A gathering place for vegetable gardeners & allotmenteers

Coping with a sloping garden

I've got a very steep slope in my back garden and have trying to tackle it by replacing the original steps created by the builder with longer deeper steps. I've recycled old posts and conifer trunks to make the steps but now need low maintenance ideas for the step surface. I was thinking of some sort of hoggin, any ideas how to firm it down so that it stays in place? Also planning on fitting a slide on the slope any technical advice appreciated!!
See the before and after photos...

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Permalink Reply by Ian on April 19, 2008 at 10:54pm: Hi Lucy,

I have never used hogging but I have made some paths by just putting about 4 inches (100mm) of white stone on top of a plastic weed barrier. The plastic barrier prevents a lot of weeds although you still need to weed them from time to time. I was going to post a picture but went down to the path and was too ashamed at the level of weeds that have grown this spring!!! I will weed and then post a photo for you. The white stone seems to help local planting as well by reflecting light around.

I'm not sure how high your top level is but

http://www.justoutdoortoys.co.uk/store/category/7av2/Slides.html

have a great selection of children's slides for platform heights of 1.2, 1.5 and 2.1 metres.

They also have a tp Fun Ride (aerial runway) which I think would be a real winner with any kids!

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Permalink Reply by Lucy on April 20, 2008 at 8:57am: Thanks I'll take a look. The white gravel sounds a good idea.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ian on April 20, 2008 at 9:38am: Our local stone is a chalk/limestone which is what I used. I'm sure you could get some from a local quarry. I used a size of 50mm to dust. Apparently, it's a size that isn't used much so the quarries have a lot of it - making it relatively cheap. The rain washes the dust down into the mix and beds the larger stones and leaves you with a great path.

Ian; ▶ Reply to This