Designing Large Banked Gardens: Terracing, Water Features, and Lawn Management

Expansive sites allow banks instead of walls for terracing. Paved areas near the house rest on engineer-designed retaining walls. Level paving flanked by grass banks creates a natural amphitheater.

Water Feature Integration

Curved retaining walls can form ponds with cascades, fountains, or classic lion-head spouts—curves amplify water sound. Paving may extend beyond the pool into lawn.

Lawn and Slope Strategy

Lawn stretches to plot end; grading shifts from cut to fill. Gentle grass banks replace walls except at central steps (flanked by walls, tread flush with lawn). Where steps sit deep in banks, grass spills onto treads—use trimmers, not mowers. Hover mowers handle banks and corners best.

Tree Placement

Large gardens accommodate specimen trees effectively—Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' is ideal. Lower lawn seating under tree canopies offers shade and views.

Simplicity in Design

No vegetables, greenhouses, or summerhouses—just trees, paving, shrubs, grass. Paved areas catch sun; shaded seats provide retreat. Clean geometry, borrowed scenery, and water music define the experience.