The picture above offers an idea for the challenge of hillside landscaping. Note how ornamental grasses are used to fill in an area that could easily frustrate your landscaping attempts. As in the prior picture, heavy mulching is an integral part of the hillside landscaping strategy applied here.
This little nook is on a hillside, just off the street. A common challenge in such spots is controlling hillside erosion. Mulching helps check erosion. Not only that, but mulching will keep weeds in check, as well, making for low-maintenance landscaping. As if these benefits weren't enough, mulching around the ornamental grasses will help the soil beneath remain cool, meaning you'll have to water less. And when you do water, the mulch will aid the soil in retaining that water longer.
To learn more about mulching, please consult my FAQ on selecting the garden mulch.
In the next two landscape design pictures we'll look at a popular garden accent -- the ornamental wishing well.