How to achieve a level in the garden on a slope?
Two options are available to create a flat living space on a slope. J The first variant is retaining walls. Although they are more expensive, they offer many possibilities of use. You can easily incorporate lighting into them or use them to grow palmetto-shaped fruit trees. In addition, the structure of stone or concrete will create a unique atmosphere in the garden. The second way is the slope. Although this is a financially less demanding option, you are limited by space, especially in small gardens.
In the garden in Beroun "above the river" we achieved flatness with the help of light stone walls and southern orientation, and the planting of pine trees and other light-loving plants evokes a Mediterranean atmosphere. Only instead of the sea, the owners have a view of the Berounka river.
What should you pay attention to when designing a garden on a slope?
You must allow for possible erosion and take into account local drainage conditions. In our implementations, we often use reinforcement by biotechnical measures, e.g. in the form of coconut mats. The coconut mat holds the slope until plants grow here, which then strengthen the slope with their roots and the mat gradually disintegrates. But the general rule does not apply, it always depends on the specific plot of land and its slope. If it is a very steep slope, technical reinforcement with geogrids will also serve well. Another example that you probably know from strengthening pond dikes is woody plants that season well. In addition, the woods provide pleasant shade on hot summer days.
What are the benefits of a hillside garden?
In the previous paragraph, we described aspects that you must not underestimate when designing a garden on a slope. However, hillside gardens often have breathtaking views. A south or southwest orientation is also suitable for fruit trees. It is the views that can be decisive for the placement of individual functions in the garden.
We solved the sloping and, moreover, narrow garden in Beroun by the terraced house with walls and slopes. The view of the garden from the living room essentially replaces the painting and functions as a year-round changing painting canvas.
But what should you not forget?
Individual functions (playground for children, terrace with dining table, swimming pool and others) should not interfere with each other. At the same time, be aware that running up and down the garden all day - whether on a slope or on steps or stairs - will easily and quickly poison you. Therefore, we recommend placing individual places in a logical sequence or in the immediate vicinity of the house.
You can see how we solved the slope by combining walls and sloping in the garden in Počaple. An interesting element is the slide, which thanks to the slope blends in beautifully with the terrain.
