Ideas For Hardscapes
Hardscaping is defined as the nonliving parts of the garden, such as a patio or deck, walkway, water feature or statue. Before you start building a hardscape, consider how the area needs to drain so your patio or deck doesn't interfere with drainage. Also, plan your entire hardscape, even if you're only building part of it at first. You don't want to construct something that will interfere with things you want later on. Does this Spark an idea?
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Elements
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When deciding on hardscaping elements, decide how you will want to use your garden space. If you have children or pets, consider keeping an area of lawn or constructing a play area. If you entertain a lot, a large patio or deck, possibly covered or with heating or an outdoor built-in cooking area, could be a priority. Consider where you usually walk in your yard, and if you need a pathway to cover the lawn in that area. If you want a walkway, decide if it should be straight and utilitarian, or curved, meandering through the garden, perhaps with a bench partway through.
Style
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The style of your hardscaping should both complement your house and be useful for your lifestyle. If your house is casual and comfortable, the hardscaping in your yard should reflect that. Add curves to decks and patios, plenty of comfortable seating and grassy or tree-filled areas. If you have a more formal home, choose hardscaping such as a formal patio with strong lines, and add a straight pathway through the yard that you can frame with plants.
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Features
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Choose features for your hardscaping, such as a statue or water feature. These items aren't entirely necessary, but they can reflect your style and take your hardscaping to another level. Although these are sometimes associated with formal gardens, they can work in a more casual garden as well. Choose a smaller, more whimsical statue to situate near a water feature. Create a pond with plants and goldfish, or a small fountain that can double as a bird bath.
Backdrops
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Look at the outer elements of your yard and make them part of the hardscaping. A fence leading to a neighbor's yard can, with the neighbor's permission, house climbing plants or flowers. A shed or garage defining another edge of the yard can be opened up with paint that coordinates with your house. Or, choose a color that contrasts for an instant focal point.
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References
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