Hardscape

Sticks and stones may break your bones, but a little hardscape never hurt anyone! Patios, decks, driveways, rocks and stones all fall under the category of hardscape. When people hear the word "landscape", they believe it only applies to the plants in their yard when really landscaping includes the whole yard and all of the objects in it. Patios and decks are important to consider because they truly provide a great place for both relaxing and entertaining. Make sure the patio is big enough to include tables and chairs if you do have entertaining in mind. Now, the most common plan for a deck or patio is a simple rectangle or square. You want to choose a size and shape that will blend with the rest of your garden. You should then consider the plants after you've chosen a shape and material for your new deck or patio. Many ground level decks are surrounded with plants at the perimeter.

Often times, the driveway is left out of your landscape design plan. But you should remember that your driveway doesn't need to be a boring old slab of pavement! If your front lawn is big enough, maybe you could consider a semi-circle driveway. You would be able to pull up right to your front door and then out to access the street again! This will definitely give your home a unique edge. But even if you don't have the space or budget for that, there are landscape options for all types of driveways. You could consider adding walls to define flowerbeds. This would create permanent planting structures while enhancing the look of your driveway.

Rocks and stones are perfect for adding pathways or retaining walls. If you happen to live in a drought prone region, river pebbles can replace lawns and help to conserve water. Flag stones are also great for stable walks and patios in your landscape design.