Hillside Landscaping: A Complete Guide to Successful Gardens on Sloping Ground (Paperback)

by Editors of Sunset Books (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
When it comes to slippery slopes, one thing you don't need is a steep learning curve. That's why Sunset is releasing a new edition of its popular Hillside Landscaping book. Hundreds of photographs illustrate just how beautiful hillside gardens can be, accented with elements such as streams, terraces, and boulders. Step-by-step instructions guide you through basic construction techniques for walls, paths, steps, waterfalls, and more. The garden chapter includes top plants and how-tos for rock gardens and water gardens. Whether your slope is slight or imposing, you'll find both inspiration and specifics here. Features:

Extensive design guide features dozens of ideas in beautifully photographed hillside gardens

Guidance on controlling erosion, managing drainage, installing irrigation, and protecting the garden from sun and wind

Special chapter on enhancing your hillside with water features and rocks

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Oxmoor House; Second Edition edition (January 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0376037784
• ISBN-13: 978-0376037787
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #92,406 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Some Very Good Design Ideas, October 24, 2007

By	Captain Latte (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This book has some excellent ideas and design concepts for landscaping those hills of yours. For me, the diversity of colorful photos provided some wonderful ideas when working with my landscape architect. This book has a good section on erosion control and drainage, but probably not detailed enough for more severe grades - in which case you should probably consult a professional. We already hired a landscape architect, but having this book has given us some great ideas and direction for what we want to do with our hillside.

The other reason you may want a professional is that the last section which recommends plants to use for erosion control is not all that useful. In fact, I knocked a few stars from my review because they specifically recommended Hedera (English Ivy) and Hypericum (St. Johnswort) on their Ground Cover list. Both of these species are quite invasive and extremely bad selections, especially in the Pacific Northwest. In fact, Hedera is on our state's Noxious plants list and eradication of Ivy is a high priority. Additionally, some studies have shown that Ivy has little effect on erosion control. It is better to consult with your local nursery or landscape architect on best erosion control plants to use in your specific location as these can differ significantly by zone.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning book for anyone with land..., August 9, 2007

By	Jim Francis "JimFrancis" (Miami/London/Negril) - See all my reviews

So many visual ideas in this book with practical "how to" advice as well! Full of color photo's of beautiful landscaping along with clear instructions on how to do things like stonework, steps, paving, walls, etc. I've just purchased some land on a mountain in a rural location and I'm very glad to have this book. Highly recommended.