Your plants are the actors, but hardscape is the stage. Without patios, paths, and walls, a landscape feels unfinished – and often unusable.
Chapter 12 introduces the basic building blocks of hardscape. Owen Dell emphasizes sustainability: choose materials that are local, recycled, permeable, and long‑lasting.
Patios and decks create outdoor living space. Permeable pavers (which let rain soak through) are far better than solid concrete. Recycled brick, reclaimed stone, and composite decking made from recycled plastic and wood fibers are all eco‑friendly choices. Dell provides a comparison table of costs, durability, and maintenance.
Paths and walkways guide movement. A main path should be at least 4 feet wide (for two people to walk side by side); secondary paths can be 2‑3 feet. Materials range from gravel (cheap, permeable, but needs edging) to flagstone (beautiful, expensive, can be set in sand for permeability).
Walls serve many functions: retaining slopes, creating privacy, and defining spaces. Dry‑stacked stone walls (no mortar) are the most sustainable – they require no cement, allow water drainage, and provide habitat for lizards and insects. For taller retaining walls (over 3 feet), you’ll need engineering and proper drainage.
Outdoor rooms are the secret to a landscape that feels like an extension of your home. A dining area near the kitchen. A fire pit lounge in a sheltered corner. A meditation garden behind a screen of tall grasses. Dell shows how to use changes in elevation, plantings, and low walls to define these rooms without fully enclosing them.
The chapter ends with a budget‑friendly tip: start with a simple gravel patio and a single path. Add more hardscape over time as money allows. Sustainable landscaping is a process, not a one‑time purchase.
Comments
Post a Comment