Welcome to July! Last month we concentrated on mosquitos and ticks. This month we are going to focus our blogs on hardscaping. But before we get into the crux of it, we thought we’d go over some things about hardscaping with a short and simple guide.
What Exactly Is Hardscaping?
So, what is hardscaping? Well, simply put, it can include just about any kind of practical or decorative structure in your landscape. This includes things from benches to fences to driveways. It’s an important part of your landscape design and it provides a feeling of organization and definition to natural features and areas.
The elements in hardscape also can define how a space is used, like you’re your driveway. It also can lead your visitors through various softscape zones, like when you have paving stones through your grass. There are many ways that you can use elements of hardscape for enhancing a property.
Hardscaping Elements
- Stone Retaining Wall – This will create a planting area or convert a slope to create a flat space.
- Concrete Patio – This is a classic versatile and low maintenance option for a patio.
- Brick Patio – This offers a look that’s more natural and upscale when compared with concrete.
- Flagstone Patio – This is a low-cost option when you want outdoor flooring made of natural stone.
- Tile Patio – This is a great way that you dress up your concrete patio.
- Stone Walkway – Wonderful to use for a garden path.
- Gravel Path – This is a softer option than solid stone, concrete or brick.
- Stone Steps – These are made of heavy slabs made of stone to create gorgeous outdoor steps.
- Metal Fence – This includes coated steel, the standard today, but many people still use iron.
- Wooden Fence – This is a fence made from wood, which is very versatile both in fencing and hardscaping.
- Wooden Deck – This is another popular hardscaping option for houses with or without pools.
- Wooden Gazebo/Arbor – This enhances your landscape and provides shade.
- Pergola – Similar to an arbor, this structure gets attached to a building like house.
Using a Water Feature in Hardscaping
You might think it’s counterintuitive, but you can even count a water feature in your yard as hardscape. These types of structures have a few forms, both without and with fountains:
- Ceramic fountain
- Clay pot fountain
- Inexpensive DIY fountain
- Stone fountain
With a small water feature that contains a pool, the pool section often is made of a preformed liner made of rigid plastic. With a larger feature, one of the nice features is a rubber liner that’s flexible enough so that you can make ponds or pools with just about any shape or size.
Well, now that you have your introduction to some of what hardscape is all about, here’s a taste of what you are going to see in the coming days from us:
- Hardscaping Benefits
- Choosing a Type of Hardscaping
- Popular features
- Tips for Choosing a Hardscape Contractor
- And more
Have a great day and enjoy the 4th of July!
