HardscapingHardscaping provides a multitude of purposes including structure, decoration, general convenience, or an extension of the life of the landscape. Alternatively, a yard consisting only of plants may not be the most practical use of your yard space. Rather, it is more likely to suffer from neglect, nature’s wrath, and even safety concerns. Believe it or not, hardscapes are essential to help a garden and overall landscape to endure, particularly if structural elements are used not only within the yard but also to define and delineate space. These structures can include patios, walkways/steps, water features, walls, pergolas, gazebos, and many more.
PatiosPatios are one of the main hardscaping features that add to the natural structure for outdoor living spaces. They are areas that people in the yard drift toward in order to avoid standing on grass or other parts of the landscape. Because of this, it is important to consider the design of a patio in order to accommodate any future activities you plan to do in this area. While many people plan patios as lounging areas to enjoy the setting, the value is truly endless. Consider this space for a barbeque or cooking area, a base for backyard events, or a foundation for outdoor furnishings such as chairs or a pizza oven.
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Walkways and Steps
In purely functional terms, steps, paths, walkways, and stepping stones help you get from one part of the yard to another but they also serve as a guideway for guests. With these paths, other people know where to walk, and more importantly, where not to walk. This way, the lawn you constantly care for is better protected from being stepped on by others. Additionally, if you have walkways or steps, it means that you have less lawn that needs constant maintenance in your landscape.
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Retaining Walls and Sitting Walls
Retaining Walls can serve numerous functions as a hardscaping feature including:
- Making sloped areas more functional
- Holding back soil to prevent erosion
- Properly directing flow of water to improve drainage in your yard
- A nice aesthetic
Water Features
While many people think that implementing water features as a hardscape is purely for a decorative touch, it can actually provide several benefits. Fountains or ponds typically mean less grass space and therefore less maintenance. Additionally, they can draw the attention of more wildlife, create a sense of peace, and overall improve the quality of air in the surrounding area.
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Pergolas and Gazebos
Construct a pergola to create shade or cover over your garden, walkway, or other area in your yard. These can typically be used as a decorative shelter for small areas with vines and plants growing out of it. Alternatively, building a gazebo can be a useful hardscape project to protect larger areas of your yard where you would want to enjoy a meal or lounge without being disturbed by bad weather.