What to do with your sloping backyard.

We are not all blessed with an open, flat garden. Many of us live in hilly towns or the rolling countryside, and gardens on slopes are the only kinds of gardens we can get. Terraces cut into the incline are probably the most common method for making the most of those tricky sloping plots, but there are lots of ways to have fun with an uneven landscape. From snaking paths to jutting decks and sunken seating areas, here are some ideas for beautiful and exciting sloping outdoor spaces.

 

1. Rise above it. Constructing a deck over a steep downward slope affords level space for entertaining and great views of a garden. Depending on the angle of the slope, the deck could also be raised on pillars to create storage or even a playspace beneath.

 

2. Build a banked border. Most plants are just as happy growing on slopes as in level beds, so try constructing flower beds that rise up from a path, creating a green, enveloping corridor. Small steps cut into the bank will give you access for weeding and pruning.

 

3. Design the terraces around different themes. Terraces cut into a sloping garden gain extra style points when each is given a clear identity. Here the lower level contains a water feature, while above are structural plants that stand out against a white rendered wall. Beyond is a more relaxed planting set against black stained wooden walls.

 

4. Plant a living mural. If your garden slopes upward, the rear boundary will be much more prominent. Make a feature of it by creating a fabulous planted wall, as seen here. Alternatively, grow trees in pots along the wall or train climbing plants up it for a vibrant backdrop. Here strips of lawn and shallow steps with inset lights create a green carpet leading to the lush wall.