Utilizing Hardscape in the Landscape

by Michael A. Novak CID, CLIA, CPH  |  Naturescape Services,  LLC  | HG-PLANS.COM

Two years ago I met a new pair of clients and shortly after our introductions the husband said his idea of gardening was a six pack of suds and a bottle of roundup.  Needless to say, low maintenance was going to be key for six-pack Joe and his wife. 

I learned from Dr. Chapman, my professor in college, that a good design has good bones.  Rather than being strictly utilitarian, hardscaping helps to define how we experience an outdoor space be it by the color, tactile feel, the visual pattern, or the demarcation between spaces.  And face it low maintenance is what everybody wants these days. Fortunately you can also have high style and a landscape that endures a lifetime if it’s designed properly.

Like the built environment of a home, outdoor spaces need a clear vision as to their uses, similar to the way we define the use of a room.  Evergreen shrubs, fences, pre-cast block and other vertical elements can serve as walls.

Meanwhile overhead structures act like the ceiling in our house analogy and things like pergolas provide a sense of shelter and a more intimate and personal the experience. 

A safe & generous walking surface makes your landscape accessible and adds value.  Who says you have to go in a straight line though, by joining various diagonal lines and angles you can direct the focus the way you want, creating variety while providing function.

Fortunately today there are eco-friendly material options for paving, there are permeable pavers and pervious concrete, both of which eliminate runoff.  These material options may have a higher initial cost than the conventional materials but with higher infiltration rates than bare ground or even turf, it may be part of the solution to storm water management on your property.  Expert installation is required however and you should consult your local municipality and all applicable codes.

Other factors that recommend hardscape in the landscape are less mowing, mulching, irrigation and less fertilizer & pesticide use.

With Ron & Becky, the clients from two years ago, the inclusion of an outdoor entertaining area was an opportunity to reinforce their taste, style, and needs on their large property. The floor is concrete pavers in a diagonal pattern stained in muted southwestern colors.  This is flanked by concrete bordered planting beds with red pumice stones and hardy drought tolerant evergreen shrub material defining it as a courtyard space.  The design includes bubbling basalt columns and another area a fire-pit & more seating overlooking the pastures.   And finally the overhead pergola with a hammock strung below completes the picture and sums up the effort required in maintenance.

In the urban environment that most of us live in today there is no substitute for woody and herbaceous plants with all the flowers, scents, and color they provide, they add to our quality of life.  Utilizing hardscape in the landscape in a balanced way makes the outside more accessible and inviting to live in.

There is much more to talk about when it comes to hardscaping such as being responsive to the distinct architectural character of your home when it comes to materials and forms so that the site and the house go together.  If you are DIY oriented there are good references to tap into as you begin the design process for your site. For expert help you can always contact http://www.wsnla.org/