Making your backyard look the way you want is possible, but you have to go beyond solely considering plants. While greenery matters, the hardscaping element gives your outdoor spaces structure and visual appeal.
People began to realise this way back in the 18th century with formal gardens. They saw they had to add stone and gravel to make them work.
But in more recent years, that’s all changed, and hardscaping is fast becoming the dominant consideration. Virtually all new properties use it.
So, how can you use hardscaping to your benefit? Here are some ideas.
Build An Outdoor Kitchen
You could start by transforming your patio or covered area into an outdoor kitchen. Building a place where you can prepare food gives your exterior locations a focal point, allowing you to entertain guests while spending more time outside.
Most outdoor kitchens have built-in grills, stone countertops, and storage. Some also have electricity hookups for fridges and freezers, which makes them even more convenient. Of course, they need to be robust against the elements, but that’s where professional landscapers come into the picture.
Add A Fire Pit
You can also add a fire pit for a similar focal point effect. These look fantastic and provide people with somewhere warm to gather around in the evenings and at weekends.
Fire pits are handy for parts of the country that get cold during the winter. Usually, they are made of stone, but these days, you can also get metal or gravel versions. Fire pits sink into the ground and then heat up the surrounding materials to provide warmth on cool evenings, especially when the sun goes down.
Add A Patio
Another option is to add a patio made from top-tier pavers and flagstones. According to companies like Curascapes, these are ideal for BBQs, lounging, and setting up outdoor seating areas.
These days, it’s easy to set up your outdoor spaces to match your vibe. You can implement something with plenty of straight lines and sharp edges, or you can explore curved options, which are becoming increasingly popular.
Add Retaining Walls And Raised Sections
To provide your backyard with more structure, it’s also worth investing in retaining walls and raised sections. These give your garden some vertical texture, making it look more varied and less flat.
You see this technique being used all the time in properties that sit on slopes. Owners add these walls and raised sections to make their outdoor areas more visually appealing.
Install A Water Feature
Another option is to install a water feature, something you’ll find relaxing and comforting. Water features look great, and even with today’s wealth, they remain surprisingly rare.
You can build water features into fountains, waterfalls, or ponds. Then, you can place chairs and seating next to them so you can listen to the soothing sounds.
Add Built-In Seating
Finally, you could explore the option of adding built-in seating. These installations are usually made of stone or concrete and centered around a feature, like your fire pit or fountain.
