Planting in a pile of dirt

Question

I have water issues with my home’s foundation. But, I would like to plant near my foundation to add color. I don’t want to disturb the dirt around the foundation since it had been graded with a slight slope away from house (and @5 years of compacting).

My question is. . . Can I put newspaper down on the existing grass? Then put amended soil on top of the newspaper, built up in a sort of berm, sloping gradually away from the home. Then add plants to the soil?
I am aware that I would have to put something at the bottom to retain soil from running off, but I don’t want to create a kind of basin. Away from the house foundation, could this be a possible way to have a kind of raised flower bed without constructing a frame?

Answer 1

I don't see why not, as long as it drains away from the house like you say. For help with general ideas or building a berm, try these articles: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/building-a-berm-how-do-i-make-a-berm.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/creating-and-using-berms-in-the-landscape.htm