Tips for gardening on uneven ground
<p>The unique attributes of a sloping site means there are numerous benefits for gardens on a gradient.</p>
<p>Not only can a sloping site help enhance the visual appeal of your property, it can also have enormous benefits when it comes to collection and storage of rainwater.</p>
<p>Access on steep sites can be difficult but grading terraces, paths and driveways into the slope will make it easier. Zigzagging paths and driveways reduce the severity of a slope and steps can be an attractive feature.</p>
<p>Flat stone or rock creates small changes in level and, incorporated with gravel ramps, is a cost effective way to install a path. Choose surfaces with good traction to prevent slip.</p>
<p>By placing tanks or a dam at the bottom of the slope, you can collect a lot of water when it rains. Drainage at the base of a slope will help direct and move water away from your house if your house is at the bottom of the slope.</p>
<p>Drainage at the top of the slope will prevent a waterfall in heavy rain. For best results, dig a large trench and backfill it with coarse sand to assist with drainage near your house and connect the outlet to your water storage system.</p>
<p>Planting a slope will help stabilise the ground and enhance the beauty of the block. If your house sits at the top of a slope, plant to help draw the focus to it.</p>
<p>Plants with vertical attributes will help do this. Anything from grasses to plants with vertical flowers such as Kniphofia (hot pokers) can help draw the eye to the top of a slope.</p>
<p>If you want to hide your house among foliage, plant some trees on the slope, which will help stabilise the soil and give you a privacy buffer.</p>
<p>For the best erosion control, a mix of trees, shrubs and grasses is best as this will slow the movement of water down rather than create a water slide.</p>
<p>Any areas that run the risk of erosion can be stabilised using geo-textile material planted with native grasses.</p>
<p>A thick cover of mulch will also help to reduce erosion. Ask your local council for the best plant species in your area for erosion control.</p>
<p>Do you have any gardening tips you’d like to share with us? Post them in the comments below.</p>
<p><em>Written by Jim Fogarty. First appeared on <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Domain.com.au.</strong></span></a></em></p>
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