As we saw within our retaining walls article recently, the landscapes and gardens that surround our homes may not always be on level ground. We may have a sloped landscape which does mean that innovative considerations must be made when creating your dream space. Let’s discover the sloping splendour.
Let us not limit the possibilities of our gardens, some of the most stunning terrains do not follow a standard layout. Instead, let’s look at the stunning designs our in-house garden design and landscaping team can offer.
Using imagination
Imagine a terraced garden that resembles those mesmerising Mu Cang Chai rice terraces. By using the curves that nature has provided, fused with our years of experience and influence from your preferences, tastes and home – We can build a unique garden that both utilises the space and shapes of the landscape, but also meets the needs of the space you occupy.
There are a bountiful variety of ways to design the layout of gardens, those with slopes allow us a dynamic canvas where you can allow a natural palette to waterfall in diverse hues and textures. Each slope can be used for different varieties. Charming wildflowers clinging to rocky outcrops. Enhanced further with the serene elegance of cascading waterfalls amid the lush foliage, that soothing sound washes over you. A tropical style garden can most certainly help to transport you to another corner of the world. Be brave and bold, let us create something completely distinctive to you.
Embrace the layers you can form and mould to your perfect sanctuary.
Tremendous Terracing
Terracing a sloped gardens allows us to harness the power of elevation to create that stunning visual effects and again maximise usable space. Originating from ancient agricultural practices, terraces transform steep inclines into a series of level platforms. This offers an opportunity to add a charming rustic stone staircase amid your landscape, which can be formed by the ground, built in stone, crafted from wood. Endless possibilities.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, terraced gardens offer practical benefits, preventing soil erosion, optimising irrigation and facilitating cultivation of a diverse array of plants, from vibrant flowers. A kitchen garden can also be created, allowing you to separate the different varieties of home grown produce level to level. A variety of vegetables, flourishing fruits and heavenly herbs. The design stage means perfect planning for which levels are best suited to ensure you get the most from your harvest of homegrown produce, boosting your wellbeing and health all at once.
Terraces can also provide you with individual focal points, intimate nooks created within terraced alcoves. Pathways that lead you to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the mesmerising levels that have been created. Another design that allows us to create water features, such as ponds and streams, adding a soothing soundtrack to the landscape, while secluded seating areas provide tranquil sanctuaries for reflection and relaxation.
Steps to raised beds
We could create raised beds scattered amongst levels and steps to your landscape. The design stage will allow us to outline the shape and dimensions of the beds depending on the shape of the land. One of the most popular choices of material for their construction being wood – that gives a rustic-chic style. Maybe corrugated metal to introduce a different texture. Bricks or stones equally can look aesthetically pleasing but also, provide a long term option.
Raised beds can be filled with a vast selection of flowers, but are popularly used for cultivating home grown produce. Offering you a treat for all the senses. Another option to consider is letting us create your very own cutting garden. Your very own personal bouquet of floral delights. Is there anything better than adorning your home with fresh blooms, filling the room with soothing scents?
Decking and patios
Another benefit of a sloped landscape is that we can use the design process to create levelled areas. From decking to patios, these can then offer a space to sit and dine. Adorned by flower beds, vegetable beds and a stunning greenhouse. Stylish seating for al fresco dining, a stone pizza ovens, or an outdoor bar. There are so many options.
Decking is a wonderful option that can be build into the sloped landscape. Wood is such a versatile material, why not set it off with a secluded outdoor shower, or hot tub. Offering a place to soak and soothe.
Patio options are vast due to how many colours and textures within the natural material. Those warm honey hues of the Cotswold. In contrast the grey sleek modern style of slate. All of which can be designed with the most suited flora that contrasts well against those shades. The laying of patio is another element that can create a different final finish. If you read our Patio pointers article recently, the landscaping team can transport you to the warmth of France with a French style, traditional country style with herringbone, basket weaves and mixture of sizes are all options to compare and discuss during the design.
Rockery
Another option within a sloped landscape is taking time to plan various themed areas, something that could really set off the landscape is a rockery.
Landscaping a rockery is a meticulous blend of artistry and natural aesthetics. It begins with thoughtful placement of rocks, selecting various sizes and shapes to create visual interest and texture. These rocks serve as the backbone of the design, anchoring the landscape in a rugged elegance. Interspersing them with carefully chosen native plants adds layers of color and dimension, softening the rugged edges with bursts of greenery and blooms. Attention to detail is paramount, with strategic placement of plants to mimic nature’s own design. A well-designed rockery invites exploration, with meandering pathways and hidden pockets waiting to be discovered. It’s a harmonious marriage of hardscape and softscape, where every element works in concert to create a tranquil and captivating outdoor sanctuary.
Lighting
Let’s not forget some lushious lighting sprinkled throughout the landscape that help lead you through the landscape. Flush lighting, festoon lights, spotlights, step lights, or inground light are just a few of the options to chose. Lighting can really help to set the scene and set the ambience.
A variety of choices mean we can implement anything from sleek and modern styling to twinkling lights that give more of a romantic feel. Solar lights can offer a eco-friendly option if this is something you are passionate about. Again, there are such a variety of choices which all can be discovered during the initial design consultation with our expert team.
Embrace the layers
We help you to embrace the natural forms of your landscape. Creating something for you to watch flourish over the various seasons. As we head towards warmer, summer months it is the perfect time to open your mind to the landscaping opportunities surrounding you. Our team can cover every aspect from the initial concept design through to building that rustic stone stairway through your varying levels of landscape to enjoy.
Transform your sloped garden into a stunning landscape! Let us work our magic to create the outdoor oasis you’ve always dreamed of. Get in touch today to discuss your vision and schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll turn your slope into a masterpiece.
