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4 Solutions for a Sloped Yard

Terraces and plants make the most of a downhill garden. Here are 4 great ideas you can adapt in other sloped yards

Mary Kate Mackey
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Downhill garden

Designing a sloped yard can be difficult. Click through our gallery to see how the right plants can make all the difference.

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Slope-holding plants

Golden ‘Stella de Oro’ daylily, pink-flowering Spiraea japonica ‘Shirobana’, and yellow cinquefoil groundcover provide texture and tenacity ― their roots help control erosion.

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Permeable paving

Flagstone pavers set on a gravel base with spaces between allow rainfall to seep into the soil, rather than run off into the pond at the patio's far end.

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Retaining rocks

Basalt rocks nestled into the slopes base are perfect foils for Sedum 'Autumn Joy'. They also help hold the soil and provide deep planting pockets behind.

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Seasonal accents

Dark maroon Loropetalum chinense 'Razzleberri' carries its color all season long; in summer it pairs well with neighboring yellow Rudbeckia fulgida sullivantii 'Goldsturm'.

Design Ann Nickerson Landscape Design, Hillsboro, OR (503/846-1352)