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Hardscape Projects
from: Lawn and Garden MagicWhen planning your landscaping, keep in mind that no landscape is all greenspace. In fact, hardscape is as much a part of the landscape as plants (known as softscape). There are many projects that can contribute to your landscape design and make your home environment more pleasant. Also note that most hardscape landscape features are actually very useful and serve functions other than simply being nice to look at.
Hardscape features of most landscapes are most commonly the driveway and walkways. These elements are necessary, because the driveway provides a place for the homeowner to park his or her car and the walkways are important in providing a place to walk without damaging the rest of the landscape. There are many different types of projects that can be accomplished when putting in a driveway or walkway. However, many people simply choose to use concrete.
Other surfaces can be just as useful, and more attractive, though. For a driveway, gravel is a low cost alternative to concrete, though this can be annoying as the small rocks tend to be transferred to other parts of the property. Asphalt can be used if you have a bigger budget. It won't wear as quickly as concrete and it has more give. For walkways, you can create a very attractive walk by laying down flat stones, which look more natural and they're less of an eyesore than concrete sidewalks.
Other common hardscape features include decks and patios. These are great projects that serve a number of purposes, most notably being places where the home's inmates can sit and enjoy their landscape. They also make great platforms for entertaining and outdoor cooking. Most patios are simply squares of concrete in the back yard. Decks, of course, come in all shapes and sizes. Some are built low and in the front, serving as porches, and others are built in the back and high, like a terrace.
In any case, these projects can be tailored to fit the needs of the homeowner, and they also serve another purpose: to decrease the amount of lawn that needs to be maintained. A square shaped deck or patio element is easy to mow around and it creates less maintenance. Oddly shaped patios and decks may be more attractive and interesting, but they can also cause hassles in caring for the edges. When building these features, it's important to carefully consider the implications of the structure you build. Decks and patios are desirable also because they can be decorated in many ways and according to the seasons. Lights, hanging baskets and seasonal decorations all adorn decks and patios and make them more inviting.
Water features are often considered hardscape elements in the landscape, such as waterfalls and ponds. Even small ponds and waterfalls can make beautiful additions to any landscape. These can be professionally installed or even you might try installing one yourself. Not only do water features look beautiful and inviting, but they also offer soothing and cooling sounds.
Rock gardens are also included in the category of hardscape. Even though many rock gardens incorporate softscape elements, they're mostly and distinctly hard. Rock gardens need less attention than flowerbeds and other types of gardens. Additionally, the plants usually planted in a rock garden are hardier varieties that are designed for survival in more challenging conditions. Rock gardens also create an interesting part of the landscape and can even be augmented with the addition of a water feature. These hardscape features are very useful in odd corners and entryways, places that may be too small for grass, but need some dressing-up. A small rock garden can be just the thing.
Hardscape projects are an essential part of the landscaping. They're often very utilitarian and they can be quite attractive. Additionally, hardscape elements decrease the amount of space in the landscape that needs active and frequent care, allowing you more time to enjoy your yard. In addition to this, carefully planned and placed hardscape features can also save you money in maintenance costs.
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