When most people think of designing their yard they think of the lawn. Another thing to look it is what hardscaping elements you can add. Hardscaping are the human-made features used in landscaping. For example, paths, walls, and patios. Achieving a balance between the plants and hardscaping will take your yard to the next level.
Finding the Balance
The most important aspect of designing hardscaping is finding the balance between hard and soft elements in your yard. Look at your entire space when choosing what features to incorporate.
Leave whatever greenery you can. Choose materials that complement your yard and the style of your home.
Reclaiming Space
If you have a yard with a difficult area to maintain or use hardscaping can help you reclaim that space. A backyard that slopes down can be hard to mow. The sloped area is also probably difficult to use as it is not suitable for a garden or play structure. Excavating the area and installing a deck or patio turns wasted space into useful one.
Hardscaping such as patio built out of paving stones is much more functional then a hill of grass. You can do a lot of things with a patio:
- Add Lawn Furniture
- Install a fire pit
- Build an Outdoor Kitchen
- And much more
If your front yard slopes down, and a patio doesn’t make sense, there are other options. Using retaining walls to create tiered flower beds. It provides a place for you to plant bushes and flowers to add color to your area. Tiered flower beds will also increase the curb appeal of your home.
Seamless Transition from Home to Yard
Your yard is part of your living space like your home is. Adding hardscaping features can help to create a seamless transition from inside to outside. Building an outdoor kitchen and eating area can also help to extend your house out into the yard.
Pathways can also be an inviting way for visitors to approach your home. The right design will compliment your home and entryway. When you welcome friends and family, they will appreciate the smooth transition.
Adding some paved stone walkways around a garden will make it feel like part of the yard. A winding path through a landscaped area can also make it feel more connected to your home.
Protect Your Yard and Home from Water
Incorporating hardscaping elements can also help to protect your home from excessive rain. It can give the water somewhere to go that is not your basement or driveway. You can also direct water to be useful in watering plants and gardens.
Unique and Beautiful Enhancements
Though the primary function of hardscaping is to add functionality to your yard, it can also add to the beauty and uniqueness of it.
Add a retaining wall and plant some flowers and shrubs. Put a bench in the center to make a beautiful and relaxing area to enjoy the outdoors. Connect your garden to the patio where the outdoor kitchen is with a pathway. And now the yard is gorgeous and functional. Visitors will be impressed with the unique elements you decide to use.
Work with Mother Nature
Mother nature created the yard and the plants you used in your landscaping. She does not work in straight boxy lines. Curves denote a natural feeling and will look good with the trees and plants in the yard.
Instead of having a straight walkway from your patio to your pool, make it a winding path of bricks or stones. Work with the existing natural elements of your yard instead of against them.
The Verdict Is In
Hardscaping can not only make your yard more functional, but more attractive as well. You can always hire a professional if deciding what to do with your landscaping is a bit overwhelming. Professional landscapers will help with everything from design to installation and maintenance.