Hillside Landscaping Ideas

Forest Frolic

A gentle slope relies on shade-hardy plants for textural interest.

• Big brush strokes of color -- from the same plant -- draw up the eye through the landscape; here, a bright red stretch of astilbe beckons at the top of the path.
• A terra-cotta container offers a no-fuss way to integrate additional flowers and foliage along a slope.
• The selection and placement of hardscape materials reinforces the style of a garden setting, as with these free-form stacked boulders at the path's edge.
• Bright blooms of yellow sedum soften the geometric angles of path and edging.
• Wide and deep, the steps offer a leisurely stroll up the hill with plenty of shade-lovers for view along the way, including sedum and lamb's ear.