In this article, we will offer you ideas to help you equip 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 zest and the most noticeable element of landscape design.
Usually, flat relief is positioned as the main advantage of the local area. In fact, on such an allotment it is easier to carry out construction, carry out the arrangement of landscape design, you can choose any project you like.
However, if your piece of land has a noticeable slope, do not give up and assume that nothing can be done about it. There are several options for turning the slope into the most beautiful piece of clothing. We will offer you the most interesting of them in this article.
When equipping a site with a slope, one should not forget about convenient routes of movement. If the slope is very noticeable, of course, you cannot do without ladders and steps.
1. Deck
Above the slope, you can build a real deck with decking. This deck will offer a beautiful view, and the deck itself will be the perfect place to relax in the fresh air. Most often, such sites are set up near the house, but they can be built in any part of the garden that differs in slope.
The deck can be supported by pillars or a solid concrete foundation. A terrace board is used, which perfectly withstands all temperature drops and is not afraid of moisture
The deck overlooking the site will of course be fitted with garden furniture, which will transform the outdoor area into a cozy area for family dining in the fresh air.
2. Alpine slide
This element of landscape design traditionally rises above the site and when arranging an alpine slide, you usually have to make an embankment. So why not use the natural slope, which would be the ideal location for such a "stone flower bed".
To create an alpine slide, flowers are used that feel good on rocky soil and slopes, and strengthen the earth. This arrangement will allow you to emphasize the "rocky flower bed", highlighting it from the surrounding space.
3. Terracing
Have you ever seen paddy fields located on the slopes on separate steps? The same method can be used in the country. Experts advise to create three to four terraces on sites 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 distinct 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 retaining walls themselves will take up a lot of space, so there is less land left for flower beds and beds.
Experts advise to build the outer side of each terrace with a slope towards the slope in order to ensure a natural runoff of water during heavy rains.
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 in an area with a slope.
4. Stream and waterfall
If your site has a slope, this is a great opportunity to create an artificial stream or waterfall. To do this, you do not have to equip the embankment and worry about the flow of water, everything will happen naturally. The water cascade can also decorate the retaining wall supporting one of the terraces.
The slope is already there, it remains to take care of the bed of the future stream and think exactly where your future river will flow
A cascade stream on a slope, surrounded by lush thickets of juniper, looks very natural, it seems created by nature itself
5. Vertical garden
In an area with a slope, the most visible part will, of course, be the top wall or fence. Special attention should be paid to its design, for example, to create a beautiful vertical garden.
Along the most noticeable, located at the top of the site wall, you can arrange tall plants in flowerpots or pots. You can use vertical gardening techniques on the wall itself. Climbing plants such as maiden grapes, honeysuckle, ivy or vici grapes are ideal
6. Observation deck with bench
A slope site usually does not offer a place to rest - only terraces and connecting paths with steps. Select one terrace for a small seating area - plant a tree there, and set a bench in its shade. You will end up with a beautiful observation deck, where it will be so pleasant to sit with a book or just admire your lush garden. Of course, for arranging the viewing area, it is better to choose one of the upper terraces in order to provide a beautiful view.
Find a place on the site for a sofa swing or an ordinary bench and you will get an excellent relaxation corner with a view of the entire lower part of the site
7. Ornamental garden
A plot, even with a strong slope, is not a reason to abandon the cultivation of herbs, spices and vegetables. True, you will have to take additional care of arranging the beds. High beds in special flowerpots are perfect.
This plot has a strong slope, but this did not prevent the owners from equipping a vegetable garden, which looks attractive and will bring a good harvest.
In the cramped space between the two retaining walls made of stone, in any case, there will be enough space for cabbage and greenery
8. "Wild" slope
It is not at all necessary to bring 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 such plants that do not require constant care grow, such as crocuses, botanical tulips, mint and lemon balm, bells, St. John's wort, Ayuga.
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, cotoneaster, Japanese quince - all these shrubs do not require special care and feel great on an inclined surface, holding the soil with their roots.
Who said that a site on a slope must necessarily be decorated with regular flower beds with their clear boundaries, have a "sleek" civilized look? Are natural slopes with their wildflowers and shrubs less attractive?
In conclusion, we note that landscape design specialists are confident that it is easier to arrange a plot with a slope when the house is on a hill. However, if there is no other way out 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 such a location, which is considered the most disadvantageous.
In general, many professionals are convinced that even terrain is too boring, but the natural slope can be used "to the fullest", turning it into an unusually beautiful place. Try it, perhaps after the completion of the work, you will also be convinced of their correctness!
Building a home on a hillside or hill is a tempting idea for landowners. There is always a wonderful view from the windows, and the cost of such land is somewhat lower than on the plain. But such sites have a number of features for landscaping.
Features of hilly areas
If you look at the photos of the plots on the slope, then it can be noted that they have a special layout, like the design.
The design of each such allotment requires a special approach, since it is necessary to take into account the specificity of the soil, the angle of rise, and the features of the relief. Work on landscape design is more voluminous and more difficult than out of the blue, as it requires additional efforts to strengthen the soil.
Even if there is no need for design, but you just need a vegetable garden or garden, then the planning must be approached responsibly. This is justified by the fact that over time the soil under the weight of buildings and landings can "move out".
Design ideas
Before developing the design of a site on a slope, it is necessary to inspect it in terms of functionality, and choose a method of strengthening the soil.
One of the most popular options for decorating a site on a slope is terracing. The ledges can be of different sizes, shapes, symmetrically or chaotically located. The appearance of each terrace and its decoration depends only on the owner's idea. The ledges are connected by paths or steps.
On the terraces, you can organize a vegetable garden, a garden, resting places, outbuildings. A stream can run from the upper platform to the lower one. It is recommended to decorate the edges of the steps with the help of floristry or use stones, logs, fences, etc.
The slope can be left unchanged (if there are no plantings or buildings planned on it) by strengthening the soil. Such plots can become a place for a walk.
Strengthening
Strengthening the slopes can be done in different ways. The choice of option depends on the functional purpose of the site, the elevation angle, soil characteristics, and the presence of groundwater.
Planting plants
If the slope of the site is small, then it is enough to plant it with low, perennial plants with a branched root system. In a few years, the risk of soil collapse will decrease to zero. It is possible to build small outbuildings or plant trees on a fortified slope.
Reinforcement with geomaterial
If the degree of rise exceeds 30, then it is recommended to strengthen the soil with geotextiles or geogrids. They are laid on the surface, covered with soil, and after a while they are planted with small plants.
In such a place, something more significant (buildings, garden) will not work, but the soil will not "move out". The landscape design of the site on the slope will make this place ideal for relaxation.
Embankment
It is possible to solve the issue of strengthening the slope with the help of an embankment. This method is recommended to be used only in large areas, so as not to significantly reduce the area of the territory.
Retaining walls
Retaining walls are widely used to strengthen the soil. They can be of different heights and strengths, depending on the material of manufacture.
Gabions
Often in areas with uneven terrain, you can see grid cubes filled with stones and soil. In addition to their direct function - to strengthen the soil, they allow you to embody design ideas.
Perennial (often climbing) plants are planted in the ground, which is in the grid, which, after a year or two, turns the ugly cubes into original landscape details.
Support structures
When planning terraces, it is necessary to decide how to strengthen the slope in this area. For the strength of the sites, support structures made of concrete, stone, brick and wood are used.
Concrete
This is the simplest method, which does not require lengthy and painstaking work. It is enough to make a formwork and pour concrete. In this case, you need to correctly calculate the surface level.
Brick
To lay out a brick structure, you must first make a foundation, and after that - a support using mortar.
Stone
To strengthen the terrace with a stone, there is no need to make a foundation and is spent on mortar (but this is recommended). Stone craftsmen will lay out the material according to the author's idea, observing all the rules of work. The stone in landscape design is beautiful and reliable.
Wood
Depending on the needs, the logs (sticks, boards, etc.) are deepened into the compacted soil or into the poured foundation.
The timber support structure is available in various heights and thicknesses. It is important to pre-treat the wood with a water-repellent agent.
Drainage system
The layout of the site on the slope should take into account such a feature as the accumulation of moisture in the lowland and the erosion of the retaining walls. To avoid such troubles, it is necessary to think over the drainage system in advance. Landscape designers prefer open structures. They are made in the form of streams, decorative gutters, water slides.
There are drainage systems made of water-conducting layers or complex drainage systems with filtration. Any design and soil strengthening, as well as creative ideas can make a non-prestigious site on a slope a beautiful and comfortable place to live and relax.
Photo of the layout of the site on the slope
Quite often, the owners of plots on the slope face difficulties in arranging it. The main question is how to competently organize construction and landscape design in your possessions so that it is reliable, functional, and, of course, beautiful. This article will suggest the most optimal options for solving the problem.
Layout
The first thing that must be done is to draw up a construction plan. When drawing up a project, the following points should be taken into account:
- the slope of the site;
- location of outbuildings;
- rest zone;
- plantings;
- finding storm drains.
The next point in the arrangement will be the maximum permissible leveling of the slope. The most suitable for this would be the terracing method, the use of which involves the removal of soil in one place and its transfer to another. On particularly steep slopes, stubborn walls may be necessary.
Strengthening the slopes
An important condition for this type of site is the strengthening of the slopes. To prevent soil creeping, several types of fortification are used:
Natural strengthening. Creeping shrubs are planted along the entire slope, the root system, which will create a natural frame. The most popular plants are rose hips, willow and lilacs.
Geomaterial. The material covered with a special protective layer is not subject to various harmful external influences. It is laid under the fertile soil layer.
Embankment. Suitable only for areas with a large area, as it significantly hides space. One of the main disadvantages is the periodic filling of soil.
Retaining walls. An ideal solution if you plan to design a site in the form of terracing. You can use natural materials - stone or wood.
Gabions. Modular structures filled with large rubble, stone or pebbles.
Drainage system organization
To prevent landslides, gullies and slope destruction, it is very important to consider the location of the drainage system.
The laying of the drainage system is carried out after the location of all buildings on the site is known, all the necessary earthworks have been carried out, the supporting walls have been installed and a water supply system has been installed.
Basic rules for installing a drainage system:
- trenches are laid along the slope along the entire site to the intake manifold;
- at the bottom of the trench, from 30 cm to one meter deep, a layer of sand is laid (about 10 cm);
- geotextile is spread over the sand, covering the walls of the channel with a margin;
- the next step is gravel is poured (about 20 cm);
- further - pipes are installed and connected;
- another layer of gravel;
- covered with geotextile;
- covered with a non-fertile layer of soil;
- fertile soil is laid.
Getting started with the design
Landscaping of a plot on a slope is perhaps one of the most pleasant moments for its owner. You can use the services of a specialist or just your imagination. Below you will find several design options for every taste.
Deck
The area above the slope in the form of a deck will be an ideal seating area with stunning views. On it you can install sun loungers, organize a dining area and a barbecue area.
Alpine slide
This is a kind of flower bed arrangement, lined with natural rough stone. Plants on the slide are planted according to the principle, the lower, the higher. The main condition is that they must be suitable for growing on inclined surfaces.
Terracing
This type of design requires mandatory reinforcement with retaining walls. The number and size of sites depends on the functional belonging of each of them.
Despite the fact that the retaining walls take up a lot of space with this design technique, it is very convenient if you want to clearly divide the boundaries of your site. The terraces can be connected with paths or steps.
Waterfall and stream
An excellent solution would be the organization of artificial reservoirs. A waterfall can decorate a support wall, and with the right choice of plants that will be located along the stream, you will get the impression of a natural source.
Vertical garden
On the most noticeable wall of your site, you can organize a plant composition of your favorite garden plants and flowers. For the main background, climbing plants are usually used, a bright accent on which will be various flowers planted in pots and located on the wall according to your taste.
Observation deck with bench
An observation deck can be arranged on one of the upper tiers of the site. A wonderful privacy area where you can relax and unwind while enjoying the opening view of the blooming garden. As an option - an open gazebo, entwined with ivy.
Decorative vegetable garden
Even the narrow spaces between the retaining walls can be used functionally by placing small beds in them for vegetables, herbs and spices. They should be high enough and filled with fertile soil.
"Wild" slope
If you are a fan of "wild" nature, it is quite acceptable to arrange the site in this style. It will be enough to equip the ascent and descent in the form of stairs, paths or steps, along which to plant plants that do not require special care.
Choose ground cover plants that will not only give aesthetic pleasure in their appearance, but also strengthen the soil.
To make the final decision on how your site will look like, viewing various photos of the site design on the slope will help.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the arrangement of a site on a slope requires large material and physical costs. But it is precisely such a relief that will make it possible to turn it into a place unlike any other, where you will want to return and receive family and friends.
Photo of the site on the slope
The owners of the site on the slope are in an ambiguous position. Standard techniques for the placement of beds are unacceptable here, and the arrangement of such a site involves significant material costs. However, after studying the existing approaches to registration, the owner most often comes to the conclusion about the advantages of such a situation. The landscape design of the site on the slope will help to develop and translate into reality specialists. The presented ideas are capable of transforming the territory, making it unique, immersing it in the beauty of mountain landscapes.
Strengthening the slopes on the site with your own hands
Improvement begins with work to strengthen the slopes on the site. This will prevent further destructive processes that can damage buildings and landscaped landscaping.
Preparatory actions
When strengthening the slopes, they use various methods and structures. Landscaping allows you to use stones and concrete blocks, biomats and gabions, logs and lawn grates in the preparation of the site. To properly strengthen the slopes, it is necessary to study and calculate the following points:
- how close the groundwater is;
- what is the slope of the slope;
- geological features of the soil;
- is there a danger of erosion of the site when the reservoir is located nearby;
- take into account the soil pressure on the slope;
- decide on the material for strengthening;
- designate an area in need of strengthening.
With a slight slope, it allows you to solve the problem of fixing the soil by planting trees and shrubs with a developed root system. With a significant slope, terracing or the use of geotextiles will be required.
Ways to strengthen slopes
The simplest and most inexpensive landscape design option for strengthening a slope on a site is planting plants with a developed root system. This solution is acceptable if the slope is small and its area is small. Plants are planted in cells that play the role of a reinforcing structure. Further, the developed root system is intertwined with fastening elements and prevents landslides or soil erosion. Juniper is in the lead with this method of strengthening the soil; it is also recommended to plant Chinese blackberries, lilacs and hawthorns.
Slopes at the summer cottage are often reinforced with fences made of concrete slabs, sandstone, brick or limestone. The advantage of this landscape design method is as follows:
a high level of resistance to external destructive factors;
- does not require significant care efforts;
- does not interfere with the growth of green spaces;
- durability of the structure.
Such fences are erected subject to certain conditions:
- a solid foundation is laid;
- the minimum height of the fence is 1 m;
- the thickness of the fence is 1/3 of the height;
- mandatory equipment of the drainage system (water flowing down the slope should not wash away the structure)
- fences are erected from the bottom up;
- it is recommended to build a cascade structure;
- it is necessary to provide a slight slope towards the slope.
Landscaping of the site provides an opportunity to arrange a similar structure with flower beds, decorative stairs, lanterns.
Another option for strengthening the slope on the site is the use of stones and logs. They are dug into the ground, having previously studied the type of soil and the condition of the surface. At the same time, do not forget about the aesthetic appearance of the site and take care of the availability of drainage. This inexpensive landscaping method is acceptable on both small and large slopes.
Modern developments in landscape design suggest using geotextiles in the arrangement of a site on a slope. This product in rolls, consisting of polyester and polypropylene fibers, has the following advantages:
- waterproofness;
- protection of soil from freezing;
- when water converges, it prevents mixing of soil layers;
- plastic;
- has a high resistance to damage;
- ease of laying on the ground.
Another option that is acceptable when developing landscape design on a slope is laying geomats. This waterproof material consists of polypropylene grids, superimposed on each other and connected by exposure to high temperatures. Geomats have the following features:
- do not contain toxic substances;
- UV resistance;
- maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape;
- are not afraid of aggressive substances;
- resistant to low and high temperatures;
- easy to install.
The presented methods of landscape design when strengthening the slope can be done with your own hands or you can resort to the help of professionals. Their choice depends on the preferences of the owner and further plans for the arrangement of the site.
Design options
The landscape design of the site on the slope opens up wide prospects for the realization of vivid fantasies and bold ideas. Considering the need for serious financial investments in landscaping, the approach to planning a site on a slope requires special care and thoughtfulness. The development of landscape design works is necessarily preceded by a study of the technical indicators of water supply and soil characteristics. The location of future outbuildings and recreation areas deserves special attention. Already starting from their location, they plan to build future terraces, flights of stairs, retaining walls and other elements of landscape design. When landscaping a site on a slope, its location relative to the cardinal points must be taken into account.
Terracing
When deciding to use terracing in the landscape design of a site on a slope, give up excessively long retaining walls in a straight line. This design will give the impression of a huge staircase. Landscaping experts recommend placing terraces in chaotic steps or cascades. This will create a painterly general look.
There are winding paths or paths between the terraces, and several steps are designed on steep climbs. Retaining walls on the site are made of various materials: natural stone and brick, wood and concrete. It is better to equip a steep ascent with retaining walls using cement mortar; dry masonry will be enough in a flat place.
Original ideas in the design of retaining walls on the site are only welcome. Avoid straight lines, rounded shapes will provide smooth relief transitions and visually make them less conspicuous. Departure from standard approaches will allow terraces with various functional purposes. Landscaping allows you to locate in separate areas, vegetable beds and plantings of shrubs. Combining them with winding paths will visually create a single picture of incompatible things.
The location of the terrace on wet ground presupposes the presence of a crushed stone drainage dump. It is located between the wall and the ground in a width of 10-15 cm. It is recommended to supplement the masonry with scraps of pipes, which will provide moisture to the outside and prevent it from accumulating behind the retaining wall. The absence of such protective measures will provoke a rapid destruction of the structure.
Arrangement of paths and stairs
An indispensable attribute of landscape design are neat paths that help to achieve an organic connection between the terraces. To ensure compatibility, it is better to make them from a similar material.
Important ! Large decorative elements, whether stones, tiles or circles of a tree, are capable of creating good visibility and a vivid perception of the path.
The winding shape of the path hides the steepness of the slope, while the serpentine, on the contrary, emphasizes it. Following the rules of landscape design of a site on a slope, it is better to emphasize the bends of paths with low trees, shrubs or evergreens. A ladder on a steep slope of the site is required. In width, it can correspond to the path that continues it or be a little narrower, but not less than 60 cm. If the staircase has many steps, it is better to separate them with platforms. It is advisable to equip them in places where the direction of travel changes. With a sufficient size, the playground is decorated with a bench, an elegant statue or an original flowerpot. Landscaping experts recommend that a staircase located in a shady place be made of building materials of a lighter shade.
Remember! The beauty of landscape design must be combined with safety; choose non-slip material for paths and stairs.
Thoughtful landscape design will provide comfort during evening walks with the help of competent lighting. There are many ways to design it, and it will not be difficult to choose an option corresponding to the general style.
Site floristry
Choosing the concept of floristry, the best option for landscape design will be the style of a mountainous area. In this case, the location of the territory relative to the cardinal points must be taken into account. In this aspect, the site on the northern slope has its advantages, in connection with the possibility of decorating it with moisture-loving plants, accustomed to shady location. For the south side, grasses and flowers that can withstand heat and drought are more suitable.
Landscaping is developed in such a way that the planted plants have a different flowering period. Tulips, hyacinths and crocuses will be the first to please the owners in early spring. They can be replaced by decorative bows, Californian poppies and marigolds, and autumn will delight you with bright colors of asters and chrysanthemums. Planting perennial plants will make gardening easier.
Trees on a site with a slope are planted in a special way according to the rules of landscape design. If the house is at the top, next to it are high plantings in the form of thuja, spruce or pyramidal poplar. Barberry or lilac will help to create an interesting composition.
Please note! Planted trees and shrubs should not cover the house.
Lower plants are found further down the slope. Evergreen shrubs and colorful flower beds are capable of giving nobility and sophistication. Juniper, magnolia, boxwood will be appropriate here. The region in which the site is located also plays a role. Therefore, when choosing green spaces, take into account the peculiarities of the climatic conditions of your area.
The basic rules for landscape design of a site on a slope are as follows:
- correctly organize the division into zones;
- equip strong retaining walls;
- protect the site from soil erosion with the help of a competent drainage system;
Do not be upset, you are faced with opportunities that are not available to the owners of ordinary sites. Your imagination and our advice will help you create a distinctive and original example of landscape design.
Positive and negative sides of the slope plot
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 site 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 an alpine slide, waterfall or cascade;
- if the summer cottage is located on the southern 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 of green spaces and high crop yields.
Nevertheless, in addition to the pros, the dacha on the slope also has disadvantages:
- on the ground with a steep enough 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 linger for long, flowing down the hill;
- plants on the northern slope may receive insufficient heat and light, which will lead to 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 soil areas can lead to erosion and landslides;
- daily movement on the slope is physically tiring;
- small children should not play on a steep hill, so care must be taken to ensure their safety.
Features of the design of inclined land plots
The summer cottages located on the slope are unlike each other. All of them differ in different elevation differences, which makes their landscape unique and distinctive. 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 in a similar cottage is located on top of a hill. This arrangement greatly simplifies the work with the terrain.
- The planning of the site on the slope must necessarily take into account the characteristics of the soil and the technical features of the water supply. You also need to take into account the location of the slope relative to the cardinal points and the wind rose.
- First of all, you need to plan the location of utility structures and recreation areas, and only after that determine the position of all other structures: terraces, stairs, retaining walls and other elements.
- All measurements and calculations should be carried out with special attention and care - this will avoid unnecessary financial costs.
- When landscaping a slope, you should be careful with the lower layers of the soil. They must not be moved or interchanged, as this can lead to soil erosion, which in turn creates a danger to garden structures.
Plot on a slope, landscaping
The significant slope of the suburban area creates the preconditions for the designer's flight of imagination. The height difference can be beautifully beaten when decorating the site, which will subsequently give an interesting, unusual and unique result.
Too steep slope of the soil makes it problematic to move around the territory and creates inconvenience in everyday life. In order to solve such problems and make living in the garden comfortable, it is necessary to build terraces, retaining walls and stairs on the slope. Among other things, you should pay attention to soil moisture. In sloping areas, the land is usually drier and for good plant growth in such a garden, special attention should be paid to irrigation systems. In order to avoid flooding of buildings with storm water, drainage must be laid on the site.
Let's take a closer look at various landscape design activities:
Terracing the site
For the decoration of lands with a slope of more than 15 °, such a technique as terracing is perfect - the creation of special horizontal platforms reinforced with walls. The size of the plot and the degree of its steepness directly affect the number and height of the terraces. The platforms are connected with each other by means of stairs, which are in harmony with the retaining walls.
The creation of terraces requires a lot of work, time and money, but the effort spent will not be wasted: after a while your summer cottage 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:
- protecting the soil from soil erosion and creating an optimal system for removing unnecessary moisture;
- ensuring convenient and safe movement of the owners of the dacha along the slope;
- creation of recreation areas, a garden and a vegetable garden 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:
- To begin with, determine the degree of steepness of the slope. To do this, the difference in height is divided by the horizontal base.
- After that, the location of the terraces is marked on the site. The size of each site should be sufficient to accommodate a house, an outbuilding, a garden, a flower bed or a bed on it.
- Then they carry out geoplastics - artificial creation or change of the terrain. At the same time, the upper terraces are first built, gradually dropping down. The ground cut from above is the basis for creating the underlying plots. The height of the terraces can reach 1.5 meters, but do not forget that the creation of high retaining walls will require considerable financial costs.
The construction of terraces is a creative business. You can arrange them in one row, staggered or asymmetrically - the choice depends on the desire of the owner of the land. The design of the site on the slope, the photo of which is presented below, is an example of asymmetric terraces:
Create retaining walls
Retaining walls are not only a way to strengthen terraces, but also a decorative element. What subtleties need to be considered when building 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 orientation of the garden. For example, retaining walls made of beams or logs will perfectly fit into the rustic style. A brick design with wrought iron elements is suitable for a modern-style garden, and a plot with an emphasis on natural beauty will look wonderful in a frame of natural stone.
- Materials for creating retaining walls can be very diverse. For structures that are small in height, sheet metal, wood, stone or reinforced concrete are suitable. Metal and wood must be treated with paint or varnish to protect against moisture.
- The stone wall can be dry-folded or used for anchoring with a cement mortar. In the first case, the height of the structure should not exceed 1 m, it is better to lay out 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 make an exterior wall decoration using paint, tiles or natural stone.
- In order for the wall to stand firmly and serve for a long time, at the beginning of its creation, a reinforced concrete or rubble concrete foundation is laid.
Drainage system creation
Suburban areas with a slope are susceptible to soil leaching due to spring floods or heavy rains. In order to avoid such a nuisance, drainage is being laid on the territory. It is a pipe system made of metal or asbestos cement that is laid at the bottom of the wall. Sometimes the pipes are replaced with filtration holes.
It is possible to use water from the drainage system with benefit. For example, accumulate it in suitable containers and water the plants or filter it for the pool, if there is one on the site.
Construction of stairs
As a rule, in areas with a steep slope, the terraces are connected to each other using stairs. They not only make movement around the country house comfortable and convenient, but also are an element of the overall design. In order for these structures to harmoniously fit into the overall picture of the garden, special attention must be paid to their construction.
- The dimensions of the steps do not have to be in accordance with accepted standards.
- An affordable option can be a staircase made of wooden blocks or boards. In this case, the riser is made of a board installed on the edge, fixed on the sides with wooden pegs, and tightly compacted soil serves as a tread.
- 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 a wooden formwork.
- If the staircase turns out to be too steep, a convenient handrail should be installed on at least one of its sides.
- Too many steps are best broken into spans of 8-10 pieces, between which there will be rest areas during the ascent. For greater comfort, benches can be placed between the aisles.
The plot 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 slope site
Since the sloping terrain is an excellent viewing platform, a beautiful garden will look especially impressive on it. Alpine slide, various flower arrangements, artificial waterfalls and cascades - all these opportunities open up to the owner of the site on the 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 quite solvable. The stones can be used as a natural material for the design of retaining walls, and the land plot itself on the slope can be covered with a layer of imported black soil.
Design ideas for a relief area
- In a relief cottage, you can grow a lawn. If the slope of the terrain is too steep, it will be quite difficult to do this, but on the slope, the grass and plants will anchor 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 areas covered with terry green carpet will look impressive when viewed from above.
- The sloping terrain is an excellent soil for creating a rockery - an ornamental garden of stones. Here you can also place a rock garden or simply beautifully decorated flower beds. All planted crops will grow remarkably on a slope if horizontal holes are made under them, reinforced with boards. On the terraces, the plants will feel even better, and the height differences will provide a beautiful play of sun and colors.
- An artificial reservoir is another trump card of the site on the slope. Waterfalls, cascades and streams will fall beautifully from the top of the hill, and a quiet, cozy lake can be located on the terrace area.
- Cobbled platforms and staircases, winding serpentine among the greenery, are an important decorative element of the overall composition.
- Junipers and ground cover crops can be used to decorate the slope. They are able to grow across the territory with a variegated carpet, and also successfully hide the flaws in construction.
You can learn more about decorating a summer house on a slope by watching the following video: