Hardscaping Projects

Retaining Wall

• A retaining wall is a common hardscaping feature that is incorporated in backyards that slope or are uneven. A retaining wall must be an attractive addition, yet strong, since it must hold the earth in place as well as permit good drainage. Strength comes from a proper concrete foundation with drainage pipes laid beneath. Construction materials will depend on the look you want, since retaining walls can be built from lumber, bricks, concrete or fieldstone.

Pond

• Ponds are becoming increasingly popular features in gardens. They can be immense structures with cascading waterfalls and filled with expensive koi and other exotic fish, or they can be as modest as a large pot filled with water, rocks, plants and a few goldfish. Some considerations to keep in mind when adding a pond are size, since you will need to dig quite deeply; the elements, since you need sun for aquatic life; and the ability of this hardscaping feature to blend harmoniously into its surroundings.

Rock Garden

• Rock gardens are an ideal way to hardscape a particularly difficult area of the garden. They can make good use of a useless slope or hill or can be constructed on ground that is difficult to work with, such as an area full of roots. There must be good drainage, however, since the rocks in the rock garden may prevent rainwater from running off. Once the rocks are in place, you can add well-amended soil to the spots in between the rocks and plant rock garden favorites such as sweet alyssum, heather and alpine flowers.

Walkway or Path

• A walkway or path can be a great addition, bringing a sense of order and cohesiveness to the garden. It also helps to avoid trampling the grass. Walkways can be built of almost any material: fieldstone, paving bricks, mulch, gravel and even herbs such as low-growing thyme. Determining the style of garden you have, whether it is formal or informal, will help you decide what kind of a path your garden requires. If it is a formal garden, the path should be straight and defined, while meandering paths are more appealing in informal gardens. To fill in small areas, break slate pieces over a large rock. When you've finished laying the path, pour sand over the top and sweep it into the cracks between the stones.