Landscaping Slopes

Landscaping Slopes

by Helen
(Pennsylvania)

Landscape For A Sunny Slope

Here's my question:

I would like to get design ideas to re-do a sloped triangular area next to my driveway. It is about 34' long and 10' high, with a southern exposure. I would like to use two types of shrubs [Barberry and another evergreen) to tie in with the foundation plantings at the front of the house and an ornamental grass variety. I usually keep annuals or spring bulbs planted in the tip near the street.

The problem is that I'm not sure whether to plant in straight lines, group the same type of plants together in three large areas, or mix them all up. I live in western PA so winter interest is a concern - when cutting back the grasses, there will be bare spots. There are some open areas now where some shrubs have died.

Ironically, the ones that have thrived are threatening to grow over the sidewalk or driveway. Please help me to do it right this time!

I've attached a picture.

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May 16, 2008
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Plants for Sun
by: Helen

Susan,

Thank you so much for the suggestions. You really seem to have an understanding of the problem. I haven't been able to get any advice close to yours from my local nurseries!

Your observation of the azalea is accurate & its days are numbered.

I am really impressed with this site and your design advice.

May 16, 2008
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Plants for Steep Slopes
by: Susan

Hi Helen,
Plant in groups and stagger the plants as you would find them in nature.
In addition, you might consider the following:
Looking at your house from the street, place three Barberry up towards
your porch at the left, so they go across the porch, partly. Starting at
the left, stagger them.

As you walk up the walk from the street, right
past the corner planting, do the same thing...three Barberry staggered.
I can't quite see the exact space, size-wise, so you might need more
than three.

Along the slope, plant a mass of Procumbens Juniper. They
get to be a maximum 18" tall and Juniper look nice on a slope. The color
and texture will look great with the Barberry.

Now all that is left is
the area along the walk between the two groups of Barberry. You can
place Fountain Grass here. Make sure you get the tall variety. It will
get to be about two feet or more wide and about 15" to 18" tall. The
shorter ones look skimpy in my opinion.

You might also consider Nepeta
'Walkers Low' in place (or with) the grasses. It has a gray green
foliage color and blooms with pale purple flowers throughout the season.
It will get to be about 30" wide and about 12" tall at the most and it
is very hardy. This also is a perennial.

You can leave the perennial
foliage throughout the winter and cut it back in the spring so that the
bed does not look bare. I feel you will have enough evergreens and this
would be fine.

I hope this was helpful. Oh, one more thing. I think I see an Azalea
along your foundation. Perhaps you could transplant it elsewhere, and
add another Barberry in its place so all looks unified.

Susan

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May 16, 2008
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Submitted by: Susan

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Hi Helen, Plant in groups and stagger the plants as you would find them in nature. In addition, you might consider the following: Looking at your house from the street, place three Barberry up towards your porch at the left, so they go across the porch, partly. Starting at the left, stagger them. As you walk up the walk from the street, right past the corner planting, do the same thing...three Barberry staggered. I can't quite see the exact space, size-wise, so you might need more than three. Along the slope, plant a mass of Procumbens Juniper. They get to be a maximum 18" tall and Juniper look nice on a slope. The color and texture will look great with the Barberry. Now all that is left is the area along the walk between the two groups of Barberry. You can place Fountain Grass here. Make sure you get the tall variety. It will get to be about two feet or more wide and about 15" to 18" tall. The shorter ones look skimpy in my opinion. You might also consider Nepeta 'Walkers Low' in place (or with) the grasses. It has a gray green foliage color and blooms with pale purple flowers throughout the season. It will get to be about 30" wide and about 12" tall at the most and it is very hardy. This also is a perennial. You can leave the perennial foliage throughout the winter and cut it back in the spring so that the bed does not look bare. I feel you will have enough evergreens and this would be fine. I hope this was helpful. Oh, one more thing. I think I see an Azalea along your foundation. Perhaps you could transplant it elsewhere, and add another Barberry in its place so all looks unified. Susan

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