In Greensboro, NC you are bound to be living on property with a slope or two. I consider this a wonderful thing coming from flat Buffalo, NY. Our landscapes have more interest with the varying topography. Here are some suggestions on how to work with the slopes on your properties, maximizing curb appeal and decreasing erosion problems.
Think of a single rain drop falling on a slope of dirt. You can probably picture the drop of water quickly making its way down the slope because there isn’t anything to break its fall or slow its travel time on the hill. Now think of a rain drop that hits a slope full of groundcover. The time it takes to make its way down the slope is much greater and we can’t imagine that drop eroding the soil planted with groundcover. When a raindrop lands on plant foliage, that drop is then divided leaving smaller droplets with less impact upon the ground, decreasing erosion. Some great plants to function on slopes in full sun are:
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Creeping Raspberry
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Abelia
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Cotoneaster
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Juniper
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“Manhattan” Euonymous
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“Wintercreeper” Euonymous
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Creeping Phlox
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“Prostrate” Rosemary
Here is a beautiful slope planted with a prostrate Juniper groundcover. These homeowers never have to worry about watering, pruning or mowing this slope.
Juniper is a very good choice for low maintenance landscapes.
Other plants to try on shaded slopes:
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English Ivy
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Vinca
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Pachysandra
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Mondo Grass
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“Emerald Gaiety” Euonymus
When you are ready to plant your slopes, dig the hole at least twice the size of the plant’s root system and insert the plant upright. Do not dig a hole and insert the plant on the same angle as the slope. Create a shelf when digging the plant hole. When it does rain, this shelf will catch more water than if planted parallel to the slope.
Happy Planting!
Diana Gardner-Williams www.greensborogardens.wordpress.com
Landscape Design and Installation
David R. Hiebert
July 7, 2009 at 2:03 pm
I’m wondering if the varieties of plants that work on the edge of the temperate zone in Buffalo, NY are really appropriate for the much more southern Greensboro, NC? The principles you discuss are wonderful, and I will probably use them in my yard, where I have several slopes that are too steep to mow safely.
diana gardner-williams
July 7, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Hello David,
Thank you for stopping by the blog.
The plants listed in this article are all great for our climate in Zone 7. Yes, make your life easier by turning the sloped areas into plant beds.
Have fun!!
jen
April 6, 2010 at 12:55 am
I have a hill next to my driveway that is washing out. The problem is the area is shady with several trees. What will grow good in the shade? I love the look of the Juniper but I thought they needed full sun.
Diana Gardner-Williams
April 6, 2010 at 10:49 am
Hello Jen
You are correct, junipers need full sunshine
Your situation has many factors to consider; is there enough soil in place to grow a ground cover, what is the desired height, is there a problem with deer
Without knowing anything about your site or zone, I would recommend vinca minor
Thank you for stopping by
Mikeharvey
May 13, 2010 at 11:16 pm
New here, from Toronto, Canada
Just a quick hello from as I’m new to the board. I’ve seen some interesting comments so far.
To be honest I’m new to forums and computers in general :)
Mike
Randy
July 28, 2010 at 1:35 pm
We are surrounded by Lake Michigan and have very sandy soil on the Leelanau peninsula (the ‘pinky’ of the mitten’) in northwest Michigan. One side of our 500′ driveway is flanked by a 6′ to 8 ‘ bank. Mature red pine come right to the edge of the drive on both sides. We need to plant some sort of ground cover that will grow well in shade and help prevent erosion. What plants will proper in sand and not require watering?
Thank you.