How We Solved a Tricky Slope + Mulch Problem | Landscape Before & After
Many homeowners dream of a beautiful, low-maintenance front yard. But when overgrown shrubs, mulch washouts, and failing walls take over, it can feel impossible to keep your landscape looking good.
That’s exactly what our client was facing:
- Overgrown shrubs that no longer fit her sleek, modern style
- Mulch that washed down the slope every time it rained
- Old dry-stacked walls that were crumbling year after year
She reached out to us looking for a fresh design that was not only beautiful but would also solve these long-standing issues once and for all.
Solving Front Yard Slope and Mulch Erosion Problems
One of the biggest challenges in this yard was the steep slope. Every rainfall washed mulch into the driveway, creating both a mess and ongoing maintenance headaches.
Our solution? A series of Versa-Lok retaining walls to terrace the slope. Terracing not only stabilized the hillside but also created planting pockets where we could soften the hardscape with greenery and add color throughout the seasons.
This design approach allowed us to:
- Prevent mulch erosion by breaking up the slope into smaller levels
- Create defined planting beds with strong visual appeal
- Reduce the overall steepness of the yard for easier maintenance
Retaining Walls That Blend Beauty and Function
To match the client’s modern style, we continued the Versa-Lok walls across the front of the landscape for clean, simple lines. The wall color was carefully chosen to complement the home’s exterior, adding structure without overwhelming the architecture.
By pairing durable hardscaping with thoughtful planting design, the landscape gained both strength and softness. The result was a timeless look that elevated the home’s curb appeal while solving functional problems.
Plant Choices for Year-Round Color
A well-designed landscape isn’t just about structure — it’s also about planting for four-season interest. We layered perennials and groundcovers to ensure there’s always something in bloom.
Highlights included:
- Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata)– evergreen groundcover that blooms in spring
- Perennial hibiscus– dramatic dinner-plate blooms for late-season color
- Perovskia ‘Crazy Blue’(Russian sage) – long-lasting lavender blooms and critter-resistant foliage
- Salvia and Coreopsis– complementary tones of blue and yellow for extended seasonal interest
By mixing plants in different bloom cycles, the garden now provides continuous color and texture throughout the year.
A Sleek, Modern, Low-Maintenance Landscape
To further simplify maintenance, we re-shaped some of the beds and added sod to reduce weeding and upkeep. The overall effect is streamlined, colorful, and easy to care for — perfectly aligned with our client’s request for a modern look.
The final transformation solved her biggest challenges while creating a space she can enjoy for years to come.
Ready to Solve Your Landscape Problems?
At Bedner’s Landscape & Design, we believe the best landscapes are both beautiful and functional. Whether you’re dealing with slope erosion, mulch washouts, or outdated plantings, our team can design a solution that brings lasting curb appeal to your home.
Contact us today to start your own landscape transformation.
Melanie has been with the family garden center business since 1999, gaining hands-on experience in nearly every aspect–from cashiering and greenhouse production to bookkeeping, perennial buying, marketing, and store management. Now serving as Finance and Marketing Director, she combines her expertise with a passion for growing the business. She and her husband, Russ, have loved seeing how plants, gardening, and beautiful landscapes bring joy to our community.
