When I was a child, I gathered flat stones from our mountain pasture, carefully cleaned them off and erected a tottering dry stonewall around my favorite apple tree. That was the beginning of my fascination with hardscaping and, though my technique has improved somewhat, the desire to make magic in the world outside has never left me.
These days, many of us are looking at our current residences with an eye towards staying put and making the most of what we have—including our backyards. To do that, we need to think beyond what we will plant and consider the configuration of the space itself.
That’s where hardscaping comes in. Hardscaping is defined as those elements in a garden that are permanent or semi-permanent and are not growing. Paths, walls, pergolas and water features are all examples.
It’s estimated that a homeowner can add as much as 20 percent to the value of a home by adding a striking landscape design. “Curb appeal” can be a strong selling point and adds a grace note of welcome for visitors. But more importantly, it can enhance your enjoyment of the outdoor areas of your home.
Looking out over a simple, easy-to-maintain lawn, it is sometimes difficult to see where to begin. I suggest thinking about your yard in terms of rooms and accent pieces. Many of us have much more experience with designing interesting interiors than exteriors, so let’s borrow some of that language as we look outside.
Garden “rooms” can be as big or as small as the amount of space you have. Like rooms in a house, garden rooms can be cozy and informal or ballroom-grand. Start simply and you will be amazed at how easy it is to visualize these outdoor environments.
Pathways are the entry point to your garden rooms. Among the almost infinite choices available for garden paths are low-growing herbs, gravel, flat natural stone and pavers with inlaid mosaic tiles. Consider the overall style of the room when making your choice. A formal room with hedges may require a laid-stone path; an amoeba-shaped “playroom” lends itself to some fragrant thyme and chamomile for kids to roll around on.
Now that you’ve chosen the “carpet,” think about the walls. A perky row of rose-of-Sharon is hardy and easy to keep trim. A low dry stonewall with small perennials bursting from the crevices will require more planning but will be a mini-ecosystem that will constantly change the look of your room. Overflowing beds of low-maintenance perennials can be a weekend family project.
The abundance of readily available stone and its appropriateness in the landscape makes rock structures a natural for mountain gardens. Stonewalls can define planting areas, create discrete spaces or aid in leveling uneven terrain.
Purely decorative elements like beds and surrounds or ground level installations such as pavers and patios are fairly easy projects for do-it-yourselfers, but retaining walls must be carefully constructed to allow for proper drainage and angled to account for the pressure of the soil being contained. It’s a good idea to seek the guidance of a expert for any ambitious construction.
Berms are areas of raised soil, little hills—often with hidden stone foundations—that are useful for breaking up a flat yard space to introduce visual interest. They are ideal for artful arrangements and specimen plantings. To create your berms, you may choose to bring in clean fill dirt or to use the leftover soil from an excavation project (like a water feature). Once again, to be on the safe side, consult a landscape professional before you begin constructing berms to avoid an erosion mess when the rains come.
The furniture of your garden room can include shelter as well as seating for visitors. This can be as simple as an arbor at the entrance to a garden area or as elaborate as a gazebo with banquettes that can accommodate dinner for 12.
Keep in mind that these structures will have to endure the weather. Always use appropriately treated wood and hardware for construction, finish with a good sealer or paint and practice routine maintenance to ensure long-term enjoyment.
Accent pieces can include statuary, fabrics (pillows, umbrellas and, yes, even weatherproof rugs!) and whimsies such as sundials. But perhaps the most universally delightful accessories are water features. Water features add movement and sound to the peace of your outdoor rooms. So sink a tub, install a fountain or create a koi-filled pond; it will add a new dimension to your enjoyment. Even a simple bird bath will bring feathered folks to the garden (watching birds splash and wallow is a great stress reliever).
The addition of a garden room—or suite of rooms—gives your family a place to be together outdoors, as well as an encouragement to your children to get away from the TV or computer and see the real world. So grab a piece of paper and pencil: sketch out your dream yard. If you need some help or inspiration, check out the options at your local bookstore and garden center or consult with a landscaper.
Use your imagination—the possibilities are as big as all outdoors.
