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Hardscape (paved areas) can be used to identify a specific space in a backyard, such as a patio, to frame a feature, such as a pool, fountain or pergola, or to clearly delineate a path or walkway. There are hundreds of material choices. In fact, gardens that mix multiple textures of hardscape tend to look the most polished and welcoming. more »
The success of hillside landscaping depends on a number of factors, including the steepness of the hill, soil type and budget constraints. The number one goal when landscaping a hill is to stop water run-off or erosion. Follow these tips and strategies to stop this problem while adding to the aesthetic appeal of the yard. more »
Easy and landscaping might seem like a conundrum when in truth, landscaping can be both enjoyable and easy. Creating an inviting atmosphere to the exterior of your home helps it look lived in and loved. Blending a combination of hardscape and softscape elements ties the various pieces of your yard together to create a smooth flowing... more »
Landscaping your property ties all the individual elements of your home together. The concepts of basic landscape design should include repetition of plant type and color. Repetition allows for natural transitions between individual gardens and landscape elements. Incorporating hardscape elements such as fences, patios, retaining... more »
A loose-fill garden path can be the perfect project to finish off your yard and make it easy to get from on point to another. If you've got a weekend, you can do it. Take a look at the different types of fill often used in garden paths, and consider all the functions a path can serve. A loose-fill garden path is inexpensive,... more »
Hardscape is any kind of surface building material that does not use soil or natural, living objects to pave an environment. The maintenance, cost... more »
As the population grows and more strain is put on water resources, it's becoming more important to find ways to conserve water. The U.S.... more »
The soil in the north Texas area can be challenging, to say the least. Its clay alkaline soil naturally withstands long periods of drought and... more »
Creating an outline for your flower beds makes your gardening project look polished and complete. With a variety of landscaping materials, such as... more »
You want your mobile home to look as visually appealing as possible. One way to do this is with skirting. Skirting covers the bottom of the mobile... more »
Hardscape, in the practice of landscaping, refers to the paved areas like streets & sidewalks, large business complexes & housing developments, and other industrial areas where the upper-soil-profile is no longer exposed to the actual surface of the Earth. The term is especially used in heavily urbanized/suburbanized areas with little bare soil.http://garden-stones.blogspot.com/2008/06/what-heck-are-hardscapes.html
Hardscape Features
Typical small-scale hardscaping examples include brick patios and sidewalks. Retaining walls are often used to create boundaries between hardscapes and earth landscaping features, or softscapes. From an urban planning perspective hardscapes can include very large features, such as paved roads. Most artificial water features are technically hardscapes because they require a barrier to retain the water, instead of letting it drain into the surrounding soil.
From an aesthetic perspective, hardscaping allows workers to erect landscaping features that would otherwise be impossible due to soil erosion, or that compensate for large amounts of human traffic that would cause wear on bare earth or grass. For example, sheer vertical features are possible.http://garden-stones.blogspot.com/2008/07/five-cool-hardscaping-elements.html
Drainage Concerns
The water table in and around large areas of hardscape is usually very depleted because not enough rainwater is being absorbed into the soil of that area in order to help recharge the water table in that (usually urban) area. Such areas must then rely largely on "imported" freshwater from local or non-local lakes, reservoirs, dams, rivers, and streams. On the other hand, most homes in rural areas often use wells and springs as their primary source of freshwater because the local water table is being constantly recharged by the hydrologic cycle.
Without nearby bare soil, a hardscape requires artificial methods of drainage/runoff in order to carry off the sometime read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardscape
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