Ideas for Garden Hardscapes

Walkways

• Walkways are a useful hardscaping addition to any landscaped area. They provide a logical way to move from one area to another without trampling grass, flowers or shrubs. Use a small walkway to lead guests into a hidden area of the garden, such as a cultivated flower bed behind a line of large shrubs. Without following the walkway, the hidden garden will remain unfound. Walkways can be created out of a number of materials, including brick, slate stones, wood or stepping stones. Alternatively, the sides of the walkway can be lined with edging material and the center of the walkway can be left open.

Fire Pits

• Fire pits are becoming increasingly popular in backyard gardens, as evidenced by their appearance in many home and garden magazines. They are available at many home improvement stores, but they can also be built from scratch with the proper materials and skills. Large copper dishes are excellent for fire pits, as they withstand the heat well. A fire pit is a place to congregate with friends; locate it in a cozy corner of the garden or near the patio. Place several chairs around the area so there is plenty of seating, or utilize a comfortable couch covered in weather resistant fabric. It is not necessary to cook food over the fire pit; a good-sized fire will offer much needed warmth on cold evenings.

Walls

• Walls help separate a garden area. Building short walls into the landscape enhances the waves of a piece of land, particularly if the area is hilly. The walls allow the landscaped area to be increased by having a hilly area divided into relatively flat areas, which can then be planted with different types of flowers and shrubs. Dividing walls can be crafted from bricks, concrete blocks or specially made landscaping edgers that interlock. Ideal locations for dividing walls are along the edges of the property or garden area, where the pitch of the land changes or where soil types are different.