Incorporating hardscape into your landscape design is a surefire way to improve your home’s curb appeal. To start, consider elements that can function as a focal point of the design: a pergola, water feature, gazebo or structured flower bed. These focal points automatically add character to your home and distinguish it from your neighbors’ properties.
This type of focal point should draw the eye, but not overwhelm the space. You will also want to take into account the maintenance costs necessary for each element — for example, the cost to maintain a large garden bed or to supply water to a running water feature.
Hardscape can also add splashes of color to your landscape design. This can be achieved through some of the more basic hardscaping project elements, such as pavers, mulch, or gravel paths.
Be sure to consider what colors will best complement your home’s exterior. This includes the colors of exterior paint or siding, but also the colors present in existing plantings.
You’ll have multiple options of materials for your hardscape project. Typically, these are: man-made, natural and repurposed hardscape materials. A professional landscape design company can help you determine the right choices for your space.
Man-Made Hardscape Materials
These materials include concrete, brick, pavers, and asphalt. Man-made materials will often be used in brick patios, walkways, and fire pits. Many homeowners are interested in engineered hardscape materials for their projects for their durability and cost-effectiveness. They also allow for greater design possibilities than other types of materials with patterns, finishes and more.
Natural Hardscape Materials
Wood is a natural material that can be involved in hardscape design elements like decks and pergolas, although it will require regular maintenance. There are also natural types of stone to use such as bluestone, slate, or flagstone.
Deciding on the type of stone to use in your hardscaping project is much more involved than simply making a trip to your local garden center and picking a set of beautiful pavers.
There will be stone that you think looks fantastic, but is out of your budget, or may not quite fit in the space you’re planning. On the other hand, a stone that you don’t enjoy as much aesthetically could be well within your budget and match the required functionality perfectly.
A few common types of natural stone to consider for your hardscape include:
Peastone
This versatile stone, also known as pea gravel, is often used in commercial settings, but for the homeowner, it is easy on the budget. Peastone is around an eighth of an inch in size and smooth in texture, so setting a solid foundation of compacted soil and stone dust and surrounding the area with a steel edge is important for keeping it in place.
Hardscape refers to the man-made components of a landscaping project, such as walkways, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, patios, fireplaces, fire pits, divider walls and even driveways. Hardscape can transform a basic yard into a functional — and beautiful — outdoor living space. Hardscape can be used to create natural points of connection and flow from your home into the outdoors. Think of a walkway leading from a side door to the backyard, or a patio near the kitchen that becomes the perfect space for outdoor dining.
Hardscaping can also assist in creating separate oases within a larger yard, such as a built-in fire pit or small patio to establish a space for lounge chairs.
When done thoughtfully, hardscape can add value to your home by improving its curb appeal and increasing usable space on your property.
Have all those glittery and tinsel decorations you have carefully placed around the garden created shimmery dust all over your artificial lawn? Do not stress, a quick hose down is all that is needed to clean the area back up again without creating a muddy mess!
Power tools Hanging up lights and decorations or just maintaining the garden fence before you begin to decorate may require the use of some power tools. Power tools often generate a decent amount of heat so make sure that you don’t leave them on your artificial lawn as they may cause synthetic turf to melt.
A great way to sell your rental property to tenants is to let them know that they’ll never need to mow their lawn or go to great lengths to keep their grass green. For tenants with families, modern artificial lawns meet and exceed expectations. Children and adults alike will never have to worry about uneven landscapes, holes, or divots that can become a safety hazard and cause falls or other injuries. Parents will also be happy to hear that artificial grass has incredible draining capabilities that will prevent puddles and mud. No more pets or kids dragging mud through the house or kicking muddy shoes off onto the carpet. Artificial lawn is also perfect for small gardened homes, especially pet-friendly residences. It creates a small, virtually maintenance-free area for pets to play, and pet-waste cleanup is easy—just scoop as you would on any other grass, and give it a hose down. The antimicrobial fibres within each blade of grass ensure that your yard stays odour free. Whether you or your tenant is paying the water bill, artificial lawn helps to keeps the cost down. During the summer season, the bill can really start to add up and that’s if there isn’t a hosepipe ban. By conserving water, you’ll help sell the property to prospective renters, help save the planet, and save on time and cost!
Something very important to consider no matter what type of entertaining you’ll be doing is whether you’ll have sufficient shade and lighting. If you lack shade trees, it may be a good idea to consider having an arbor, pergola, gazebo or some umbrellas installed for the comfort of your guests.
Adding outdoor lighting to increase visibility and safety during after-sunset gatherings can be simple, with options ranging from hanging string lights to installing more permanent and appealing solar or wired lighting throughout your landscape.
A useful and comfortable outdoor entertaining space often reflects your home. Much of the entertaining you do will allow you the chance to make your backyard a fresher, roomier extension of where you live — an outdoor living room, really, in your backyard space.
The most important thing in customizing your backyard design for entertaining is to make sure that it works for you.
Outdoor dining and entertaining can lead to spills on your artificial grass. Common spills like ketchup, wine, or soda can be easily managed with a mild detergent and water. Blot the spill first, then apply the cleaning solution and blot again. Artificial grass is typically stain-resistant, making it easier to clean than indoor carpets.
By following these tips, you can maintain a clean and attractive artificial lawn with minimal effort. Regular maintenance not only enhances the appearance of your lawn but also extends its lifespan, providing you with a beautiful and hassle-free outdoor space.
Debris like leaves, twigs, and other yard waste can accumulate on your artificial grass. A leaf blower is an efficient tool for removing this debris quickly. Blow the debris into a corner of your yard for easy collection and disposal. This method is especially useful after storms or during the autumn when leaves are abundant. It’s a fast and simple way to keep your lawn clean, saving you time compared to traditional mowing.
Homeowners are increasingly opting for synthetic turf due to its low-maintenance nature and aesthetic appeal. Unlike natural lawns, artificial grass eliminates the need for regular watering, mowing, and fertilizing. It also provides an eco-friendly option, especially when using recycled materials from sports facilities. Here’s a closer look at how synthetic turf can transform your space:
Integrating flowers into an artificial lawn offers numerous aesthetic and practical benefits. Raised flower beds provide a defined edge and ample space for planting a variety of flowers. Utilizing pots and containers allows for flexibility in design and placement, making it easy to rearrange and refresh your garden’s look. For existing flower beds, seamlessly blend synthetic turf around them to maintain their charm while reducing maintenance. Incorporating hanging plant baskets and choosing low-maintenance plants ensure year-round color and vibrancy with minimal effort. These practical tips empower homeowners to create a stunning garden that complements their artificial grass, enhancing both beauty and functionality.
