such, you might find yourself avoiding certain sections because the slope makes you feel awkward or even a bit scared to walk on. But don’t let a sloped space hold you back from enjoying all the beauty your garden has to offer, because a steep incline doesnt’ have to be a problem, it’s an opportunity to create something truly unique and full of character.
If done right, you get to play with different levels, create distinct areas, and build a space that’s more unique than other gardens in the area. Luckily, there are so many ways to approach this and make your garden usable, but also beautiful and welcoming.
In this post, we intend to help you figure out how to make a steep garden your own:
Create Terraced Levels
To make the garden more usable, it’s wise to build terraces. That implies creating flat, usable levels that are held in place by retaining walls. Each terrace can then become a ittle garden, used as a dedicated space for planting beds, a seating area, or a small lawn. This is how you make a difficult slope work for you.
When you begin breaking up the incline that way, you make the whole space more organized and approachable. You’ll find you can now use every part of your garden without feeling like you’re climbing a mountain, even if the segments are less wide than the span of the garden would be. However, there are many benefits, one being it’s much easier to take care of plants when you’re working on a level surface.
Build Gentle, Winding Paths
Being able to ascend or descend a steep garden can be a challenge, especially if you just have a straight line of stairs. A more gentle and inviting solution is to create a winding path that zigzags across the slope between retaining levels. It’s a much more comfortable way to get from one level to the next, and it gives the garden a softer accessibility, even meaning children or elderly relatives can use it.
We’d recommend using materials like flagstones or pavers to create a stable surface that feels good to walk on with no slip hazard, because wood chips can potentially cause a stumble.
Add Safe & Stylish Boundaries
When you have a tiered garden, you need to make sure each level is safe, and you can only really ensure that with a strong border. A strong fence or railing is essential for keeping people safe and defining the edge of each level. You don’t want a clumsy fence to ruin your view, though, as it’s important to see all the layers of your hard work.
That’s why in these circumstances, a glass balustrade can be an excellent choice, as it achieves a secure barrier without blocking your line of sight, serving as a modern and elegant solution that keeps you safe.
With this advice, you’ll be sure to keep a steep garden safe.
