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How important are levels in a garden design

Hi all 

Hoping for some advice. 

We have a garden that slopes gently away from the house and is also quite lumpy and bumpy. 

I had a 10k quote for levelling the garden which is too expensive. 

I am wondering: 

1. Can I just level parts of the garden? Is it possible to level a 1m wide and 10m long planting strip at the bottom of the lawn and then plant a yew hedge on this strip. Use egding?

2. Can I dig beds around the lawn and make the lawn less bumpy - but not levelled so that it would still slope. Would I need to put edging around the beds

Thank you 

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    At first reading l don't see why not.
     I have a garden that slopes in several directions (albeit gently). 
    The main problem l find is with the flower beds, and getting the soil level right, so edging is probably a good idea.
     The amount of rain we've had recently has exacerbated the problem in that the slope of the soil seems even more pronounced than usual .

    Any chance of a couple of photos please ? 
  • ViewAheadViewAhead Posts: 866
    My garden slopes gentle downwards.  It's not too much of a problem, although if you want edging going in the direction of the slope, it might be best to use something like bricks rather than a long piece of baton or decking, as the latter may not lie well.  Edging across the slope should not be a problem.

    If getting soil levels looking even is tricky, ground cover plants can help with the visuals.  I'm not sure about the lumpy grass.  Maybe flatten any bumps and reseed.

    Do bear in mind soil that has been dug over or added to will settle to a slightly lower level than when you first disturb it. 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Laura, I imagine you can do whatever you like. Terracing certain areas might be appropriate. I would think that budget and drainage might be your constraints
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    If you can make level grass or paved areas, it usually feels a bit nicer. It's easier to create small level areas surrounding by little banks or sleepers, than large areas which would need retaining walls.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
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