Think of this as an ideabook of landscape features from across the internet. A curation of well-done steps, wall, and other forms of hardscape married with softscape plantings that make inspiring garden pictures.
Further Explore the Hardscape Idea
Hardscaping can be defined and discussed, but there is nothing like pictures from gardens to get the creative juices flowing. I like to collect photos on Pinterest (as do we all!), but these widen some of the illustration about the concept of using permanent materials to form the design in your landscape.
Defining HardscapingStone Steps
Stone steps done to perfection from the portfolio of Lithic Construction.
Natural stone steps and other gravel/stone features from Charles C Hugo Landscape Design
Whether dressed or natural in form, stone is easy to meld into garden design. It looks like it belongs. There may be a few rules about working stone into your landscaping plan, like what stone is native to your area and the fact that stone has a “grain”.
It is a versatile material which lends permanence, decorative value, and  texture.
Wooden Steps
Much less expensive, easier to work with, and widely available, wood is the material of choice and convenience for most of us. One caveat for areas with plenty of rainfall is the fact that it can be slippery when wet, and decks can have a buildup of algae that some find undesirable.
Pretty Details
Caught on Pinterest: blue gate with heart opening.
Repurposing Wooden doors from Monica Roberts Photography
Repurposing is a frugal garden practice that lends itself to rustic looks and country garden, but there is nothing that prevents a city yard from benefitting from this creative use of old doors.
When mixing materials or repurposing, try to use design elements such as repetition or mass to keep from reproducing an old junk yard esthetic. In the path below, equal squares are the main overall shape, and materials are repeated in sequence. This gives cohesion to the look.
Mixed materials, kept level and even, lead beside cutting garden beds.
Sheds for relaxing are something between a gazebo and a garden bench, a very personal space that is gaining popularity.
A type of covered bench is one of the more simple designs for this garden hideaway.
Overhead pergolas or garden arches are romantic structures that support roses, clematis vines and other climbing bloomers. Or leave them unplanted for architectural accent.
This example by Novi Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Great Oaks Landscape Associates Inc.
Brick Paths
Straightforward brick path. Photo / Eric Roth
Many designs are possible with brick. They may be the path itself, or edging other materials. The straight lines of bricks are one of my favorites, called a “running bond”. To learn all about the ways bricks are lined up, visit this page.
Edging
Brick combined with other materials gives a contrasting texture that lends itself to interesting effects. An unusual placement of brick where stones are normally seen can awaken the design and give a signal to walk slowly through the space.
Brick as stepping stones
Stone Pathways
Fieldstone
Fieldstone makes a rough pathway, but it is visually appealing.
Dressed stone gives a completely different look and a level surface.
These are just a sampling of how the right hardscape designs create different styles and complement the outdoors, inviting people into the garden to experience the beauty and as a complement to the home.
