Transform Your Outdoor Space: 5 Incredible 2-Tiered Garden Ideas to Try Now | A Veg Gardeners Diary | WM James & Co. (2024)

31/01/2023 Rob Walter

Transform your outdoor space with these 5 incredible two-tiered garden ideas. From creating a flower bed oasis to creating a cascading wall of herbs and veggies, you'll be able to make the most of your space while adding visual interest. Unlock the potential of your outdoor area and get started with these projects today!

Many people think that a tiered or sloping garden is a lost cause. That it is impossible to create a lush garden. But what we see is an opportunity!

You can transform a two-tiered garden into something extraordinary. With a little bit of planning and research into different 2 tiered garden ideas, you will see that, actually, a sloped garden or two-tiered garden can be a great asset that you can use to your advantage.

From visually interesting terraces to seating areas and carefully positioned planters, you can create a stunning outdoor space.

And how much effort you put into it is entirely up to you! You can create a masterpiece with minimal effort or spend time creating something truly magnificent.

We've put together a list of five simple but effective sloped garden and 2-tiered garden ideas to help you get started and on your way to creating an outdoor area that you can enjoy and be proud of.

1. Create Seating Areas

A seating area is an easy way to use a sloping or tiered garden. Positioning a designated seating area at the top of the slope means you can look down onto the views of your garden and take in the beauty.

You don't need to create a large seating area with a sofa or seating bench – simply add a few chairs and some cushions, and you have the perfect space to relax and enjoy your garden.

Choose outdoor furniture that suits your garden's style and vibe. Rattan furniture is great for a more relaxed, natural look. Alternatively, you could opt for metal furniture to create a chic and modern outdoor area.

A table is a good idea, too, as it's a great place to rest drinks or food, and you can also use this area for outdoor dining. If you have a slightly larger budget, you could use patio tiles to define the area, which will make it look much neater.

If you do plan on creating an outdoor dining space, you could incorporate a small barbeque into this area and create a more centralised outdoor kitchen – great for gatherings of family or friends!

Alternatively, you could position your seating area at the lower point of the slope or tier, so you can look up onto your garden.

2. Carefully Position Terraced Planters

Planters are a great way to make use of the different levels in your garden, displaying all your favourite plants.

Placing terraced planters along the sloping edges of your garden and filling each with a different type or colour of plant will create a visually interesting look and give you plenty of planting space to work with.

You can create leading lines by positioning the planters in a certain way, or you could go for a more eclectic look by arranging them randomly. Arrange colours and textures to create a truly unique look with different heights and levels.

You can use a combination of perennials and annuals for your planters, depending on the area you are creating – if this is an outdoor seating area, then perennial plants may be better as they can come back year after year.

When planting your flowers and plants, make sure you take into consideration the level of light that is required, as you don't want to be planting something that requires full sun in a shady area.

And using the right gardening tools will mean that you can plant and tend to your plants with less effort.

Shop Gardening Tools Here!

3. Install Garden Steps

It may be worth installing some garden steps if you have a steep slope or tier in your garden. Not only do they look really attractive and stylish, but they also provide a way to get around the garden safely.

You can use materials such as timber or stone, depending on the style of your garden and available budget. These will not only make navigating the different levels of your garden easier, but they will also provide a great feature in the garden when combined with planters and plants on either side.

If you want to bring focus to the garden steps, you could place a garden arch over the top of them. This will create a focal point in the garden, as well as provide a great structure to add some climbing plants and foliage – perfect for creating that beautiful English cottage-style garden!

You could also use lighting around the steps to create an interesting look at night and make navigating your sloped or tiered garden easier.

4. Start a Vegetable Garden

Growing vegetables in your garden can be a great way to save money and eat more healthily – as well as be lots of fun.

You can take advantage of tiers in your garden to start a vegetable patch. You could set up your vegetable patch as a terrace, with each step containing a different type of vegetable. This way, you can make the most of the space and have everything set up in one place.

Another option is to use raised beds, which are great if space is limited or you don't have enough soil depth for growing vegetables. Raised beds can also help to keep plants contained and make weeding easier.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you research the vegetables that will grow in your area and in the existing conditions of your garden – such as soil type, sun exposure etc. This way, you can get the most out of your vegetable patch.

At WM James, we have a range of gardening tools and accessories to make planting and harvesting your veg a breeze.

The Gardman Folding Kneeler is perfect for those who struggle to kneel when tending to their vegetable patch. And a Seed Packet Organiser is great for keeping all your seed packets in one place and organised.

5. Install a Retaining Wall

If you have a steep slope in your garden, installing a retaining wall can effectively limit erosion and keep the soil in place. A retaining wall can also help to create different tiers or levels within your garden, giving it more depth and interest.

When selecting materials for retaining walls, consider stone, brick or wood – depending on the existing style of your garden and the look you want to achieve. Timber is a great choice if you want a more natural, rustic feel.

Also, think about how much maintenance you are prepared to carry out; wood will need more maintenance in order to stay looking its best, whereas stone needs less but maybe a bigger investment upfront.

Installing a retaining wall is not an easy job, so you may want to consider hiring a professional to help you. However, if you decide to tackle the project yourself, ensure you get the right tools for the job, such as spades and shovels.

How to Maintain a Sloped or Tiered Garden

A challenge that owners of sloped gardens or tiered gardens may face is maintaining them. Keeping your lawn in tip-top condition can seem tricky when it's on a slope or has different levels.

Mowing the Lawn

When mowing your lawn, try to move the mower up and down the slope in straight lines rather than across it. This will help prevent you from missing any sections or scalping the grass, which can leave patches of dirt showing through.

You should also take extra care when trimming edges around steps, as they can be harder to reach. Investing in a good pair of secateurs and hedge trimmers will make the job easier.

Use Mulching

Mulch is a layer of organic material, such as wood chips or bark, which helps to suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil. It can be especially useful in sloped gardens, where water can run off easily. Mulching is also a great way to keep your garden looking neat and tidy.

Consider Garden Drainage Solutions

If you find that rain water is pooling in certain areas of your garden, it's important to consider drainage solutions. Installing a French drain could be the answer – this involves digging a trench filled with gravel, which helps carry away water.

Alternatively, installing rain barrels collects rainwater from roof gutters and can be used for watering plants.

Summary: 2 Tiered Garden Ideas to Get the Most from Your Tricky Outdoor Space

Just because you have a sloped or tiered garden doesn't mean you can’t make the most of it. With a few design tricks, you can turn it into an elegant outdoor space that is both easy to maintain and great for entertaining.

Depending on how much commitment you’re prepared to make, you could install a retaining wall to separate different tiers and incorporate raised beds to increase your vegetable-growing potential. Or even simple additions like carefully placed plants can make all the difference.

While keeping these special gardens maintained can be more challenging than a flat outdoor space, with the right tools and technique, you’ll soon have your tiered garden looking neat and inviting.

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