Turning a Hazardous Bank Into a Garden That Flows, Glen Forrest
A steep, overgrown bank that was hazardous just to walk across and no way to bring the rest of the garden together. Here’s how we brought the different areas of this garden together into one connected, easy-to-care-for space.
The Customer
A large, overgrown bank separated different parts of the garden, making it difficult, and at times unsafe, to move from one area to another. After trying to clear some of the trees themselves, the homeowners were ready for a more complete solution. They wanted a garden that felt connected, with easier access, defined spaces and less to manage along the way.
The Challenge
There was more to this bank than what could be seen on the surface. Beneath the overgrowth were leach drains and septic tanks that needed to be carefully worked around.
The challenge was to make the area safer, more usable and easier to manage, while respecting what was already in place below.
The Solution
The new design introduced both steps and ramp access across the bank, making it safer and easier to move through the garden. Cottage and native-style garden beds brought colour and softness to the space, complemented by recycled brick, Corten steel and rustic materials that gave the garden its character.
What We Did
Site Clearing & Contours
The overgrown bank was cleared and re-contoured around the existing leach drains and septic tanks, shaping the new steps and ramp access without disturbing what was already working underground.
Structure & Features
Corten steel steps, recycled brick paving and coffee rock borders, walls and banks defined the new levels and gave the space a rustic character, alongside new garden beds ready for planting.
Planting & Handover
Cottage and native-style planting and mulching finished the space. Karen loved spending time out in the garden herself, so reticulation wasn’t required on this project and her hands-on approach to watering was part of the plan.
The Outcome
What was once a hazardous, overgrown bank is now a garden that flows properly from one area to the next, safe to move through and genuinely enjoyable to spend time in. The project was completed in two stages: the bank and steps first, then Tranquil Gardens returned later to add a winding path and a hidden garden seating area tucked amongst the trees, exactly the kind of space that can be properly enjoyed.
Got a Section of Your Garden You've Given Up On?
What was once an overgrown and difficult part of the garden is now a space that feels connected, accessible and inviting. It became a part of the garden to enjoy rather than avoid.
It’s the same approach we bring to all difficult garden projects, working with what’s already there, including the parts you can’t see, rather than ignoring them, and designing a solution that gets used. If you’ve got a section of your garden that’s become a hazard or just too much to manage, we’d love to help. Get in touch via the form below and we’ll get started.