If you have a steep garden, want to create an interesting feature or like the idea of raised beds with a difference, a tiered garden could be the perfect option. Ideal for large or small gardens alike, tiered gardens add an attractive touch to your outdoor space.
Even better, you can create a tiered garden relatively easily by using strong steel garden edging. This is a cheaper and quicker alternative to brick or stone tiered gardens but will still mean you can build a long-lasting, attractive garden.
Here at Legacy Edging, we can provide steel edging in any size for your tiered garden design and can also offer woven steel edging to create attractive tiers for your garden.
What is a tiered garden?
A tiered garden is made up of two or more level areas supported by one or more retaining walls. You can get simple tiered gardens, such as a patio area that is raised above your lawn, or more intricate styles with multiple tiers working upwards like a set of steps.
Tiered gardens are often used in very steep gardens or to better utilise slopes, as they provide level areas that allow you to plant more or create more usable space. Your tiered garden should have steps leading to each level and safety features like handrails or fencing to ensure people are kept secure when using the garden.
How do you build a tiered garden?
Before you start building a tiered garden, you need to ensure that you have considered the safety features you’ll use. Each retaining wall needs proper footing and anchoring to keep it secure in all weather. You also need to ensure there is proper drainage so the tiers don’t flood and collapse in heavy rain.
Building your tiered garden is a fairly big project no matter what materials you use. You may need heavy equipment and might need to consider enlisting the help of a landscape architect or specialist to ensure your garden is safe and long-lasting – especially if you’re aiming for a high or large tiered garden.
Typically, the process of creating a tiered garden will go something like this:
- Work out the tiers and the drop needed for each level
- Dig out area working one tier at a time
- Install weather-treated supporting posts
- Install the retaining wall or steel edging
- Level off the upper tier
You should be prepared for waste soil and to add compost suitable for growing plants if required. If you’re planning on installing turf, paving slabs or decking on the lowest level, this should be done after the tiers are finished to avoid damage.
What are the benefits of a tiered garden?
Tiered gardens can offer several benefits, including making difficult space usable. This can help you increase plant coverage and create an attractive garden from an area that couldn’t previously be used.
You can also benefit from making your garden seem larger. Building upwards in smaller gardens will give you different levels of space that can be used for various things. You can gain a seating area as well as space for flowers and vegetables, ensuring you’re making the most of your garden.
Tiered landscaping can also help to reduce erosion. As the retaining walls keep soil in place, there is no run-off during bad weather. Not only does this look after your garden, but it can help stop water from pooling around your property if you live on a slope.
What plants are best for a tiered garden?
Most plants can be grown in a tiered garden, making them a great option if you want to grow flowers, herbs or vegetables. This means that you can select a range of plants to keep your garden looking great all year round.
As with any other garden, you simply need to make sure there is enough space and the right soil and drainage for the plants you want to grow. This can mean adding a gravel layer within the tiers to improve drainage and a layer of compost if your soil isn’t suited to the plant types you’re planning to grow.
You should also ensure safe and easy access to each tier so you can water your plants during drier weather. This is especially important for vegetables, which require a lot of water, so you should include steps into your plans for your garden to enable you to reach all tiers while carrying a watering can or using a garden hose.
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