Casual, Colorful Front Yard on a Sloping Lot

No Lawn, Just Easy-Care Plants and Stone

Virginia and Murray Davis replaced turf on their angular, sloping Piedmont lot with a decomposed granite and stone entry. Landscape architect Bob Cleaver laid out the garden; Shari Bashin-Sullivan and Richard Sullivan created a purple, green, and white planting scheme. Tall azara trees frame the door and soften a long wall. Below: Erysimum 'Bowles Mauve', purple Verbena Tapien, white 'Iceberg' and 'Flower Carpet' roses bloom long-season. Downslope, creeping red fescue needs mowing once or twice yearly. Large boulders and cascading groundcovers give volume and a relaxed look.

Tips for Sloping Front Yards

• Use large boulders/stones for retaining walls.
• Create paths or patios on upper and lower levels.
• Choose medium shrubs (3–4 ft) and cascading groundcovers like 'Flower Carpet' roses.