Our crew tackled this steep backyard slope in Ellicott City, for a homeowner who wanted a thriving native plant garden that would help control erosion.

The design included a variety of understory trees, shrubs, and perennials to provide color throughout the growing season. We’re looking forward to seeing the brilliant colors of coreopsis, baptisia, monarda, and solidago intermixed with the soil-holding power of native grasses and evergreens. Over 20 different species of plants were used in this garden, all selected for the site conditions.

When planting on a slope it’s important to figure out the specific conditions of your site. Does the area receive a lot of water or run-off from a nearby downspout? How many hours of sun light does the space receive? Are there existing plants providing ecosystem services or soil retention that should be kept? Is it better to plant all at once or in stages over time? Does the soil need to be amended with compost?

Next comes everyone’s favorite part: plant selection. Choosing a variety of plants including shrubs, forbs, and grasses is essential for garden success. Each plant will work alongside the others, finding its own niche both above and below ground. Some native plants have shallow fibrous roots while others have tap roots that reach down to 10 feet below ground! Planting a variety of species makes the ground more stable, and reduces competition between plants while providing a full season food source for wildlife.