If you are the owner of a summer cottage on a slope, you can be sure that with a skillful approach to business and careful care, your garden will differ most favorably from areas that are located in ordinary lowland areas. The most important thing that you have to take care of when arranging a site on a slope is the construction of special terraces at height differences and the strengthening of plumbs with plants with a rapidly developing root system, which will help keep the soil from landslides.
Landscape compositions integrated into the existing complex terrain always make an unforgettable impression due to their versatility and unique character. A garden with height differences will always be unique.
On this page you will learn how to design a site on a slope to create a unique landscape look.
If your garden plot located on a slope, it will have to be formed with terraces and reinforced with retaining walls. If the terraces slope south, then all ornamental and fruit crops, including heat-loving ones, such as grapes, will grow well near the retaining walls.
When landscaping a site on a slope, keep in mind that in front of the bushes, along the edge of the terraces, there is an excellent place for planting vegetable plants, strawberries and flower beds. Fruit trees should be placed on the lowest terrace. But if the terrace descends to the north, then the choice of fruit and berry crops grown on it will have to be significantly limited to winter-hardy varieties and species. And no grapes!
Landscape design dacha plot on a slope compares favorably with lowland areas– such an area is perfect for creating a landscape garden consisting of a cascade of retaining walls, steps, winding paths, and secluded areas. Total romance! A site on a slope is good for young owners, but difficult for older people. Keep this in mind when you buy such a plot. Estimate how many years you have left between your current age and your old age.
As shown in the photo, when landscaping a site on a slope, the very first task, even before any buildings and plantings, is technical work to strengthen the plumb line:
If you do not strengthen the slope, then there will always be a threat not just of stones and soil falling onto the paths, but also of landslides, which can cause significant trouble, including the destruction of buildings. This is due to the fact that water flowing down the slope during snow melting or during heavy rain erodes the soil with furrows of varying depths, washes away the soil under buildings and plantings, and washes away the top fertile layer of soil. The steeper the slope, the stronger and faster it collapses. First of all, you need to direct the flow of water flowing down the slope not in the way that is convenient for it, but in the way that you need it. To do this, you should make a drainage system either by laying concrete gutters on top, or by digging under the soil layer drainage pipes and thus divert the water into a reservoir (or a ditch at the foot of the slope).
If the drops are more or less gentle, then to design a site on a slope and consolidate the soil, you just need to plant plants that quickly develop a root system, which will keep the soil from landslides.
Pay attention to the photo - you can sod the area on the slope with clover (preferably white, you don’t have to mow it), fescue or bluegrass:
But the grasses will have to be mowed before they sprout, because their many-thousand and also small and light seeds will scatter throughout your garden and germinate wherever they manage to land. Essentially, by sodding you create an artificial meadow on a slope. If you plant small-bulbed plants and botanical tulips in such a meadow, then in the spring these flowers will unusually decorate it. Since these are perennials, they can be dug up and replanted after 6–8 years.
The landscape design of a site on a slope involves planting other (in particular, coniferous) plants that can hold the soil on the slope; these are mainly creeping forms. But if you need a garden or vegetable garden, then first you need to cover the slope with black spunbond, which is easily secured to the slope with slate nails. The holes made on it must be planted garden shrubs, large-fruited garden strawberries (commonly called strawberries) or garden crops. Gradually, the plant roots will become well established in the soil, and the material will break down over the years. Black covering material in the first years (by the way, black spunbond, which is not removed from the soil, can last up to 7-8 years) will prevent the growth of weeds and retain moisture and heat.
These photos show the beautiful design of the site on a gentle slope:
Landscaping of a site on a steep slope (with photo)
If the site is located on a steep slope, then you cannot do without retaining walls or special geogrids. We must also keep in mind that the steeper the slope, the faster the water drains from it, and therefore drought-resistant plants should be planted at the top of the slope, and naturally more moisture-loving plants should be planted at the foot of the garden on the slope.
It will not be possible to create a traditional lawn on a steep slope (and not only on a sunny one). It should be replaced with thickets of herbs(hyssop, sage, wormwood, thyme, savory), cloves, chistets, chives, aubrieta are also suitable.
As you can see in the photo, the landscape design of a site on a slope involves planting plants such as jasmine, saxifrage and sedum:
If you need a vegetable garden or flower garden, as well as berry and ornamental shrubs, then on a steep slope you will have to make flat terraces reinforced with stone masonry. In the design of a site with a slope, the terraces should be connected to each other by steps - you should not make gentle paths from terrace to terrace, since in rainy weather or when there is ice, walking along such paths will become difficult.
It is on such terraces that you will have to place your garden and vegetable garden, providing automated system glaze. The easiest way is to install several plastic water barrels at the top, from the bottom of which water will flow through hoses with small holes. The hoses should be placed along the plantings, lightly digging them in. Water will have to be pumped into the barrels from time to time through other hoses using a pump. You can add mineral and organic fertilizer. Then the power problem will be solved. Barrels on a landscaped area with a slope can either be painted in a funny way or decorated with plantings so as not to spoil the landscape.
To construct retaining walls, you can use gabions - strong metal outer frames to which a fine metal mesh filled with large pebbles, crushed stone and stones is welded, which ensures good drainage, and the frame itself prevents stones and pebbles from spreading. Complex slopes are usually strengthened in this way. It is these gabions that often hold road slopes.
It should be noted that a retaining wall in the landscape design of a site with a slope- this is a structure that will require certain engineering calculations and situation analysis during construction. In a number of areas where soils are mobile, incorrect calculations can lead to the destruction of terraces over time. Don’t save money, invite surveyors and specialists who know how to build terraces correctly. With the help of hydraulic engineers, you can immediately include water structures in the project: waterfalls, cascades, streams. Sites on a slope are usually not popular with amateur gardeners, since they require a lot of labor and money to develop. And life in such an area with constant walks up and down is more reminiscent of sports than country holiday. But if you still decide to plant a garden on a slope, you will get a garden that is unique and unique of its kind.
Look at the photo to see what summer cottages look like steep slopes, decorated with retaining walls:
Decorating the slope on the site with plants
When you draw up a planting plan for the floral design of a summer cottage on a slope, pay special attention to analyzing the illumination of your plumb line. Naturally, on the southern slope it will be warmer and lighter, but much drier. Any herbaceous perennial flowers and herbs that thrive in partial shade (periwinkle, geranium, tenacious, loosestrife, heuchera, St. John's wort, lungwort, bergenia) will grow well under the trees planted on the southern terrace. An option for landscaping a summer cottage on a slope is to plant ferns, baths, lilies of the valley and peonies on the southern terrace. If planted coniferous trees, then rhododendrons feel especially good next to them. But we must remember that, although they cannot tolerate stagnant water (which does not threaten them on a slope), they are very moisture-loving. At least 12–15 liters of water should be poured under each adult flowering plant every other day in hot weather, and weekly in cloudy weather. Remember that even in rainy weather, water leaves the slope very quickly.
Roses, species and varieties of junipers will feel great on the southern plumb.
Pay attention to the photo - in an area with a slope you can plant ground cover vines, in particular clematis, climbing (petiolate) hydrangea, girl's grapes(the last two plants, by the way, can be planted not only on a sunny, but also on a northern slope):
Cotoneaster and barberries grow well among the shrubs on the slopes.
On the northern slope, almost all conifers feel great (junipers - Virginian, Cossack, prostrate, thuja occidentalis, microbiota). Low-growing and creeping forms look impressive coniferous plants among their relatives with a columnar crown.
When designing a summer cottage on a slope with your own hands, when creating a retaining wall you should immediately leave pockets in the masonry - empty spaces, which are then filled with fertile soil for planting plants in them. In addition, a small layer of soil is also left between the layers of stones or bricks (this is not suitable for a steep slope, because during the spring flood such a layer will simply be washed away if hydraulic engineering work has not been carried out). Relatively drought-resistant plants with a shallow root system are planted in these pockets (as well as in the layers between the rows of masonry). These plantings will also strengthen the slope.
On the higher part of the retaining wall, it is necessary to plant the most drought-resistant plants (for example, chickweed, woolly hawkweed, interspersing these silvery plants with plantings of dark red tenacious). Unpretentious and drought-tolerant grass carnation is also suitable.
As shown in the photo, the design of a summer cottage on a slope involves planting in the spaces between the rows of masonry subulate phlox different colors:
But please note that after the lush spring flowering, in the middle of summer, it takes on a very unsightly appearance, so you need to sow annual seeds directly into its plantings in the spring, which will cover its withered greenery. Towards the end of summer, when the annuals begin to fade and can simply be removed, the phlox will again be covered with thick and bright greenery, although, of course, it will no longer bloom.
In the upper part of the wall for designing a site on a slope with your own hands, you can place plants that require good drainage: juniper-leaved armeria, periwinkle, liverwort (gentian), rhizome (alpine arabis), viola, pinnate carnation and many other plants.
In the lower pockets of the landscape of the site on the slope, you can plant more moisture-loving plants, for example, bergenia thick-leaved, saxifrage, toadflax, bells, dwarf ferns, which are also all shade-tolerant.
Pockets of perennials should be interspersed with annuals, sowing their seeds directly into place in early spring. Ageratum, iberis (the seeds of which can also be sown before winter), alyssum, low-growing marigolds, kermek (limonium) are suitable only for a well-lit wall, since they are very light-loving, as well as Carpathian bell, lobelia, Drummond phlox.
These photos show a beautiful design of a site on a slope, made by yourself:
Larger pockets can be provided for planting coniferous plants: mountain pine, microbiota (don’t let them grow too much), Cossack juniper, pea cypress, as well as creeping conifers or forming small bushes (for example, some varieties of horizontal juniper, recumbent juniper, dwarf cedar , juniper scaly).
When designing a slope on a site, you can grow shrubs on retaining walls: Thunberg barberry with bright red foliage, Japanese quince, horizontal cotoneaster, heather, dwarf species of rhododendrons (on shaded slopes), heather, Erica, and in the lower part of the retaining wall - holly mahonia (so that it is covered with snow). The rocky wall, completely overgrown with juveniles, looks very beautiful. To prevent it from looking monotonous, you should intersperse red or yellow varieties among the green plants.
These photos of the landscape design of summer cottages on a slope show the most beautiful options for arranging a plumb line:
What to plant on a slope: garden design
Anyone who is developing an area with a difference in elevation is interested in what to plant on the slope of the site. There are a great many options here.
A beautiful composition for landscape design of a site on a slope with your own hands, made up of plants that will help strengthen the plumb line:
- Rock juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Arrow’) - at 10 years of age the plant reaches 2–2.5 m in height and 0.5–0.7 m in diameter. The needles are bright blue, soft, scaly. The location is sunny. Does not tolerate stagnant waterlogging. It has high phytoncidity.
- Wrinkled rose (Rosa Rugosa Scabrosa) - bush height - 1.5–2 m; flowers are large, fragrant, flat, fuchsia-pink in color with yellow stamens; The fruits are large, round, red. Blooms from spring to mid-autumn. This plant is ideal for garden design on a slope, as it perfectly secures plumb lines.
- Silver oleaster (Elaeagnus commutata) is a small tree or shrub from the Elaeagnus family with a wide-spreading crown, 1–4 m high. The leaves are usually bright green with a silvery-metallic sheen on the reverse side that is unique to oleaster. It is best to plant sucker on elevated slopes facing south; it is light-loving, drought-resistant, undemanding to soil, and frost-resistant. Strengthens slopes.
- Cossack juniper (Juniperus sabina) - grows in the sun, easily adapts; very resistant to high temperatures, winter-hardy and wind-resistant, holds the slope perfectly.
- Cinquefoil (Potentilla fnuticosa) thrives in both full sun and partial shade. Potentilla blooms profusely and for a long time - for 3–5 months. Does not require ideal soils or planting sites. When laying out a garden on a slope with your own hands, keep in mind that drained fertile soil is optimal for shrubby cinquefoil, but it can also grow on clayey, rocky or slightly alkaline soils.
- Hybrid sunflower (Helianthemum x hybridum ‘Attraction’) - light orange flowers with a dark center. Variety ‘Butter and Eggs’ - double orange with a salmon tint. Blooms in June.
- Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica).
- Steller's wormwood (Artemisia stelleriana) - good for planting on rocky hills and retaining walls, an excellent ground cover plant for a gravel garden, rocky slopes. Perennial with more or less prostrate shoots, 20–30 cm long, with beautiful, split silver-gray leaves. Winter-hardy.
- Olympic St. John's wort (Hypericum olimpicum) is a subshrub 15–35 cm high. Root system strong but shallow. The leaves are linear-elliptical, glaucous. The flowers are large (up to 5 cm in diameter), yellow, collected in apical semi-umbrellas. Blooms in July-August. It is undemanding to soil, but prefers loam. Requires a sunny location, does not bloom in shaded and cold places. Drought-resistant, does not tolerate waterlogging. Winter-hardy with good drainage.
- Pinnate carnation (Dianthus plumarius ‘Maggie’) - height 25–30 cm, forms a dense bluish, very decorative pillow from narrow leaves, as if covered with a waxy coating. It blooms with large fragrant flowers, bright pink, double, with a burgundy eye. It is winter-hardy without shelter, but can get wet in winter and spring, so good drainage is required. Requires division every 3–5 years. It blooms from late May to early June for about a month. Sunny place, does not tolerate stagnant water, so the planting site must be chosen on a hill. The plant is not very demanding on soil; it only does not tolerate acidic peat bogs.
- Thunberg barberry (Berberis thunbergii ‘Green Carpet’) - height 80–100 cm, wide crown, bright red foliage in autumn.
And in conclusion, enjoy the beautiful views in another selection of photos, which shows the best design of a site with a slope:
Do not be upset, you are faced with opportunities that are not available to owners of ordinary plots. Your imagination and our advice will help you create a distinctive and original example of landscape design.
Positive and negative aspects of a site on a slope
To begin with, I would like to list all the advantages of the sloping location of the land:
- competently and beautifully designed, such a territory can become an extraordinary and picturesque example of landscape art;
- the plot on the slope is perfectly visible in its entirety, so from the windows of the house you can contemplate all the design elements in the garden;
- such land is a great place to create alpine slide, waterfall or cascade;
- if the dacha is located on the south side of the hill, its territory will be illuminated by the sun as much as possible, and this is an excellent prerequisite for good growth green spaces and high crop yields.
However, in addition to the advantages, a cottage on a slope also has disadvantages:
- on land with a fairly steep slope it is problematic to plant a lawn;
- registration of such a site will require significantly higher costs than in the case of a flat location of the territory;
- planted crops will need frequent watering, since water in the soil will not stay long, flowing down the hill;
- plants on the northern slope may receive insufficient heat and light, which will cause poor flowering and low yields;
- the foundation of a house located in the middle or at the bottom of a hillock runs the risk of being flooded with water;
- unstable areas of soil can lead to erosion and landslides;
- daily movement on the slope is physically tiring;
- Small children should not play on steep hills, so care must be taken to ensure their safety.
Features of designing sloping land plots
Dachas located on a slope are different from each other. All of them are distinguished by different elevation changes, which makes their landscape unique and original. In this regard, the design of each such site has its own planning solutions and decorative elements. There are certain features in the design of sloping lands:
- It is considered optimal if the building on such a dacha is located on top of a hill. This arrangement greatly simplifies working with the terrain.
- The layout of a site on a slope must necessarily take into account the characteristics of the soil and technical features water supply You also need to take into account the location of the slope relative to the cardinal directions and the wind rose.
- First of all, you need to plan the location of utility structures and recreation areas, and only after that decide on the position of all other structures: terraces, stairs, retaining walls and other elements.
- All measurements and calculations must be carried out with special attention and care - this will avoid unnecessary financial costs.
- When landscaping on a slope, you should be careful with the lower layers of soil. They should not be moved or interchanged as this may lead to soil erosion, which in turn will create a hazard for garden buildings.
Plot on a slope, landscape design
The significant slope of the dacha area creates the preconditions for the designer’s flight of fancy. The height difference can be beautifully played up when designing a site, which will subsequently give an interesting, unusual and unique result.
Too steep a slope makes it difficult to move around the area and creates inconvenience in everyday life. In order to solve such problems and make living in the garden comfortable, terraces, retaining walls and stairs need to be built on the slope. Among other things, you should pay attention to soil moisture. In areas with a slope, the ground is usually drier and for good plant growth in such a garden it is worth paying special attention to irrigation systems. To avoid flooding of buildings with storm water, drainage must be installed on the site.
Let's take a closer look at the various landscape design activities:
Terracing the site
For landscaping with a slope of more than 15°, a technique such as terracing is perfect - creating special horizontal platforms reinforced with walls. The size of the plot and the degree of its steepness directly affect the number and height of terraces. The platforms communicate with each other using stairs that are harmonious in appearance with the retaining walls.
Creating terraces requires significant work, time and money, but the effort spent will not be in vain: over time, your dacha will become a model of beauty and comfort. Before zoning a site using terraces, it is better to consult with specialists, inviting them directly to the work site. Their advice should help you achieve these basic goals:
- protection of soil from soil erosion and creation optimal system removal of unnecessary moisture;
- ensuring convenient and safe movement of the owners of the dacha along the slope;
- creation of recreation areas, gardens and vegetable gardens on the site;
- construction of high-quality and reliable retaining walls;
- arrangement of space for relaxation in a comfortable place.
Terracing of the site is carried out in several stages:
- First, determine the degree of steepness of the slope. To do this, the difference in heights is divided by the indicator of the horizontal base.
- After this, the locations of the terraces are marked on the site. The size of each site should be sufficient to accommodate a house, outbuilding, garden, flower bed or bed.
- Then geoplastics is carried out - the artificial creation or change of the terrain. In this case, the upper terraces are built first, gradually going down. The land cut from above is the basis for creating underlying platforms. The height of the terraces can reach 1.5 meters, but do not forget that creating high retaining walls will require considerable financial costs.
Building terraces is a creative endeavor. You can arrange them in one row, in a checkerboard pattern or asymmetrically - the choice depends on the desire of the land owner. The design of a site on a slope, the photo of which is presented below, is an example of asymmetrical terraces:
Creating retaining walls
Retaining walls are not only a way to strengthen terraces, but also a decorative element. What subtleties need to be taken into account when constructing these structures?
- In order for the wall to look harmonious and fit into the overall design of the site on the slope, carefully select the materials for its creation and take into account the stylistic direction of the garden. For example, in rustic style Retaining walls made of beams or logs will fit perfectly. For a modern garden, a brick design with forged iron elements is suitable, and an area with an emphasis on natural beauty will look wonderful framed by natural stone.
- Materials for creating retaining walls can be very diverse. For small structures, sheet metal, wood, stone or reinforced concrete are suitable. Metal and wood must be treated with paint or varnish to protect them from moisture.
- The stone wall can be laid dry or using cement mortar to secure it. In the first case, the height of the structure should not exceed 1 m; it is better to lay higher walls on the mortar.
- Another material for creating retaining walls is concrete blocks. The structure made in this way must be protected from moisture in places of contact with the soil. You can also do exterior finishing walls using paint, tiling or natural stone.
- So that the wall stands firmly and lasts for a long time, at the beginning of its creation, reinforced concrete or butoh is laid concrete foundation.
Creation of a drainage system
Dacha plots with a slope are susceptible to soil washout due to spring floods or heavy rains. In order to avoid such a nuisance, drainage is laid on the territory. This is a system of pipes made of metal or asbestos cement, which are laid at the bottom of the wall. Sometimes pipes are replaced with filtration holes.
Use water from drainage system can be useful. For example, accumulate it in suitable containers and water plants or filter it for a pool, if there is one on the site.
Construction of stairs
As a rule, in areas with a large slope, terraces are connected to each other using stairs. They not only make movement around the dacha comfortable and convenient, but are also an element general design. In order for these structures to fit harmoniously into the overall picture of the garden, you need to pay special attention to their construction.
- The dimensions of the steps do not necessarily have to meet accepted standards.
- An affordable option could be a staircase made of wooden blocks or boards. IN in this case The riser is made of a board mounted on an edge, secured on the sides with wooden pegs, and the tread is tightly compacted soil.
- A more expensive, but also more beautiful option would be a staircase made of stone, brick or monolithic concrete. In the latter case, you need to additionally make wooden formwork.
- If the stairs are too steep, a comfortable handrail should be installed on at least one of its sides.
- If there are too many steps, it is better to divide them into flights of 8-10 pieces, between which there will be areas for rest during the ascent. For greater comfort, benches can be placed between the spans.
The area on the slope, the photo of which can be seen below, shows an example of a staircase made of stone:
Creating a garden on a sloped plot
Since the sloping terrain provides an excellent vantage point, beautiful garden It will look especially impressive on her. An alpine slide, various flower arrangements, artificial waterfalls and cascades - all these opportunities open up for the owner of a plot on a slope.
Often the soil of the hills contains a large number of stones and a very thin layer of fertile soil, but this problem is completely solvable. Stones can be used as natural material to design retaining walls, and cover the land plot itself on a slope with a layer of imported black soil.
Ideas for designing a relief area
- You can grow a lawn in a relief dacha. If the slope of the terrain is too steep, this will be quite difficult to do, but on a sloping slope the grass and plants will be established quite well and will have a spectacular appearance. If the territory is designed in the form of terraces, then there will be no difficulty in growing a lawn. Stepped platforms covered with a terry green carpet will look impressive when viewed from above.
- Sloping terrain is excellent soil for creating a rock garden - a decorative garden made of stones. You can also place a rock garden or simply beautifully decorated flower beds here. All planted crops will grow wonderfully on a slope if horizontal holes are made under them, reinforced with sides. On the terraces, plants will feel even better, and elevation changes will provide a beautiful play of sun and colors.
- An artificial pond is another trump card of a site on a slope. Waterfalls, cascades and streams will beautifully fall from the top of the hill, and a quiet, cozy lake can be located on the terrace area.
- Paved platforms and stairs meandering like serpentines among the greenery are an important decorative element general composition.
- To decorate the slope, you can use junipers and ground cover crops. They are able to grow over the territory like a motley carpet, and also successfully hide construction defects.
You can learn more about designing a cottage on a slope by watching the following video:
The cost of land on slopes is much lower than the cost of plots with a flat surface. This is explained by the complexity of their development: it is necessary to create terraces, retaining walls, level areas for gardens and house construction, and also create a drainage system. That is, the money saved will have to be invested in improving the territory. But there is a strong argument in favor of a site with uneven terrain - it can create a unique landscape, which is almost impossible to create on a flat area. In addition, there are several more pros for the house on the slope.
Where to start landscaping an uneven area
A territory with uneven terrain requires a more responsible analysis than a flat one. Spruce trees in the landscape contain areas with pronounced differences in elevation; it is better to invite surveyors to take measurements.
They will help outline the trajectory of the retaining walls and give recommendations on laying out path routes. If the slopes are gentle enough, you can handle the planning yourself. By visually identifying the highest and lowest points, you can find out the direction of the flow of storm water, and by correlating the elevations with the cardinal points, you can easily find out in which place the soil warms up better. After the initial analysis of the site, a rough relief plan is drawn up on a sheet of paper and its layout is carried out.
Where to build a house?
It is most logical to place a residential building at the highest point of the site, on a previously leveled area. With this arrangement, it is easier to remove thawed and rainwater, and enough natural light will enter the rooms. In addition, the view from above is always more interesting.
But this is not the only option: the slope can be used in construction, even if it has a large angle of inclination. Of course, you will need to create a special development project adapted to specific terrain conditions, but this has its advantages. The advantage is that in the layout of a house on a slope you can implement interesting architectural and constructive ideas that are not possible when developing a flat site.
One of the solutions is a part of the house protruding from the hill and supported by supporting columns, under which a parking lot or place for recreation is arranged. The complex of buildings on several levels with partial embedding into the slope looks dynamic, and the division of the territory into zones is more expressive.
Paths and steps
On a relief site, it is important to correctly plan the trajectory of the paths. If on flat terrain they can be laid along the shortest route, then on a slope you need to take into account the steepness of the climb and look for the smoothest paths: they do not cross the slope strictly from bottom to top, but are laid along its diagonal. On a fairly long hill, the path is made with zigzag turns. The path may not seem short, but it will be easier to climb.
On sections with significant elevation differences, gentle ramps are combined with stairs.
Since you will have to climb the steps quite often, they should be made low and wide. Steps with a height of no more than 20 cm and a width of at least 30 cm are considered comfortable for movement, so that the foot can stand completely on them.
From the terrace to the terrace you can access the stairs.
At the end of each climb, platforms are arranged that allow you to take breaks while moving.
Advice. It is better to make the base for the paths from concrete - although it is labor-intensive, it is reliable.
You can make walking paths in the garden, on the lawn and between flower beds. Individual stone tiles are laid at intervals of 40 cm, and the rest of the space is sown with grass. Such paths are intended more for walking and decorating the site.
Features of drainage of a site on a slope
It seems that water flows down the slope without outside help, so why drain it. Drainage must be arranged because randomly flowing surface water leads to wetting and destruction of the foundation of the house and other buildings. There are two ways to drain excess water: open and closed.
Open drainage system
On the side of the water inflow, a trench about 80 cm deep is dug, which is located parallel to the foundation of the house. At its two ends, ditches are dug to drain water downwards (since the site has a natural slope, the trenches are also sloping). They are connected to a collector (well) to discharge water. Such a system will save the foundation of the house from storm and melt water. 
The appearance of the trenches does not decorate the territory of the dacha, so they can be improved by filling them with crushed stone or pebbles. Large stones are piled on the bottom, and top layer formed from smaller, more beautiful stones. Some trenches are simply covered with metal gratings.
Closed drainage system
If on site groundwater located close to the surface, a deep drainage system will help prevent flooding of basements. Perforated pipes are laid around the house and drain water into a well or artificial reservoir located at a low point on the site. The depth of the drainage system depends on the type of soil.
At what depth should drains be placed?
- Clay soil – 60 cm;
- Sandy soil – 100 cm;
- Loams – 80 cm.
The bottom of the ditch is filled with sand and lined with geotextiles. The pipes are also wrapped in geotextile and laid in a trench.
After this, the ditches are filled halfway with crushed stone, and a layer of soil is poured on top. A closed system has significant drawback: Perforations in pipes become silted, especially in soils with a high clay content. Therefore, once every 10 years they are dug up and washed.
Slope strengthening
In an area with uneven relief, problems arise during heavy rains and spring melting of snow. Flowing water creates a channel for itself, washing away fertile soil and exposing the roots of cultivated plants. Snow caps along with mud and stones are also possible. Landslides cover the yard, paths, vegetable gardens and gardens, breaking buildings and trees. It is for this reason that slopes and slopes need to be strengthened.
Strengthening using geomaterials
Various types of geosynthetic materials are used to create a durable top layer on a surface that has a bevel from 8 to 70 degrees. The principle of use is almost the same for all types nonwovens: the canvas is spread over a surface cleared of weeds and stones and pinned in place with anchors. The edge of the material is secured more carefully so that at first it does not curl under the pressure of flowing water.
Geomaterials for slopes:
A thin layer of soil is poured on top of the stretched fabric (mats), lawn grass is sown or planted decorative perennials. The root system of plants easily penetrates the geomaterial and creates a solid foundation with it that keeps the soil from sliding. All types of geosynthetics allow moisture and air to pass through well, and therefore do not inhibit the development of vegetation.
Strengthening with plants
Gently sloping areas, the bevel angle of which does not exceed 10, are strengthened by plants that have a well-developed root system. Intensive growth of field grasses contributes to the natural grassing of slopes and is in a simple way combating soil erosion. Ground cover species prevent soil erosion unpretentious perennials: tenacious, saxifrage, lilies of the valley, bryozoan, creeping thyme. It also copes well with this task Euonymus and periwinkle.
Decorative shrubs and trees can hold together slopes up to 45. But it must be taken into account that the growth of roots reinforcing the soil will take several years, and during this time the relief may change due to the influence natural factors: precipitation, wind, groundwater.
To avoid “surprises” with unauthorized changes in the relief, it is not recommended to uproot the existing thickets on the site and immediately plant cultivated plants instead. This must be done in stages, as the territory is developed and retaining walls are created.
Retaining walls and gabions
It is possible to give stability to the soil forever, even on an almost vertical slope, only with the help of retaining walls. They are built at the foot of the steepest slopes and provide a restraining stop for the ground behind the fence. Durable materials that can withstand weather conditions and soil pressure are used for construction.
Brick retaining wall
The principle of constructing a brick retaining wall is no different from the main wall of a residential building: it is erected on a buried foundation and connected with reinforcement. The difference is that drains are made in the body of the wall to drain water.
How to build a brick retaining wall:
- Along the wall, a trench about 1 m deep is dug and filled to a depth of 40 cm with drainage material (crushed stone, broken brick);
- Concrete is poured into the pit, compacted with a vibrator and left until completely set (1-3 weeks, depending on humidity and air temperature);
- Gives his all brick wall. If its height is more than a meter, the masonry is made of 1.5 bricks, if lower - 1 or 0.5 bricks;
- In the first row, and then every 2-3 rows, through drainage holes are left. They can be made by inserting pipe cuttings into the masonry. If the wall is long, weirs are installed every 1.2 m;
- The space behind the wall is filled with drainage to almost the entire height of the structure. This must be done simultaneously with filling the soil so that the crushed stone adheres closely to the brick surface.
Stone retaining wall
A wall made of stone with a height of 1 m or more is erected according to the same principle as that made of brick. The foundation is poured, and several rows of large stones are laid on it, held together cement mortar. Some seams will not be filled with mortar and act as drainage holes - excess moisture flows through them. It is not necessary to place gravel behind the wall, since stone is stronger brickwork and is not destroyed by moisture.
Low stone walls are laid using the dry method, without using mortar or pouring a foundation. The first row of stones is dug 1/3 into the soil, and another 1-2 rows of large boulders are placed on it. It is not recommended to make the wall higher to prevent it from collapsing.
Concrete retaining wall
The concrete wall is poured in stages. First, a lumber formwork is erected, and concrete is gradually laid into it. It is important to do everything in a few days so that the cement sets almost simultaneously along the entire height and length of the structure. If you let the first layers dry completely and then continue construction, you may not achieve a monolithic effect.
During pouring, pieces of reinforcement or wire rod are inserted into the concrete. This will prevent the wall from cracking. Drainage systems are also made from metal pipes.
Advice. Since the concrete surface is not particularly decorative, it is better to cover it with clinker tiles or sawn wild stone.
Wooden retaining wall
Logs with a diameter of 20 cm are dug in in a vertical position close to one another and fastened with staples and clamps.
More reliable is the construction of a wall with a horizontal arrangement of logs. First they dig in vertical racks, and then horizontal rows of logs are laid on the slope side. The joints in two adjacent rows should not coincide.
Important. Before making a retaining wall from logs, they need to be treated with a special impregnation, bitumen or waste machine oil. For greater protection against dampness inner side walls in contact with the ground can be paved with roofing felt.
Making a retaining wall from gabions is not much more difficult than from stone, but for them you need to prepare a welded mesh: it will require twice the total length of the structure. You will also need metal poles, which are installed every 1.5-2 m.
The concrete foundation is poured and at the same time the supports are concreted. After this, right at the site where the gabion is built, a double-sided mesh frame is welded and filled with stones. To prevent the box from bursting under the pressure of the filler, the opposite sides are connected by jumpers.
To economically use expensive material, the most beautiful stones(large pebbles, granite, sandstone slabs), and the inside is filled with crushed stone, inexpensive cobblestones, broken brick and other construction waste.
Design of a site on a slope
The main advantage of a site with a pronounced relief is the terraces, and the design task is to ensure that this beauty remains open for viewing.
For this reason, tall trees are planted on the top of the hill, behind the house. The lower part is decorated with low-growing trees and ornamental shrubs. Rocky slides with creeping junipers and dwarf spruces.
The terrace, equipped for relaxation, is located in the upper part. This location will allow you to admire the mountain landscape.
If you need to allocate a shaded place for relaxation, it is better to organize it at the bottom of the northern slope. All hydraulic structures are also created in the lower part: cascades, waterfalls, streams (they are quite easy to form at natural elevation differences).
Practical advice. If the house is built on a slope, the yard may be located at some distance from it - it is usually arranged near the entrance to the site. There is also a garage and all outbuildings.
The slopes are landscaped with plants that quickly adapt to mountain conditions and easily tolerate lack of moisture. On the north side you can plant rhododendrons- beautiful flowering shrubs with a noble appearance.
Shaded areas will also appeal loosestrife, daylilies, hostas.
All plants that love the sun can be planted on southern terraces. Here you can even plant roses of certain subspecies: creeping, wrinkled. Will take root well on a sunny slope astilbe, the roots of which go deep into the soil, securely holding it together.
A landscape with elevation changes can overshadow the design of any site on flat ground. True, you will have to work much harder for this.
How to make terrace beds, watch our video:
Many owners view a plot of land with difficult terrain as a punishment. But any disadvantage can easily be turned into an advantage. To do this, you do not need to call a grader for leveling. A competently used height difference will demonstrate all the charm of a non-standard landscape. Of course, construction on a relief site, as well as its arrangement, will be fraught with difficulties. But the end result will give you satisfaction with the work done and will arouse the envy of your neighbors. The article will talk about proper arrangement plot with a slope.
Linking a house to a plot with a slope
There are 2 ways to link a building to a site with a slope - without changing and with changing the existing landscape. A typical project is developed on the basis that construction will be carried out on a level site.
A house being built in an area with natural conditions requires processing of the underground and basement parts. Thus, the housing will have characteristic features that correspond to the site.
The slopes of the site are divided into:
- on flatlands, where the slope is up to 3%;
- with a small slope (up to 8%);
- with an average slope (up to 20%);
- steep (over 20%).
On slopes it is not only difficult to construct buildings, but also to construct access roads. Retaining walls, embankments and other strengthening structures are installed on slopes with height differences of 1:2.
Design of a site with a slope
Vertical layout of a site with a slope
Work on arranging a landscape with a complex “character” includes:
- leveling the terrain as much as possible by removing soil in one place and adding it in another;
- organization of storm drains, which can be either hidden or open;
- determining the optimal location of the main house, gazebo, summer shower, vegetable garden, garden trees;
- correction of small irregularities using the terracing method; for steep drops - arrangement of retaining walls.
- This approach will help not only to correctly divide the territory into functional zones, but also makes it possible to design it in an original way.
Drainage system on a site with a slope
- The organization of the drainage system should be given due attention. Drainage will allow you to regulate the water balance and ensure rapid removal of water formed after precipitation or melting snow.
- Rain and melt water form gullies. And the steeper the height difference, the greater the likelihood of slope failure. Since even small streams can create large ravines and lead to landslides of soil masses.
- The drainage arrangement begins after all the main excavation works and communications have been laid. Knowing at least the approximate location of the main buildings and green plantings will help to correctly install the drainage system.
- The installation method can be open or closed. Main advantage hidden system drainage is space saving. Since the canals run underground, access roads and paths can be built on top of them.
- Trenches are dug along the slope of the entire site to the receiving collector. What is more effective is the installation of drainage in the form of a “herringbone”, where additional outlets are adjacent to the main line. acute angle. With this method, the central trench should be located just below the auxiliary channels.
- The depth of the trenches can range from 30 cm to 1 meter. The slope should not be less than 2 mm at linear meter length. This parameter is important even in areas with a slope, because part of the system can also pass on a flat area.
- A 10 cm layer of sand is poured into the bottom of the trench and compacted. Geotextiles are laid on top of it, the edges of which should cover the channel walls with a margin. Next, crushed stone is poured with a layer thickness of 10-20 cm.
- Placed on a gravel bed polymer pipes with perforation, they are connected. The pipes are covered with a layer of crushed stone, and the finished system is covered with geotextiles. The entire “pie” is covered with sand and soil.
Design of a site with a slope
Mastering a complex landscape is fraught with certain difficulties. But this should not be an obstacle. A competent approach to landscaping work will lead to enchanting results.
Plot with a slope photo
- Elevation differences make it possible to realize the most daring, original ideas. Alpine design is best suited for these purposes. The highlight of this style is the use of rough-hewn stones and a large number of delicate and bright colors. With the help of these 2 elements, the maximum number of tasks is solved:
- zoning of the site is carried out;
- boulders and plants serve to strengthen the slopes;
- promote snow retention;
- perfectly decorate the entire space.
- Planting green spaces should be carried out based on the rule - the lower the point, the higher the plants. That is, it lands on the top of the slope low-growing varieties, in the lowlands - bushes and trees. This placement will help visually level the terrain.
- The entire area of the site must be planted. Between the beds and fruit trees in empty areas, a lawn or ground cover plants (ivy, barberry, Japanese quince) are planted. In addition to the aesthetic component, they will protect the soil from washing out.
- In hilly areas it is impossible to do without paths and stairs. They should be as comfortable as possible, since you will have to move around them more than once during the day. It is recommended to make the width of the paths and the height of the steps of the stairs the same throughout the entire territory; this approach will help to avoid injuries.
- The paths are arranged on a conditional basis flat surface. To visually smooth out the difference in heights, they are made tortuous.
- Stairs and steps are necessary on steep slopes. If the slope is very large, then railings are installed on at least one side. The optimal tread width is 25-30 cm, the riser height is 15 cm. The slope of the entire structure should not exceed 45°.
- If the flight of stairs is long, then rest areas are built, from which you can change the direction of ascent. The presence of more than 10 steps requires a concrete base, which will provide stability and prevent “sliding” of the entire staircase.
- Terracing will help to properly arrange a site with slopes. The size and shape of the platforms is based on their purpose, so one width is needed for a vegetable garden, and another for a gazebo with a barbecue.
- Zoning of the site is carried out taking into account its location relative to the cardinal points. Shading is also taken into account; shade-loving plants are planted in such places; a bench for reading can be installed.
- When planning, it should be remembered that the more terraces are organized on the territory, the lower the height of the fortification walls. Accordingly, their construction is easier. Each terrace should ideally be equipped with its own drainage system.
Slope strengthening
Preventing the sliding of a loose mass of rocks is carried out by carrying out various fortification structures. The method of fixing the soil depends on the steepness of the terrain.
- Natural strengthening. For relatively gentle slopes (up to 30°), creeping plants are used to form a decorative cover. Branched roots will create a natural frame. Willow, lilac, and rose hips are planted in the lowlands. Over time, the developing roots of the shrubs will also reliably hold the soil together.
- Geomaterial. An excellent solution would be geotextiles or geogrids. The material is spread on the site and covered with soil. After a while, the soil will twitch and turn green. Such strengthening does not imply a change in terrain. The protective layer covering the material is resistant to adverse weather conditions and chemical influences. The service life of the product is 50 years.
- embankment. Consolidation measures can be carried out using an embankment. But when implementing them, it should be remembered that the embankment occupies a usable area, so it is rational to use it in spacious areas. Another disadvantage is regular topping, that is, after a certain period of time, soil is removed from the base and added to the top of the slope.
- Retaining walls. Walls made of natural materials (stone, wood) look advantageous and practical. The fortification structure will protect the slope from destruction and delimit the space through terracing. They can be installed on hilly terrain with any elevation changes.
- Low walls (up to 80 cm), which play a more decorative role than a functional one, are equipped on our own. The construction of a massive structure, designed to largely prevent landslides of soil masses, should be entrusted to professionals.
- Gabions. Modular designs are widely used by landscape designers. Gabions are easy to install; they are filled with pebbles, coarse crushed stone, and rubble stone. You can fill the voids between the material with earth, and then in the spring, the unaesthetic mesh with cobblestones will disappear behind green growth. Modules are purchased from the manufacturer or made from wire yourself. Stone walls with sprouts sprouting give the area a noble, visually aged appearance.
- When designing reinforcement structures, the forces acting on overturning and shearing are calculated. Strength and durability are given to the walls through a foundation, the thickness and depth of which depends on the height of the supporting wall, its purpose and the type of soil.
- The supporting part of the wall resists vertical loads. The presence of a drainage system during the construction of walls is mandatory. It will prevent rain and melt water from washing away the base of the wall.
- The most commonly used material for building walls is stone. Artificial or natural boulders can be laid either with or without mortar. With the “dry” masonry method, soil is laid in the voids and sown with seeds. Unfortunately, the lack of mortar makes the wall not very reliable design during prolonged rains and during spring floods.
- Brick is also particularly popular. The clinker masonry may be loose or dull. The material allows you to build walls of any configuration, winding and zigzag shapes.
- Wooden elements fit harmoniously into the surrounding landscape, but due to their special characteristics, their use as a fortification structure is not advisable. Of course, treatment with special preparations will extend the life of the wood, but again, this is only temporary protection. This design requires regular maintenance.
- If, when constructing walls made of stone and brick, the height of the structure should not exceed 70 cm, then the use of concrete allows a similar figure of 3 m. Here you can use concrete slabs, manufactured in a factory, or pour concrete mixture into the prepared formwork.
In conclusion, I would like to summarize some results:
- a plot of land with difficult terrain will be cheaper, but the costs of its development will be noticeably higher than on a flat area. Conclusion: no savings;
- extensive work on tying a residential building to the terrain, the location of recreation areas and beds are fully compensated by the general original look plot. Conclusion: the difference in heights gives more possibilities for implementation non-standard ideas than flat terrain.
In this article we will offer you ideas that will help you arrange a site that has a noticeable slope. We hope that our tips will help you turn the presence of a slope from a disadvantage into an advantage of the site, its highlight and the most noticeable element of landscape design.
Usually flat terrain is positioned as the main advantage adjoining plot. In fact, on such a plot it is easier to carry out construction and landscape design; you can choose any project you like.
However, if your plot of land has a noticeable slope, you should not give up and assume that nothing can be done about it. There are several options for turning a slope into the most beautiful element of the plot. We will offer you the most interesting of them in this article.
When developing a site with a slope, we must not forget about convenient routes of movement. If the slope is very noticeable, of course you can’t do without ladders and steps
1. Deck
A real deck can be built over a slope using decking boards. From this site it will open beautiful view, and the deck itself will be an ideal place for relaxing in the fresh air. Most often, such sites are arranged near the house, but they can be built in any part of the garden that differs in slope.
The deck can be supported on pillars or a solid concrete foundation. A decking board is used that perfectly withstands all temperature changes and is not afraid of moisture.
On the deck rising above the site, of course, there will be garden furniture, which will allow you to turn open area to a cozy area for family dinners outdoors
2. Alpine slide
This element of landscape design traditionally rises above the site and when arranging an alpine hill, it is usually necessary to make an embankment. So why not use a natural slope, which will be an ideal location for such a “stone flowerbed”.
To create an alpine slide, flowers are used that feel good on rocky soil and slopes and strengthen the ground. This arrangement will allow you to emphasize the “rocky flowerbed”, highlighting it from the surrounding space
3. Terracing
Have you ever seen rice fields located on the slopes on separate steps? The same method can be used in the country. Experts advise creating three or four terraces in areas with a height difference of about three meters. For their arrangement, retaining walls made of concrete, reinforced mesh, stones or boards are used.
Each such terrace can have its own function - on one there will be beds with vegetables, on the second - shrubs, on the third - a flower bed. These will be clearly defined separate zones with their own boundaries, united, for example, by an inclined path, stone or wooden steps. Terracing is done across the slope.
The disadvantage of terracing is that the supporting walls themselves will take up a lot of space, leaving less land for flowerbeds and beds.
Experts advise building the outer side of each terrace with a slope towards the slope to ensure natural water drainage during rainstorms
Metal plates can also serve as retaining walls. In this case, professionals advise adding natural materials and elements, for example, large boulders, which will soften the coldness of the metal
Gabions can be used as a retaining wall on a sloped area
4. Stream and waterfall
If your site has a slope, this is an excellent opportunity to create artificial stream or waterfall. To do this, you won’t have to build an embankment or worry about water drainage; everything will happen naturally. A water cascade can also decorate a retaining wall supporting one of the terraces.
The slope is already there, all that remains is to take care of the bed of the future stream and think about where exactly your future river will flow
A cascading stream on a slope, surrounded by lush juniper thickets, looks very natural, it seems created by nature itself
5. Vertical garden
On a site with a slope, the most noticeable part will, of course, be the top wall or fence. Its design should be given special attention, for example, creating a beautiful vertical garden.
Along the most prominent wall at the top of the site you can place tall plants in flowerpots or pots. You can also use vertical gardening techniques on the wall itself. Climbing plants such as virgin grapes, honeysuckle, common ivy or vichi grapes are ideal.
6. Observation deck with bench
A site with a slope usually does not offer places to relax - only terraces and paths with steps connecting them. Designate one terrace for a small recreation area - plant a tree there and place a bench in its shade. You will get a beautiful observation deck where it will be so pleasant to sit with a book or just admire your lush garden. Of course, to arrange the viewing area, it is better to choose one of the upper terraces to ensure a beautiful view.
Find a place on the site for a sofa swing or a regular bench and you will get an excellent relaxation corner with a view of the entire lower part of the site
7. Decorative garden
Even a plot with a strong slope is not a reason to give up growing herbs, spices and vegetables. True, you will have to take extra care about arranging the beds. High beds in special flowerpots are perfect.
This plot has a strong slope, but this did not stop the owners from arranging a vegetable garden, which looks attractive and will bring a good harvest.
In the tight space between two stone retaining walls, there will still be enough space for cabbage and herbs
8. “Wild” slope
It is not at all necessary to put your site with a strong slope in perfect order. It is quite possible to leave it in its natural state, providing only a convenient descent and ascent in the form of steps or stairs. And on the sides of the path, let plants that do not require constant care grow, such as crocuses, botanical tulips, mint and lemon balm, bells, St. John's wort, and ajuga.
By the way, all ground cover plants perfectly strengthen the slopes. In addition, for this purpose, you can plant sea buckthorn, brooms, rose hips, lilacs, cotoneasters, Japanese quince- all these shrubs do not require special care and feel great inclined surface holding the soil with its roots.
Who said that a plot on a slope must be decorated with regular flower beds with their clear boundaries and have a “sleek” civilized appearance? Are natural slopes with their wildflowers and shrubs any less attractive?
In conclusion, we note that landscape design experts are confident that it is easier to design a site with a slope when the house is located on a hill. However, if there is no other choice and the cottage had to be located at the very bottom of the slope, do not despair - many of our tips can be used for this location, which is considered the most unfavorable.
In general, many professionals are convinced that flat terrain is too boring, but a natural slope can be used “to the fullest”, turning it into an unusual beautiful place. Try it, perhaps after completion of the work you will also be convinced that they are right!
