My brother in-law has a hillside which is difficult to mow. He wants to till it up and sow some type of perennial groundcover which requires NO maintenance. Do you have any suggestions?

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as NO maintenance when it comes to living things.

Slopes and steep grades can be one of the most difficult gardening challenges. As a general rule it’s safe to say that when you are looking at a lot, the steeper the slope the less usable space you will have.

Certainly, there are degrees of slope; a slight slope can be a distinct advantage, particularly if it slopes away from the house to direct drainage away. Shallow slopes can be covered with groundcovers to help hold the slope and terraces and steps can be installed to provide more accessible space.

Medium slopes can be managed with retaining walls and stairs. Keep in mind that creating directional changes and multiple landings will make climbing flights of steps more interesting and enjoyable. Decking may be the best way to compensate for steep slopes. Large plants and trees that bring foliage up to living levels and the use of lots of container planting s can soften hard lines in the landscape.

Construction costs can become considerable when dealing with steep slopes to create usable spaces like splay areas, lawns and pools. A much less expensive alternative is to cover steep slopes with vegetation to control erosion, maintain privacy and reduce maintenance (eventually).

Deciding what to plant and then getting that vegetation established on a steep slope can be the biggest challenge. My first suggestion would be to NOT plant turfgrass on a slope. It is difficult to mow and potentially dangerous.

A better alternative is to plant a variety of plant materials to create interest, texture and seasonal color on your slope. Creative use of other natural materials like boulders or stones can also add interest and reduce maintenance.

Another option is to do what the turf specialists at Valhalla Golf Club do. Use a mix of sheeps fescue, hard fescue and KY 31. This will form an interesting mat of turf that doesn’t have to be mowed at all.

If you have large sloping areas that you need to renovate or plant, it is a good idea to divide it into sections to break up the work. You’ll need to eliminate existing vegetation before installing your new plants. At your local garden center, you will also find products and tools that will make the job easier. You may want to invest in a straw mats or light weight pine straw mulch to control erosion until your plants get established.

Thanks Cindi! I appreciate the variety of ideas you have provided me.