When you look at a lawn, the first elements you notice are likely the lush greenery. The beautiful arrangements of shrubs and bushes combined with the careful choices of annuals and perennials are what most homeowners think about when they dream of their ideal landscaping. While these plants and shrubs take centerstage, they wouldn’t pop nearly as well without the help of hardscape materials.
Even if you’re not familiar with the term, you’ve certainly seen hardscaping in countless yards. Let’s take a look at what exactly it is and the best hardscape materials you can use for your lawn design needs.
What is hardscape?
Within the field of landscaping, there are two major subcategories: softscape and hardscape. Softscape includes the living, horticultural elements of landscape design. These elements are the plants mentioned earlier that the majority of people think of when they conjure up an image of the perfect landscape design.
Hardscape encapsulates all of the non-living elements of landscaping. Hardscaping is typically used to complement the elements of softscape, providing the overall design with a pleasant contrast. Common hardscape materials include concrete, brick, stone, or wood. These materials can make the hardscape elements of landscaping, such as a stone wall or brick patio. Water features, such as ponds and fountains, are also considered part of hardscaping despite the moving flow of water in the feature.
How can you use hardscape in your yard?
The primary function of hardscape in your yard’s design is to add balance and focus to a garden. The incorporation of non-living elements gives your yard dimensionality, as it would otherwise just be various types of greenery. A landscape without even the smallest elements of hardscaping, such as gravel or rocks, would look strange. When you add a large feature, hardscaping becomes a way to create a focal point for your yard’s design.
These are just a few landscaping elements that are typically considered hardscaping.
Decks Paths Pool surrounds Patios Garden structures, such as gazebos and pergolas Fences and walls Rocks and stones As hardscaping features range from big to small, you can easily cater your hardscape to your budget. You could simply accent your softscape with gravel and stones or a simple rock edging for your landscape. These touches still add variety and dimension to your overall landscape, but you’re not committing your time or money to a huge project.
Huge projects, however, pay off. By spending just 5% of your home’s value on landscaping, you could see an ROI of up to 150% in addition to the aesthetic value it gives you. Installing a deck in your backyard or a patio to surround your pool may take hard work, but when it’s time to sell your home buyers will love these existing features.
What are the best hardscape materials?
Now that you know what hardscape features you could put in your yard, you need to decide what materials to use to build the features. Some materials are more common than others, but they all serve to add a little something to your landscape design.
Concrete Stone Pavers These are just a few of the many options you have when it comes to hardscapes. The possibilities are only limited to the vision you have in mind for your yard’s design. When you’re ready to start on your home’s hardscaping, visit Gateway Home & Garden Center to find the materials and expertise you need for your perfect landscape.
