The planted flagstone stairs offer an enchanting alternative to the entry of a residential home that was built on a hillside.
Design ideas for a traditional sloped garden in Denver with with rock feature.

Over 400 perennials were included in this New Jersey landscape to produce color from early spring through late fall.The residential driveway landscaping is colorful and became an eye-catching front yard design. This driveway designwas done with tumbled pavers. The nice thing about this type of paver is that it has a more stone-like or rustic look. It is also comprised of different colors rather than being one solid color. Design and Photo by Susan Schlenger

Stoney Bank Nurseries, Inc. http://www.stoneybanknurseries.com/ Project Entry: Restoration of Rose Valley Farm 2013 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000 & Over Award Level: Gold Project Description: Rose Valley Farm is an irreplaceable part of local identity and pride as much as it is a testament to the development of distinctive American design and craftsmanship. Our challenge was to restore this historic landscape to former glory while seamlessly blending desired amenities. This landscape architecture restoration project has preserved the work of our predecessors by creating a living document and preserving arguably the finest example of the arts and crafts movement in America. In 1901 Quaker architect William Lightfoot Price founded the Rose Valley Association to save and encourage the continuation of craftsmanship in response to the Industrial Revolution. In support of Price's experiment, Mr. and Mrs. Charles T Schoen purchased the estate and commissioned Price to transform the existing cottage into an elegant villa. After Schoen's death, Maurice and Adele Saul purchased the property. The property and villa was retained in a family trust after Saul's death in 1974. In 2005, a developer purchased the estate and the twenty-six acres of land that remained attached to the estate with the intent of creating a housing community. The Borough of Rose Valley rarely allows housing developments within its boundaries. The borough agreed to allow the developer to construct a higher density townhouse community with the condition that half of the property remained as open space and notable trees and buildings would be protected and preserved. Our company was brought in by the new estate owners with the intent to repurpose the historical artifacts found throughout the site and to restore the gardens to their previous state of glory. The developer gave the estate owner permission to remove any salvageable stone and plantings that would be lost in during construction. In addition to the many salvaged shrubs and trees, over 20 mature trees from our nursery were hand selected and transplanted onto the estate. The result is a landscape that responds to the age of the house while providing critical screening from the surrounding development. Trees shading the formal gardens and untamed undergrowth swarming garden bed remnants were proof that the gardens had not received any maintenance for at least ten years_ Garden beds were purged and then reinstated by adding new boxwood varieties that are more resistant to the diseases that were crippling existing boxwoods. Transplanted peonies and irises now burst into bloom around the repaired central garden fountain in springtime followed by an array of lilies and lavender in the summer. A spectrum of over 120 different plant species was selected for the estate in order to provide year round interest. Amsonia's lavender blue flowers steal the show early in the spring and its leaves celebrate autumn by turning a brilliant yellow. Different daylily species were chosen with staggered bloom times to enlighten the gardens with their colorful manner. Japanese Stewartia was selected to enhance the diversity and compliment other mature trees as it decorates the landscape throughout the season with flowers, foliage, and intricate bark patterns. The remnant stone foundations of the original pump house were not feasible to restore but held the old grindstone from the mill on the property. The mill grindstone was relocated by crane and incorporated into a new water feature in the formal gardens. The foundations of the pump house were transformed into a ruin garden with multiple water features and lush plantings. Large Haste leaves create a backdrop for the finely detailed leaves of ferns growing from cracks in the stone walls. Eroding slopes near the studio guest house threatened its longevity and needed to be stabilized. More than 400 tons of large boulders were brought in to stabilize the steep bank near the studio building. A crane was used to lift the boulders as each stone was individually placed into the bank. Gro-low Fragrant Sumac and Cutleaf Stephanandra were especially useful in retaining soil on the steep bank while providing wonderful interest throughout the seasons. Any visiting guest will feel at home with their own private gather spaces connected to the studio. Views of the landscape are enjoyed off the back grilling patio of the studio guest house. Native Switchgrass and Northern Sea Oats are planted in the nearby embankment. They rustle in the wind all summer long and come fall highlight the landscape with seed heads. Pink Muhly Grass contrasts against the yellow leaves of Yucca filamentosa 'Golden Sword' as they mark the staircase that descends the hill to the observation terrace. The seamless blend of old and new features on the site was possible through the dedication of the new owners, designers, arid laborers working to preserve, restore, and enhance the works of outstanding craftsmen created a century ago. The result is a residence in which the sole purpose of its existence is to display and preserve one of the finest arts and crafts estates in the country. This landscape architecture historical restoration project has actualized the grace of a mature landscape in a modern era. Photo Credit: Stoney Bank Nurseries, Inc.

Steep, steep slope below a Sausalito home with dramatic views. New plantings include a combination of CA native trees and shrubs, succulents, euphorbia, new zealand flax, rubus ground cover, native grasses/grass-like plants. Designed to provide erosion control and dramatic plant textures, structure and colors when viewed from the decks above. Photos and Landscape Design © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design. http://www.digyourgarden.com

Hively Landcapes http://www.hivelylandscapes.com/ Project Entry: Stairway to Heaven 2013 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Bronze Project Description: Battling age arid multiple sclerosis would not deter these homeowners from a relaxing and interactive backyard getaway. It was important to block the nearby homes from the view, while creating an open environment for neighbors to meet and socialize. Their love for landscaping and birds, needed to be joined with a relaxing water feature that could be enjoyed from desired locations inside the house as well as outside. I wanted to incorporate plants they liked, that would work on such a tough slope, and provide year-long interest. By making the water feature the prominent piece in the garden I had to make it naturalize into the hillside, as if it was always there. By the end, a never ending and insurmountable hillside was transformed into their, "stairway to heaven." This new home construction left little quality topsoil with large amounts of fill soil to stabilize for a successful water feature. Topsoil and mushroom soil were used to amend planting holes for plants, and proper base materials were used for water feature and stairs. Such a steep hill makes equipment difficult to manage. By setting equipment on top of the hill, we were able to drag/winch materials up the hill to put in place. Due to health conditions of the client, navigation of the hill would require a more functional access. Natural steps and materials were the clients desire, and Techo Bloc's Rocka steps filled both needs. The water feature was constructed with a natural stone bridge to cross and flat stones strategically placed as foot holds. The pondless water feature is constructed using Aquascape's engineered system for filtration and flow. Waterfall rocks are from local quarries to ensure blending and natural elements. Plants were selected to have multiple aesthetic features along with a habitat for many birds. Color was necessary from the first bloom on the Phlox to the first snow dancing on the Miscanthus plume. To meet the client's budget, we designed the garden, planted the trees, supplied the plants and placed the plants for the client to install. The homeowner had the railing and smaller steps installed by others. With the clients uplifting attitude and determination they became the ushers of the development to welcome new families into the area. Their peaceful transition became a weekend and holiday hotspot where adults can appreciate the beauty while the children playfully splash each other in the stream. Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease that can confine your life experiences. Their dreams and conviction led to a therapeutic garden that appears to disappear into the sky. This illusion has brought joy to them and others and trademarked their slogan, "stairway to heaven." Photo Credit: Hively Landscapes

Hively Landscapes http://www.hivelylandscapes.com/ Project Entry: Residence on Fairfax Category: Residential $60,000 & Over Award Level: Bronze Project Description: Our clients, Lisa and Mark, approached us to design and install an outdoor living area at their residence. Their criteria were simple: they wished to install a pool and a partially shaded entertaining area, while eliminating the blacktopped parking area behind their residence. They emphasized the importance of preserving the view of the surrounding countryside from their second story windows and deck. They wished the project to be a good value - modest in cost, and not extravagant Lisa has an appreciation for gardening and wanted to care for her landscape on her own, but has limited time. The only request of Mark was a simple cooking area with both a charcoal and a gas grill, and a preparation counter. We suggested a few additional objectives: to create a secure yet dramatic and inviting entrance to the new living area, and to introduce the client to the benefits of creative landscape lighting. A challenge on this property, as on most projects, was to manage the additional stormwater resulting from the impervious paved areas as well as an addition to the home. Wherever possible, the new paving was sloped towards planting areas or lawn areas for natural infiltration. Where necessary, the paving was gently sloped to several floor drains. These drains, along with downspouts, were plumbed to a properly sized infiltration pit. Existing grades were carefully considered and modified as necessary. Another challenge was working around existing sanitary sewer lines, and leaving existing cleanouts accessible yet disguised within the planting areas. The project was designed around an existing water well, which had been abandoned years prior when the residence was connected to public water service. We recommended reactivating the well for landscape use This source was used to supply an outdoor hydrant and a drip irrigation system, which we designed and placed throughout the plantings. While the material choices for the segmental retaining wall and paving were conservative, we used design tricks to add interest. An area rug was created in the pergola area by utilizing a man-made flagstone material with a paver border. Columns with lanterns enhance the retaining wall. The client desired to not see plastic coping or concrete around the pool. We recommended a bullnose paver pool coping. This was installed by one of our own hardscaping crews, using colored mortar. Challenging curves and corners called for precise cuts in the coping and in the paving. A special feature of the new entrance is the gate, which we designed from stock components and had built at a local shop. Dogwood castings and a plasma-cut steel wildlife scene acknowledge Lisa and Mark's love of gardening and wildlife. All other components are aluminum (with recycled content), and the finished product was powder coated for durability. The flying birds were added to the wildlife scene in the shop to satisfy zoning requirements for maximum opening size. Repetition of the block columns and lanterns completes a very secure yet inviting entrance. Aluminum picket fencing was used in visible areas and to complement the gate. The rear and sides of the property received black wire mesh on the existing split rail fence, which was economical and satisfies security needs while blending into the rural surroundings. We designed a landscape planting that would result in color throughout the seasons and create a sense of enclosure without detracting from the desirable views. A large maple was relocated to another location on the property, and a pin oak was protected and preserved. The garden areas adjacent to the pool paving received weed control fabric and gravel, which keeps maintenance low and keeps the paving clean. Lisa has had to do very little pruning, weeding, or watering, and spends most of her gardening effort in planting colorful container gardens. Our clients greatly appreciate the birds and butterflies that have been attracted to the property. During the initial installation, footers for a future shade structure were precisely installed, inspected, and paved over. A custom-manufactured PVC pergola with retractable canopies and roll-down blinds was placed the following season. We recommended and installed a variety of landscape lighting, including lanterns on the columns and on the house (installed by others), and low voltage pathway lights. Low voltage rope lighting concealed in the rafters of the pergola produces a warm glow. We are proud of achieving all of the client's goals as well as several goals that we introduced to them_ We have received many compliments, and have worked with Mark and Lisa on several additional projects.

A steep hillside is turned into a lush landscape using salvias, ornamental grasses, pomegranates and other easy care plants.
Inspiration for a traditional sloped garden in San Francisco with natural stone pavers.

Contemporary outdoor sport court in Seattle.

Kalinosky Landscaping Inc. http://www.kalinoskylandscapinginc.com/ Project Entry: The Waverly Residence 2013 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000 & Over Award Level: Honorable Mention Project Description: The residence is located in an upscale suburban sub-division in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The home was designed by an architect from California and is decidingly modern and abstract compared to neighboring homes. The architect was direct in his charge that the landscape be bold, colorful and modern, similar to projects he has worked on in California where the climate and culture allows. The owners embraced this concept adding only that privacy was important. Our main challenge was to find ways to provide the desired spirited and colorful landscape utilizing cooler climate plantings, and to push the limits on the abstract hardscape design without alienating the conservative community. We believe we have achieved our goals as both the demanding architect and discerning homeowners are extremely pleased with the results. This modern landscape has also been embraced by the community. Relative to site problems and scope, we had extensive drainage issues and encountered solid rock near or at the surface. We hydro-hammered out layers of rock to allow the installation of several feet of topsoil and an extensive network of drain tiles to evacuate water constantly flowing from springs we encountered. The topsoil was stripped from the site prior to the start of construction and stored on an adjacent lot. We utilized a portable screening plant, processing the topsoil and adding about 1500 tons of additional purchased topsoil. We designed a modern and abstract concrete wall system to separate the public and private spaces in the front of the residence. A people court was designed again utilizing concrete walls to articulate this space and provide a private environment for our clients. This space is viewed and accessed from the bedroom and entry areas of the home. We added a simple water feature of appropriate volume to provide sound, and at night illuminated reflecting qualities to the people court. Extensive screening was utilized to softly cloister the home and screen a large solar array that provides electricity for the home. A lush, almost tropical looking planting was provided for a large sunken area to offer relief to the lower living spaces. A rear terrace was constructed of exposed aggregate concrete. Near this terrace is a bold, modem, concrete water feature and a gas fire pit. The gas fire pit was custom built by a firm in Colorado utilizing hand-hammered metal and heat induced patinas. This terrace overlooks the sloped perennial garden. We finished the rear space with a calm stone arrangement emerging from raked pea gravel dry lake. This viewed from a stone bench we constructed of thermalled bluestone. An extensive highly technical lighting system was installed utilizing bronze fixtures controlled by an array of computer linked touch pads throughout the home. An infinitely controllable irrigation system with over twenty-five zones was installed. This coupled to a dedicated deep drilled well provides stability during dry periods. Specimen trees and shrubs were brought in from nurseries throughout the country. We specified only the finest we could find. This has given the site a feel of maturity while being quite young. Photo Credit: Kalinosky Landscaping Inc.

Winner Residential Landscape Construction over 200k - Phillip Johnson Landscapes
Large traditional garden in Melbourne with a garden path.

This colorful landscape design shows just what can be done with a slope! Masses of perennials with different textures and heights add to the interest. This is a real summer splash of color and most of the plants are relatively low maintenance. Originally a very rocky slope, a retaining wall was built using existing boulders (almost hidden by all the plants!) and some of these interesting rocks were left in place. Design and Photo by Susan Schlenger

A very steep slope separated the house from the Willamette River. LandCurrent's expertise in creating grading plans for steep areas and Pistilslandscape craftmanship made this slope into a piece of art. Design: LandCurrent Contractor: Pistilslandscape Photo: Pistilslandscape

Kalinosky Landscaping Inc. http://www.kalinoskylandscapinginc.com/ Project Entry: The Waverly Residence 2013 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000 & Over Award Level: Honorable Mention Project Description: The residence is located in an upscale suburban sub-division in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The home was designed by an architect from California and is decidingly modern and abstract compared to neighboring homes. The architect was direct in his charge that the landscape be bold, colorful and modern, similar to projects he has worked on in California where the climate and culture allows. The owners embraced this concept adding only that privacy was important. Our main challenge was to find ways to provide the desired spirited and colorful landscape utilizing cooler climate plantings, and to push the limits on the abstract hardscape design without alienating the conservative community. We believe we have achieved our goals as both the demanding architect and discerning homeowners are extremely pleased with the results. This modern landscape has also been embraced by the community. Relative to site problems and scope, we had extensive drainage issues and encountered solid rock near or at the surface. We hydro-hammered out layers of rock to allow the installation of several feet of topsoil and an extensive network of drain tiles to evacuate water constantly flowing from springs we encountered. The topsoil was stripped from the site prior to the start of construction and stored on an adjacent lot. We utilized a portable screening plant, processing the topsoil and adding about 1500 tons of additional purchased topsoil. We designed a modern and abstract concrete wall system to separate the public and private spaces in the front of the residence. A people court was designed again utilizing concrete walls to articulate this space and provide a private environment for our clients. This space is viewed and accessed from the bedroom and entry areas of the home. We added a simple water feature of appropriate volume to provide sound, and at night illuminated reflecting qualities to the people court. Extensive screening was utilized to softly cloister the home and screen a large solar array that provides electricity for the home. A lush, almost tropical looking planting was provided for a large sunken area to offer relief to the lower living spaces. A rear terrace was constructed of exposed aggregate concrete. Near this terrace is a bold, modem, concrete water feature and a gas fire pit. The gas fire pit was custom built by a firm in Colorado utilizing hand-hammered metal and heat induced patinas. This terrace overlooks the sloped perennial garden. We finished the rear space with a calm stone arrangement emerging from raked pea gravel dry lake. This viewed from a stone bench we constructed of thermalled bluestone. An extensive highly technical lighting system was installed utilizing bronze fixtures controlled by an array of computer linked touch pads throughout the home. An infinitely controllable irrigation system with over twenty-five zones was installed. This coupled to a dedicated deep drilled well provides stability during dry periods. Specimen trees and shrubs were brought in from nurseries throughout the country. We specified only the finest we could find. This has given the site a feel of maturity while being quite young. Photo Credit: Kalinosky Landscaping Inc.

The extensive front slope and driveways plantings were part of a master plan for this property in New Jersey. Over 400 perennials were used throughout. Emphasis was on summer color. Changing textures and heights between groups of plants add to the beautiful effect. This is a rather low maintenance planting design. All perennials needed to be cut down once per year. Over time as the perennials fill in and cover the ground, it will be difficult for weeds to grow. Deadheading will make for a neater appearance, although this is not necessary. Design and Photo by Susan Schlenger

Kimicata Brothers, Inc. http://www.kimicatabrothers.com/ Project Entry: The Baron Patio 2013 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential Hardscaping $15,000 - $30,000 Award Level: Honorable Mention Project Description: After meeting with the client and visiting the site for the first time we were able to get a pretty good understanding of the overall site. The back yard is a rather small area that was mostly taken up by a cement patio and walkway with a few timber planter boxes that bordered the garage. There was however a small area of lawn but it was in rather poor shape. The client wanted to completely wipe the slate clean and start over with a completely new design. They wanted all of the cement busted out and removed, all of the existing plants dug up and discarded (with the exception of a few), a damaged portion of the fence removed and the entire area completely regraded. Their only request was to leave the existing stacked stone wall at the back of the property in tact and all of the other fencing that bordered the property. they wanted to create an outdoor space that was big enough to entertain a small party without making the whole area hardscape. They also wanted to make sure that a small area of grass was incorporated into the new design so that their dog would have some area to play. After the home­owners had the area re-designed and they recieved a final drawing from the designer, we could begin to do our demolition and installation work. In order to successfully accomplish all of the clients goals along with the designers visions of the new back yard, a lot of re-grading had to occur. This grading would allow for the slope of the new patio and lawn to be very gradual and would eliminate having to build any retaining walls or steps.. The whole back yard sloped downhill back into the foundation of the house. So in order for us to construct a new patio and eliminate water from flowing back towards the house, a drain had to be installed to carry the water off of the patio and into the plant bed. After all of the demolition and excavation was completed we then focused on getting the slope of the patio and walkway just right. We made sure that the slope was gradual enough so a table and chairs could easily be implemented but steep enough to make sure that there would be no flat areas where water would pool. We also took into consideration the final heights of the proposed fire pit and raised planter bed. We decided to make one small change to the original plan with the clients approval. We installed a small raised portion of the patio along the side of the raised planter wall to designate an area for outdoor grilling. As we were doing all of the preperation work before any construction, we also installed a complete Hunter irrigation system for all of the new plants and lawn area Every other aspect of the designers specifications were installed accordingly with the excep­tion of a few material substitutes. After we were able to get the area exactly how we wanted it and the irrigation system was complete, we could start the construction. We used all Techo-Bloc materi­als for all of the hardscapes. Their Inca collection was used for the patio and walkway. Their Mini Creta 3&6 block was used to construct the raised planter wall and was capped with Portifino Coping. The fire pit was their Valencia edition complete with the accessory kit. We sodded the designated area for the lawn and planted all of the speci­fied plants in their proposed locations. The new fence was constructed by a local fencing company where they were able to match the materials to the trellis's and arbor that they installed. After the project was completed, the homeowners were very happy with their new outdoor entertainment space. We were able to successfully accomplish all of their goals and give them the opportunity to enjoy their new back yard. Photo Credit: Kimicata Brothers, Inc.

Front yard design with steep slope plantings.
Design ideas for a garden in New York.

The “handrill” of Corten steel follows the peastone and steel steps down a steep slope to pour into a round basin, emptying into a channel that meanders through the narrow back garden at ground level, ending finally in a boulder fountain. Devised to minimize root disturbance for the tall existing pines on the property, the continuous Corten steel structure is supported by concrete tubes rather than a foundation that would have required extensive excavation. Architect: Wolf Architects, Inc. General Contractor: GF Rhode Construction, Inc. Landscape Contractor: Robert Hanss, Inc. Steel Fabrication: Wovensteel and Richard Duca Water Systems: Pond Creations by Sean Photo by Susan Teare.

PA Landscape Group INC Project Entry: Mountainside Living 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Hardscaping-Residential $120,000&over Award Level: Silver Photo Description: This residence sits on a mountain side, sloping wooded property. Water was an issue flowing down the mountain, so many rocked swales divert the flow. The area which we are presenting is the rear of the house that will be used to entertain family and friends, a place to unwind in the evenings and weekends. We designed the outdoor areas to meet the needs and desires of the owners. When one walks through the breezeway not only to see an expansive valley view, but a relaxing fireplace and living area below where relaxing begins. Walk down the stairway of natural cut stone, you wonder through a landscaped garden onto the living area patio. Looking to your left is the pool with ample hardscape pool deck; large enough for a party or just the intimacy of two. Separating, yet joining the two areas is the grilling island, bar and outdoor wood burning oven. On the other side of the living area we go down a few steps to the raised planters and conservatory/greenhouse where plant are enjoyed from seedling to flower, or one can read a good book. Each area has it’s own personality for conversation or contemplation. The area is surrounded with plantings to provide color or to silhouette on the gray winter sky.

This is an example of a contemporary sloped garden in Seattle with gravel.