An interesting design note - we have seen many companies plan a high wall to handle a steep grade change. TERRACING the slope is not only more attractive, it often allows us to bypass the requirement for a permit-- which lowers the cost and complexity of a project !

Village Victorian

Kerry Lewis Landscape Architecture

Sixteen feet of grade change between the front entry and lower garage created quite the design challenge. These wooden steps traverse the hill from garage up to house.

Landscaping and Masonry

Odd Job Landscaping

Shady Entryway

Blue Heron Landscape Design, LLC

Scott Hokunson

Casual Elegance in Westchester County, NY

Westover Landscape Design

Like most growing families, this client wanted to lure everyone outside. And when the family went outdoors, they were hoping to find flamboyant color, delicious fragrance, freshly grilled food, fun play-spaces, and comfy entertaining areas waiting. Privacy was an imperative. Seems basic enough. But a heap of challenges stood in the way between what they were given upon arrival and the family's ultimate dreamscape. Primary among the impediments was the fact that the house stands on a busy corner lot. Plus, the breakneck slope was definitely not playground-friendly. Fortunately, Westover Landscape Design rode to the rescue and literally leveled the playing field. Furthermore, flowing from space to space is a thoroughly enjoyable, ever-changing journey given the blossom-filled, year-around-splendiferous gardens that now hug the walkway and stretch out to the property lines. Soft evergreen hedges and billowing flowering shrubs muffle street noise, giving the garden within a sense of embrace. A fully functional (and frequently used) convenient outdoor kitchen/dining area/living room expand the house's floorplan into a relaxing, nature-infused on-site vacationland. Mission accomplished. With the addition of the stunning old-world stone fireplace and pergola, this amazing property is a welcome retreat for year round enjoyment. Mission accomplished. Rob Cardillo for Westover Landscape Design, Inc.

Before & After

CLC Landscape Design

Historic house in Centerport

Hoffman Grayson Architects LLP

To replace the steep and narrow flight of concrete steps leading down the terraced hill, the architects conceived of a curved stone stair that descends halfway down to a lounge area with a fire pit. Photo by Glen Grayson, AIA

Hollywood Makeover

Timothy Corrigan, Inc.

Landscaped terraces and lattice fences and arbors are by Accents of France. Photo by Michael McCreary

Misc. Projects

Studio 342 Landscape Architecture

Plant Selections

Traci Miller

Planting by Barnes Walker Landscape Architecture, Manchester

Barnes Walker Ltd - Landscape Architects

This garden fronts a woodland and a large swathe of azaleas have been planted to create a stunning backdrop to the main lawns. Barnes Walker Ltd

details

Stephen Cox-Cox Landscape & Garden Design

This ledgestone walkway provides access to the bottom of a steep slope. The specimens are dwarf spruces, pine and Laceleaf Japanese Maple. The bold texture at the top right is a Cucumber Magnolia that adds a tropical flavor. The Dianthus filled in nicely on both sides to help provide visual stability.

A Perfect Patio with Pizazze

K Morris Landscape Design Inc

Landscape

Sears Smith & Associates, Inc.

Traditional Landscape

Basalt Retaining Wall Detail

Pistils Landscape Design + Build

Native basalt retaining wall utilizing organic shapes.

14" Ledgerock Retaining Wall

Topeka Landscape, Inc.

Retaining wall constructed with 14" ledgerock limestone.

The Settings Hillside

Gardens for Living

Historic Ridgefield

Designs in Gardening

Traditional Sloped Garden Design Ideas

Get Inspired by Traditional Gardens on Houzz

A lot of the time when you get home from a long day at work, all you want to do is wind down. Where better to do this than in your very own traditional garden at home? If you do it right, a great garden design can send you right into holiday mode. But where to start? There’s so many styles to choose from when it comes to garden design. Whether you want to create a tropical, modern, contemporary, beach style or country garden - or something else entirely - the large garden image gallery on Houzz has got you covered. Get inspired and collect your ideas to narrow down your desired garden style and features.

How to Create a Traditional Garden for Your Home

Depending on which style you’re going for, be sure to know what makes a traditional garden and if it’s appropriate for your climate. You may want to consider adding a deck or other landscaping features, but the plants you choose will mostly dictate your style and what kind of ongoing maintenance is required. Don’t worry if your backyard isn’t very spacious - there are many plants that can thrive even in a small space and allow you to turn your space into a little paradise of your own, regardless of size.

Decide which plants to use

The greenery you choose is critical to your look. For example, if you’re trying to create a tropical garden palm trees and bamboo are your go-to options. Other popular options are golden cane palm trees and fern for ground cover. From there you can add some colour with bright flowers like frangipani, hibiscus or bromeliads. All these are actually quite hardy plants, so once established, your tropical garden is actually quite easy to maintain. Use this structure and apply it to your style. Research which plants you need to set your base for a traditional garden and go from there.

Add some decor

If the plants don’t quite do it for you yet, or if you want to add some extra wow-factor, consider adding some extra features. Even if you can’t accommodate a swimming pool, hot tub or pond, you could look at smaller water features. Simple rocks can also have a great effect, while statues and gnomes will add some extra character. Don’t forget to add some furniture so you have a nice place to sit and enjoy your garden!

Need some help?

Once you know what you want your garden to look like, it may be hard to make it a reality on your own. If that is the case for you, consider consulting a professional to help you with your traditional garden design. Every photo you find on Houzz will lead you to the local pro that did the job, so you won’t have a problem picking the perfect person to help! Whether you need a gardener in Brisbane, a landscape architect in Melbourne or a fireplace installer in Sydney, you can be sure to find one on Houzz.