Say where it is, as the same zones occur in both dry and wet or humid environments.

While you may implement the solution in phases -- starting with the backdrop first, then by doing the foreground, and at some unknown point in the future, what is in the middle ground -- you would not do the design that way. The design would be done for the whole area all at one time in order to know that it is cohesive and will all work out in the end, regardless of the order in which it is implemented.

Reflecting on the prior thread, I'd suggest that Christopher and I were not in all that much opposition to one another in terms of the final outcome. We both saw the slope covered in more or less low plantings. The details of the plantings would be different, and exactly how one achieved and maintained it, would be different. I envisioned more uniformity and Christopher envisioned more variety. I envisioned a weed-killing maintenance program and Christopher envisioned an annual mowing maintenance program. As I said before, I wasn't necessarily against Christopher's scheme, it's just that it is not the kind of look or maintenance that appeals to me most -- not, not at all. I think it would be lovely. But I also think that weed free uniformity is lovely.

I don't think there is a difference enough to mention our view of the backdrop area, as everyone seems to agree that large shrubs are OK for that. But one would really need to know the direction of the overall middle ground in order to determine the foreground. With either scheme that's been mentioned so far, I don't really see any advantage to a frontal border that's distinctly different from the middle ground. In fact, I think it would appear as a disruption to whatever larger theme was established. This may depend on details though. To me, it seems it would make sense to keep the central and fore areas as the most plain and free of objects .... let it be the "white space," and let the objects occur nearer the sides and back of the overall space. The sides and back are already where the objects (the trees) occur. I'm saying that below them and in their vicinity is where filling in with other things makes more sense.

Yes I like more variety and particularly enjoy watching the seasons pass through a blooming, meadow community of plants. The natural setting and the size, 120' x 60?', as big as many suburban lots, also leads me to a more natural approach. I actually enjoy finding the incredible gardens nature can so abundantly supply with a little direction. Yes, actual gardening labor is involved in maintaining a meadow. Lawn mowing. It's easy … depending on the slope.

If this was a smaller slope in a more suburban setting I could be all over a more structured approach. Isn't this about the third such large hillside we have seen recently? Most of the slope owners went with more structured plantings. Nothing wrong with that when well done.

Some shrub suggestions for the top along the wall. Is that an old dry stack stone wall on your property line? Lucky you. South NY state right?

Winterberry, Ilex verticillata

Spicebush, Lindera benzoin

Acid soil?

Blueberries - rest assured the birds will love them. You got to be fast to get your own bowl full.

Rhododendron.

I'm still pondering a flowering groundcover for an east facing slope.

To clarify, Christopher, you are making suggestion for shrubs at the upper wall, not the top of the lower wall ...?

Correct.

@Yardvaark @Christopher CNC

Thank you both for the detailed responses. I certainly realize this is a bigger project. Unfortunately, Design is not my strong point. From your responses and further reading, I am leaning towards Christophers' idea of a wildflower meadow type plan in the middle section, and I am not opposed to having this theme flow down towards the front wall. I have tried to speak with local landscape companies/nurseries in the area and the goals are the same. This is what we have for sale and here is how it would look on your property, or they see the area I am talking about and see $$$.

@Yardvaark, I am in Southern NY State. Zone 6A. I like your idea of keeping it open, allowing what I do in the middle section (Wildflower /natural approach) flow down to the wall and adding design elements to the sides and back. Do you have any suggestions for the sides/ design ideas?

@Christopher CNC Yes a dry stone wall. It's in good shape. Do you feel that some ground cover would work by the lower wall, or would you flow wildflower meadow idea all the way down?

Also the shrubs you suggested for the wall, will they be ok in shade. Realistically up by the wall, it's pretty shady

open to talking offline to anyone who would work one on one to put together a design

thanks - appreciate it