I have never been a natural gardener. For years, I struggled to keep basic houseplants alive, only to kill them at the first opportunity. It was difficult and stressful to buy a home with a yard, but I knew that I might be able to learn what I was doing wrong and correct the problem. To start off, I focused heavily on the lawn, and tried hard to keep it trimmed and well-maintained. Next, I cleaned up the flowerbeds. It was a lot of work, but I knew that it would pay off in the end. When I was done, my front yard was gorgeous, and guess what--it even stayed alive. This blog is all about loving your little landscape.
A lovely yard requires landscaping and hardscaping. Landscaping is all the living components, or plants, in the yard, while hardscaping is the non-living materials that are used for building paths and other durable surfaces. There are many hardscaping materials to choose from for your installation, but these are some of the most popular.
1. Brick Pavers
Bricks come in a huge range of shapes, colors, and styles. You can use standard masonry bricks to pave pathways, build patios, or create walls and edging. There are also formed brick pavers that mimic a multitude of materials, from those that look like actual stone to small cobblestone-style pavers. Some brick pavers must be mortared together, while others are designed to be dry fit into place.
2. Natural Stone
If you prefer a more natural look in the landscape, then stone is a good option. Flagstones, for example, work well for creating whimsical garden paths. Stone can also be used to build retaining walls, either by mortaring it together or using a dry stone stacking method. Stone can also be used to pave a patio or line a garden bed. Large natural boulders are another hardscaping option that provides an attractive focal point in a garden bed.
3. Poured Concrete
Concrete is commonly used for sidewalks and patios, but it doesn't have to be boring. It can be dyed to a more attractive color or acid stained with designs. Concrete stamping and molds can change up the bland surface so it resembles stone, tiles, or brick. Another use for concrete is to create curbing to edge in garden beds or walkways. Concrete fountains, statuaries, and walls also have a place in your hardscaping.
4. Exterior Tile
Beautiful tile isn't typically used for paving the landscape, but it does provide a nice way to boost the appearance of patios and retaining walls. Exterior tiles, which are non-porous so they can withstand outdoor conditions, come in an endless array of colors, shapes, and designs. Handpainted tiles can be set into retaining walls or used to edge a walkway or patio. These tiles are also popular as house numbers that can be set into a wall or mounted on a decorative boulder.
5. Treated Wood
Not all hardscaping materials are inorganic. Wood provides an excellent option for creating terraces or building retaining walls, and it can also be used to edge border beds around the house. Treated wood or a wood composite product is preferred as it won't fall prey to rot or insect damage. Wood is also the preferred material for fencing both low and tall.
Contact a local hardscaping service, such as Precision Hardscapes & Excavating LLC, to learn more.
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