Lush Landscaping Ideas for a Hilly Backyard
7062721248 • June 23, 2020
Hillside properties can be particularly beautiful, highlighting a home’s architecture and creating great vistas. They can also, however, present a landscaping challenge. Maintenance can be difficult, and the potential for soil erosion is forever lurking. Here are some solid ideas for landscaping a sloping, or even a downright hilly, backyard.
Break Out in Tiers
Creating several tiers on a sloped property can help manage erosion and give you the opportunity to layer different plants and landscaping elements for a cohesive design.
Build Some Stairs
If you choose to let vegetation cover your sloping property in glorious abandon, impose a little order by building a set of stairs leading up to flatter ground. Whether you opt for a wooden staircase or concrete steps, this garden feature will blend into the landscape far better if it’s surrounded by plantings on either side.
Erect a Retaining Wall
You can make a sloping property more functional by cutting away a portion of a hill and installing a retaining wall to hold back the soil. This is a great opportunity to create a dedicated planting area behind and along the retaining wall, while reclaiming a portion of your yard for an expanse of grass on level ground.
The landscaping industry is evolving, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year of innovation, sustainability, and smart design. Let’s dive into the key landscaping trends we predict will transform outdoor living this year— 1. Sustainable Landscaping Practices Sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern landscaping. In 2025, homeowners are prioritizing eco-friendly choices like native plants, permeable interlocking stones to reduce runoff, and drought-tolerant gardens that require less water. These practices don’t just protect the environment—they also enhance the natural beauty of outdoor spaces. 2. Smart Technology Integration The rise of smart technology is reshaping landscaping. Features like automated irrigation systems, app-controlled lighting, and integrated heating elements are making outdoor spaces more efficient and enjoyable. These innovations allow homeowners to customize their landscapes with just a tap on their devices. 3. Multifunctional Outdoor Spaces Outdoor spaces are no longer just for lounging—they’re becoming extensions of our homes. In 2025, multifunctional designs will dominate, with features like outdoor kitchens, cozy fire pits, and elegant seating areas that cater to relaxation and entertainment. These spaces add value to properties while enhancing the homeowner’s lifestyle. We specialize in creating custom interlocking patios and walkways that are as practical as they are visually stunning. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening, our designs set the stage for unforgettable moments. 4. Climate-Resilient Landscaping Cozy backyard with a hot tub, fire pit, modern lounge area, and grey interlocking stone patio. Weather extremes are becoming more common, making climate-resilient landscaping a priority. Durable materials like interlocking stones, paired with thoughtful drainage systems, help mitigate flooding and prevent erosion. Wind-resistant plants and drought-tolerant layouts ensure that your landscape thrives, even in unpredictable conditions. 5. Minimalist Design with a Natural Twist Minimalism remains a favorite, but in 2025, it’s taking on a softer, nature-inspired approach. Neutral tones, organic shapes, and natural materials like wood and stone are creating spaces that feel elegant yet grounded. This style offers timeless appeal and a connection to the environment. Conclusion: Transform Your Outdoor Space As trends evolve, so does our commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable landscaping solutions. We bring expertise, creativity, and a passion for excellence to every project. Whether you’re drawn to smart technology, multifunctional spaces, or eco-friendly designs, we’re here to make your landscaping vision a reality. Contact us today to schedule YOUR free consultation and explore how we can incorporate these 2025 trends into your outdoor space. Together, we’ll create a landscape that’s not only beautiful but also built for the future.
Wisconsin Gardener’s Tips for June Perennials June is an excellent time to rejuvenate your perennial garden. Start by dividing and replanting perennials like hostas and daylilies, which can become overcrowded over time. This not only helps to promote healthier growth and more abundant blooms but also gives you the opportunity to spread your favorite plants to new areas of your garden. Be sure to water the newly divided plants well and mulch around them to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Adding compost to your perennial beds can significantly improve soil structure and fertility. Work the compost into the top few inches of soil around your plants, being careful not to disturb their roots. Compost provides a slow-release source of nutrients that will feed your perennials throughout the growing season, resulting in stronger, more vibrant plants. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain the neat appearance of your garden. Shrubs For spring-flowering shrubs such as lilacs and forsythia, early June is the ideal time for pruning. Pruning right after the bloom cycle helps maintain their shape and encourages healthy new growth for the next season. Remove any dead or damaged branches to improve air circulation within the shrub, which can help prevent disease. Also, consider thinning out older branches to allow more sunlight to reach the interior parts of the plant. Consistent watering is crucial, especially during dry periods. Mulching around the base of your shrubs helps conserve moisture and provides a barrier against weeds. Use organic mulch like wood chips or shredded bark, which will also decompose over time and enrich the soil. Regularly check your shrubs for signs of pests or diseases and treat them promptly to ensure your plants remain healthy and vigorous. Trees June is a crucial month for inspecting your trees for any signs of stress, damage, or disease. Look for broken or dead branches and prune them to prevent any potential hazards or the spread of disease. Ensuring that your trees are free from structural issues will help them withstand summer storms. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your trees, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Watering your trees deeply and infrequently promotes deep root growth, which helps them withstand drought conditions. Fertilize with a slow-release formula to provide essential nutrients throughout the growing season. This is also a good time to check for any signs of pests, such as unusual leaf discoloration or holes, and address these issues promptly with appropriate treatments. Lawns Maintaining a healthy lawn in June requires a balance of proper mowing, watering, and care. Set your mower to a height of about 3 inches to ensure that your grass remains thick and resilient. Cutting your grass too short can stress the plants and promote weed growth. Sharpen your mower blades regularly to ensure clean cuts, which help reduce the risk of disease. Water your lawn deeply but infrequently, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Early morning is the best time to water, as it reduces evaporation and allows the grass to dry before evening, minimizing the risk of fungal diseases. Aerating your lawn, especially in compacted areas, improves root growth and enhances the lawn’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. Regularly check for weeds and use a targeted herbicide to keep them under control. Source: https://heritagehillnurseryinc.com
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Key Highlights Seamless indoor-outdoor flow: Create functional outdoor living spaces with comfortable seating, outdoor lighting, and fire features for a cohesive look. Add a personal touch: Inject your personality with unique planters, outdoor art, and custom elements that reflect your style. Maximize curb appeal: Elevate your home's exterior with a modern front yard design that leaves a lasting impression. Your front yard is a great chance to show off your home's style and improve its curb appeal. Modern design focuses on simple shapes, a clean look, and a link to nature. By using these ideas, you can turn your front yard into a beautiful and inviting space. This will match your personal style and fit well with your home's design. Source: https://www.shrubhub.com/ And as always, if you have any questions or would like professional input, call us today to schedule YOUR free landscape consultation!
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Gardens are growing, and so are the trends shaping them. From eco-savvy native gardening designs to responsibly sourcing your seeds and plants, our experts share their top trends for 2025. Whether you're a green gardener or green-thumbed pro, these hot takes will provide endless inspiration. Meadow mania
The “meadow” or “prairie” approach to landscaping is blossoming in popularity as gardeners embrace eco-conscious ways to design their spaces. By incorporating native plants like little bluestem, Echinacea, and Rattlesnake Master alongside adaptable non-natives such as Russian sage and yarrow, homeowners are creating vibrant, climate-resilient landscapes. A standout for 2025 is short-toothed mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum), the Perennial Plant of the Year. This native gem is drought-tolerant and a magnet for pollinators—a perfect addition to meadow-style gardens. To achieve this look, start by reducing lawn space and planting a mix of hardy perennials, grasses, and wildflowers in natural groupings. Unlike traditional gardens, this “dry and wild” method requires less water, reduces maintenance, and fosters biodiversity. With its relaxed charm and environmental benefits, the meadow approach is a win for gardeners and ecosystems alike.
Short and sweet Short-blooming plants are lovely additions to gardens, offering a compact, tidy look while providing essential resources for pollinators. These plants work beautifully as borders between garden beds and lawns, helping transition from taller plants to neat, manicured grass. Species like Pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta), Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum), and Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans) bloom in spring, but their fascinating, textural foliage enhances the landscape long after the flowers fade. Adding a blend of low-growing grasses and wildflowers offers a meadow-like appearance, which can be styled to look more structured or intentionally wild. With proper care, this design approach provides vibrant color and texture throughout the seasons, benefiting both the aesthetic of your yard and the local ecosystem.
Milkweed for a butterfly bonanza As the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers listing monarch butterflies as endangered, gardeners have a chance to help save this iconic species. Monarchs continue to decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change, which have destroyed their breeding grounds and reduced milkweed—their essential host plant.
By planting more milkweed, homeowners can create vital habitats to support monarchs and help reverse their decline and ensure these beloved pollinators thrive for generations to come. Above all, if you're interested in maximizing the enjoyment of YOUR yard call us today to schedule your free landscape consultation and let us help you bring your gardening desires to life! Source: https://www.chicagobotanic.org
Just because you have a smaller plot doesn't mean you can't make it stand out. Maximize the impact of a minimal landscape with these small garden, front yard, and backyard garden ideas.
Garden of Eden The wild, earthly, Garden-of-Eden vibe is going to be big for gardens this year. So how do you translate that aesthetic to your own backyard? For starters, try mixing in edible plants with the rest of your landscape—don't just contain them to raised beds. This trend is also all about nurturing nature by incorporating pollinator- and bird-friendly plants, using organic products, and being mindful of soil health.