Earthscape Project: “ Modem Oasis”
Key Takeaways
-
Having a plan ensures that you are utilizing your space and placing hardscaping appropriately
-
There are two main types of hardscaping materials that may suit your landscape: Natural and Manufactured
- Hardscaping is a complicated medium that is best installed with the help of a professional
Creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space involves more than just planting flowers and grass. In fact, the hardscaping elements of your landscape can be just as important as the softscaping elements. Hardscaping refers to the non-living features of your landscape, such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and other structures. These elements provide the framework of your landscape, and can greatly enhance the overall look and feel of your outdoor space. Here are some hardscaping basics to consider when designing your landscape.
Planning Your Space
Plan Your Design
Before you start any hardscaping project, it’s important to have a plan in place. This will help you determine the best location for each element, and ensure that everything fits together seamlessly. Start by considering the overall style and aesthetic you want to achieve. Do you want a formal or informal look? What materials and colours do you prefer? Once you have a clear vision in mind, you can create a detailed plan. A landscape designer is a great resource to use if you have a complicated project or simply need someone with expertise and a creative vision.
Determine Your Needs
To create a truly beautiful and functional outdoor space, it’s important to incorporate a variety of hardscaping elements. This might include a patio for outdoor dining and entertaining, a walkway to guide visitors through your garden, and a retaining wall to provide support and prevent erosion. Determining what you need and how you hope to use your space will help you tailor your hardscaping needs and create a space authentic to you. By mixing and matching different elements, you can create a landscape that is both visually appealing and practical.
Earthscape Project: “Tetris Effect”
Consider Drainage
Proper drainage is essential for any hardscaping project. Without it, you could be left with standing water, erosion, or other issues. When planning your landscape, consider the slope of the land and the direction of water flow. You may need to install additional drainage solutions to ensure that water is diverted away from your home and other structures.
Choosing Materials
When it comes to choosing your materials there are a variety of options and price points to ensure you get the product that meets your needs:
Natural Products
A natural hardscaping product refers to a landscaping or outdoor design element made from materials that are sourced directly from the environment and are minimally processed. As these are natural and less readily available, they come at a higher price point then their manufactured counterparts. There is more variation in natural products due to their nature meaning no stone will look the same in appearance or colour. Some examples of natural stone products include:
Stone Pavers: Natural stones like slate, limestone, or granite that are cut and used for pathways, patios, or other paved surfaces.
Earthscape Project: “Cliffhanger”
Wooden Decks or Structures: Hardscape elements made from natural wood, such as decks, pergolas, or wooden benches.
Earthscape Project: “Field of View”
Boulders and Rocks: Natural rocks and boulders used for decorative purposes, retaining walls, or as part of water features.
Gravel: Crushed stone, pea stone or river rock used for pathways, driveways, or as a ground cover.
Manufactured Products
A manufactured landscaping product refers to an outdoor design element or construction material that is created through human processes. Unlike natural landscaping products, manufactured landscaping products undergo various human-driven production methods to achieve specific characteristics or functionalities.
A few examples of manufactured landscaping products include:
Concrete Pavers: Pavers made from a mixture of cement, aggregate, and additives to create durable and uniform paving materials.
Earthscape Project: “Welcome Home”
Composite Decking: Decking material composed of a blend of wood fibers, recycled plastics, and binding agents to provide a durable and low-maintenance alternative to natural wood.
Porcelain tiles: In contrast to natural stone and concrete pavers, porcelain tiles demand minimal maintenance. Composed of clay, subjected to intense heat during pressing, they exhibit remarkable load-bearing capacity. Additionally, they resist cracking due to cold weather, corrosion, staining, and various other factors.
Earthscape Project: “Pretty in Porcelain”
Artificial Turf: Synthetic grass made from materials like polyethylene or polypropylene, offering a low-maintenance and water-efficient alternative to natural grass.
Manufactured landscaping products are valued for their consistency, durability, and specific properties tailored to meet certain design or functional requirements.
Constructing Your Project
Hire a Professional
A skilled landscaper can help you design and execute your vision, and can ensure that everything is done safely and correctly. This will help avoid costly mistakes that will have an impact on your landscape in the short or long term. They can also provide advice and recommendations based on their experience and expertise.
Earthscape Project: “Hidden Haven”
Hardscaping is a crucial part of any landscape design. By planning carefully, choosing the right materials, and incorporating a variety of elements, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of a professional to make your vision a reality. With a little bit of effort and investment, you can transform your yard into a stunning oasis.
Ready to Start Landscaping Your Home?
If you are ready to start your landscape project or to upgrade your existing landscape, be sure to get in contact with Earthscape. Our team of experts is excited to help you create your dream landscape. Our professional landscaping services include design, installation, maintenance, and landscape enhancements such as landscape lighting, irrigation and much more. With locations in Elmira, Ontario and Toronto, ON we look forward to servicing clients from these areas and beyond. Our on site teams are ready to make the transition from design to construction seamless and headache free regardless of the project value. With open communication and a great track record of successful projects, Earthscape is here to help you! Get started with a free consultation >>
