Tag Archives: hardscaping

Mix Hardscaping into Your Garden Design for More Visual Interest

If your garden needs to be refreshed,consider adding elements of hardscaping to create texture and visual interest. Garden transition, where each separate area of your yard has its own identity but there is a continuity that brings balance and flow to the entire space, is frequently used in outdoor design these days.

 

Design Style

Gone are the days when landscape was all straight lines and symmetrical flower beds. Now you see gently curved walkways, tiered terraces, serene ponds surrounded by comfortable seating, and creative use of yard art.

Mixing Materials 

Additional popular outdoor remodeling trends include using mixed materials. Create an interesting walk in a gentle zig-zag pattern. Fill the entire walkway with small earthy pea gravel. Let the gravel settle, then install flat river rock as stepping stones. Frame the entire walkway with short perennial plants or shrubs increasing size and height throughout  the remaining surrounding landscape.

Year Round Color 

Plan out your color in advance. There are many flowering perennials which bloom at different times throughout the year, so with a little planning it’s easy to have pockets of color no matter what the season. Then place planters full of flowering annuals throughout your entire yard during the warmer months for even more vibrant color.

Please contact Outdoor Environments for all your hardscape needs.

 

Harmonious Outdoor Design

In a recent post, we covered some Dreamy Outdoor Spaces to give our clients and readers some inspiration. Today, we thought we’d share a few more spaces worthy of a second glance, courtesy of HGTV. Here are a few examples of how hardscaping and landscaping combine for a harmonious design.

Image via HGTV.com

Image via HGTV.com

Perfect for entertaining, this space offers respite in both the sun and shade.

Image via HGTV.com

Image via HGTV.com

An empty, soulless backyard in its previous life, this pleasing patio has been transformed into an elegant and visually interesting space the homeowners enjoy with family, friends and guests.

Photo via HGTV.com

Photo via HGTV.com

An outdoor kitchen, fireplace and sitting area — with killer views, we might add — is accessible from this home’s basement, patio and driveway.

Can’t get enough? Check out “Pleasing Patio Designs.”