CASE STUDY
A Tiered Garden in Kent
Transforming a Steep Slope Into a Usable Landscape
When our clients approached us, they faced a familiar challenge: a rear garden with a steep, awkward slope that limited how the space could be used. Instead of seeing an obstacle, we saw an opportunity—an opportunity to create structure, improve access, and introduce year-round planting that could be enjoyed from the home.
Turning a Slope Into a Feature
The natural incline of the garden offered the perfect setting for a tiered design. By installing gabion retaining walls, we were able to carve the steep slope into a series of usable terraces. These walls provide excellent stability, require minimal maintenance, and bring a contemporary, textural aesthetic that blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape.
Each terrace creates its own level of interest, allowing the clients to enjoy the garden from multiple vantage points while ensuring that the space feels open, balanced, and inviting.
Pathways That Blend Beauty and Practicality
To make every level accessible in all weather conditions, we introduced hoggin paths edged with Corten Steel.
Hoggin offers a natural, rustic appearance while remaining firm underfoot.
Corten Steel edging provides clean, modern lines and a striking contrast to the greenery and gravel textures.
The combination also ensures excellent drainage, preventing erosion and helping maintain the longevity of the terraced structure.
These pathways guide the eye—and the visitor—through the garden, creating rhythm and flow between the different tiers.
A Living Wall of Colour
The terraced layout gave us the opportunity to design a layered planting scheme. Perennial beds are staggered up the slope, providing a dynamic, ever-changing backdrop visible from both the garden and the home.
We selected hardy, colourful perennials to ensure:
Seasonal interest all year round
Textural contrast and depth
Pollinator-friendly planting for increased biodiversity
The result is a vibrant display that acts almost like a living tapestry, drawing attention upward through the garden and softening the architectural lines of the gabion walls.
A Garden Reimagined
What was once a difficult, underused slope has become a multi-level garden full of structure, character, and colour. By combining robust materials with thoughtful design, this Kent garden has been transformed into a practical, beautiful outdoor space that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons.
If you’re facing similar challenges with a sloped garden or want to explore terracing options, we’d be delighted to help bring your vision to life.