Creative Collaborations

• design
• aesthethic revitalization
• hardscaping
• irrigation
• solar/water features
• ambiance

Hardscaping

Garden structures such as raised beds, paths and steps, patios, arbors and trellis’, fences and gateways’, and walls are necessary components that have a wide array of aesthetic and functional offerings. A vast palatte of material choices can provide a myriad of options to consider when deciding on what is right for your space.

A simple solution when working with challenges such as severe slope or heavy clay and rock-solid soil are raised beds, which take little time and are easy on the budget. Most commonly built out of rot resistant cedar, redwood, or pressure treated lumber, interlocking concrete blocks and dry stacked rocks and flagstone are also great choices.

Maybe taken for granted because of their seemingly straight forward function; paths do more than get you from A to B, they greatly effect the garden experience. They can make small space appear larger, call attention to lush plantings, offer surprises, or even become experiences in themselves; winding in a spiral to form a labyrinth. The choice of materials is most appropriate when tailored to each particular desire; imagination is the limit.

Patios; likely to be one of the most used parts of the garden offer space for dining, entertaining, become destinations for relaxing retreat, and can be enhanced by surrounding favorite plants, fireplaces, or the sounds of water features. Options for materials can be loose materials such as decomposed granite or gravel, or masonry materials like brick, concrete pavers, flagstone, or tile.

To create a magnetic effect in your garden; arbors and trellis’ offer an excellent all-in-one solution. They can dramatically reconfigure your space by creating shade over patios or around a pond, or by becoming a bridge, creating a transition between one section of the garden to the other.

Another set of structures that define borders and create transitions are fences and gateways; helping to create a sense of seclusion and privacy. A well-designed and built fence or gate can even moderate high winds and soften street traffic noise. Wood fences have a versatility that is reflected in the wide variety of its forms, yet, alternative materials like iron or custom metal work can become part of the artistic tapestry itself.

Walls; unlike any other element truly create a sense of solidity and permanence to the garden, holding the earth at bay. They can function on many levels to create terracing, raised planting, definition of space, and privacy. Because of their un-deniable presence typical materials are stone blocks, brick, and poured concrete, these all provide adequate strength and durability to ensure a long life span.

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