We saw a beautiful place today with a very steep slope behind the house, terraced in different levels with landscape timber. We had some existing rock terracing when we moved here and rocks were plentiful so we added to it, but we also built some raised beds using landscape timber. It's a good idea to get a good instruction book on whatever kind of material you wish to use. It has taken us a few years to kill off existing grass and replace hard to mow areas with gardens but we really enjoy it now. So as not to become overwhelmed it's best to decide on an overall plan, but work on a small area at a time, then move on to the next. It might work best to begin on the higher elevation and work downward with continuing levels. It is unsightly for awhile, but we killed off grass by heavy mulching. Where we wanted to start a new bed on a slope, we would pile up discarded plant materials along the bases of the walls, let it deteriorate add soil and then plant over it. Laying out paths is essential also. We have switchback paths and also steps going down through the levels of gardens. My husband designed our hand rails using square tubular metal and had them welded, then set them in concrete. He uses rustoleum hammered metal spray paint to protect the metal. You may view our photos by clicking on My Page. Good luck. EP

Thank you for your suggestions and helpful advice.. It's nice to hear from somebody with personal experience with this sort of thing.. I'm thinking of a nice old fashioned brick terrace.. Your garden is beautiful and I can already feel so many idea popping into my head.. I've never had this much space to work with and I'm so eager to get started.. Thanks again for your help..

Looked at your page and see a lot of potential. Go for the materials most in harmony with your home, yourself, and your needs. Using space in the most enjoyable way is the objective. EP