Thoughtful planning makes garden slope a major asset

Sometimes what moves a landscape from interesting to outstanding is a change in elevation.

What impressed me the most when I visited Gary Thompson’s garden in Meridian was his smart use of elevation. The shady space beautifully blends structure, texture and color. Natural stone steps lead down the slope, guiding visitors through layers of greenery and bursts of brilliant blooms.

Encore azaleas, with their glossy dark-green foliage, provide splashes of color in shades of pink and red. These azaleas are special because they bloom not just once in spring, but again in summer and fall, giving long-lasting color to shady corners.

Nestled nearby are shade-loving perennials, their varied leaf shapes and textures softening the planting beds and keeping the garden lush year-round.

At the edge of one planting, a variegated yucca makes a bold statement.

Its sword-like leaves -- striped green and edged in golden yellow -- fan outward in dramatic spikes. This evergreen perennial stands tall through all seasons, and its architectural form adds structure while resisting drought and deterring deer.

Further down the slope, ornamental variegated grasses ripple in the breeze. Their slender blades are streaked with creamy white and green. The grasses catch the sunlight and bring graceful motion to the garden.

Intermingled with these grasses are sunny Black-eyed Susans, their golden-yellow petals radiating like little suns around deep brown centers. These cheerful flowers brighten the path and draw in butterflies and bees during the warm months.

At the heart of the garden lies Gary’s pride and joy, a tranquil waterfall.

The water begins its journey at the top of the slope, spilling gently over stacked flagstones before tumbling down into a clear pool. The sound is soft and rhythmic, a soothing background that muffles neighborhood noise and invites guests to linger.

The stones are carefully arranged to look as though they’ve always been there, blending seamlessly with the surrounding plantings. In a few places, the water splashes over mossy crevices, adding a touch of natural wildness.

Around the waterfall, lush tropical-style plantings thrive in the misty humidity it creates.

Broad-leaved banana plants stretch skyward, their green foliage rustling in the breeze. Hydrangeas cluster nearby, their rounded blooms glowing softly in the dappled shade.

At the very edge of the water, pickerelweed has spikes of violet-blue flowers that sway above glossy, heart-shaped leaves. Other water-loving plants filter the pool naturally. The whole landscape feels alive with movement and sound.

Gary’s backyard is a wonderful example of how thoughtful design and plant selection can transform a challenging slope into a layered paradise.

By blending evergreens, perennials, tropicals and pollinator-friendly bloomers around the steady music of falling water, he has created a shady retreat that delights the senses and offers peace at every turn.