A garden on a slope - in pictures

Christine Haines's glorious back garden looks out over a valley of trees and a slice of the river Wye. Photograph: Jon Tonks

It's quite a view. By building two small terraces, she enlarged the two existing level areas and opened up the garden. Photograph: Jon Tonks

Erosion and depth of soil can be issues in a sloping garden, so choosing the right plant for the right spot is key. Photograph: Jon Tonks

A paved patio and small slice of lawn form the first terrace, reached via steps from the house. Photograph: Jon Tonks

The biggest lesson to learn with a sloped garden is where to put the large plants: if you're looking up a slope, this can make plants seem even bigger. Instead of planting them at the back of the border, move them towards the front. Photograph: Jon Tonks

Haines digs extra-large holes for any plant and fills them with good compost and mulch so the plants establish quickly. Photograph: Jon Tonks

To protect slopes from being washed away by rain, Haines plants geraniums and bergenias. Photograph: Jon Tonks

"But steer clear of too many upright plants in the middle because they block the view, whether you are looking up or down," she says. Photograph: Jon Tonks