If your garden slopes up or down, depending on the steepness of the slope, you have a problem, but also an opportunity. These ten landscaping ideas are by Kelly Roberson which I found over at the Better Homes and Gardens website. Starting with what she describes as Forest Frolic we progress through Slope Approach, Steady Incline, Soothing Slant to Style Cred. This is how Kelly describes her selection.

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.
  

  Slope Approach

  Pretty plants and trees make quick work of a steep incline.

  • The design of a slope is as much about the approach as it is about the angle of the hill; here, a grass path sinuously curves around plantings to draw visitors toward the stairs.
  • Retaining walls present a garden conundrum: How do you dress them up without them looking fussy? A series of simple metal trellis and flowering vines does the trick here.
  • With no spot along the slope for a resting spot, a bench offers a breather before the rise of the stairs.
  • Shrubs and trees such as a full moon maple maintain year-round visual interest.
  • Restrained yet elegant plants, including hostas, roses, and coralbells, provide a cohesive visual style.
    

    Steady Incline

    A hillside garden relies on uncomplicated plants and a straightforward path.

    • A switchback path makes quick work of a steep hillside and helps reduce erosion.
    • A path’s design can add visual interest to a landscape; here, the flagstones are mortared into place in an understated pattern.
    • To shorten the approach to the boathouse and dock, the path neatly segues into a series of steps at key curves.
    • Slope safety is key; this simple metal version fades discreetly into background.
    • Ivy works as a vigorous, no-fuss groundcover, with a few shrubs here and there to up the vertical interest.

See more at Better Homes and Gardens
Image source: Wildroof