Hardscapes play a vital role in transforming outdoor spaces. They offer structure, functionality, and aesthetic appeal to any landscape. From crazy pavers to stylish outdoor entertaining and pool areas, these elements provide the perfect balance to softscapes, creating harmony and visual interest.
If you’re looking to enhance your garden, hardscapes offer endless possibilities for both beauty and practicality. Here are 10 hardscape elements we love to incorporate into gardens:
Pavers
Pavers are durable, interlocking materials made from concrete, stone, or brick. They’re commonly used in landscaping to create structured outdoor surfaces. They most commonly form pathways, patios, driveways, and decorative features. Pavers come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, allowing for customisable designs that can complement any garden style. Their versatility makes them ideal for creating defined spaces, while their interlocking design provides stability and allows for easy installation and repair. Our Hawthorn Rose project showcases a range of beautiful pavers and how we like to style them.
Steppers
Potentially our favourite hardscape element, steppers are large, flat stones or slabs used in garden landscapes to create walking paths or decorative features. Unlike pavers, they’re typically placed individually or in a pattern. They provide a stable surface for walking while blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Steppers are often used to highlight garden areas, connect different sections of a landscape, or create a rustic, natural aesthetic in pathways, lawns, or flower beds. Deepdene Forest is the perfect example of incorporating steppers and many other hardscape elements into a garden.
Pool
In a garden setting, pools can serve as a stunning focal point while offering a refreshing space for cooling off during warm weather. Pools are often integrated into landscaping with surrounding patios, decks, and lush plantings, enhancing the outdoor living experience and creating an inviting environment for both leisure and entertainment. The pool below is a stunning 20-metre lap pool designed for our Hawthorn Hills project.
Pergola
Pergolas are outdoor structures with an open-roof design, typically made of wood or metal, that provide shade and a sense of architectural beauty to a garden. They are commonly used to create focal points, define outdoor living spaces, or support climbing plants. Pergolas enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens while offering a sheltered area for relaxation, dining, or entertaining. One of our all-time favourite pergolas can be found in our Canterbury Vine project.
Planters
Planters are containers used to grow plants, flowers, or small trees in a garden or outdoor space. Made from materials like wood, ceramic, or metal, they come in various sizes and shapes to suit different garden styles. Planters are ideal for adding colour and texture to outdoor spaces, allowing for flexible gardening in areas with limited ground space, such as patios, balconies, or along pathways. They can also be used to showcase individual plants or create visually appealing arrangements. Planters are used throughout our Clifton Hill Rooftop project to create the feel of different garden ‘rooms’.
Bench Seats
Bench seats are outdoor seating options designed for comfort and relaxation in garden spaces. Typically made from stone, they provide a convenient place to sit and enjoy the natural surroundings. Bench seats are often strategically placed along garden paths, near flower beds, or under trees, offering a spot to rest, reflect, or entertain guests while enhancing the overall landscape design. We incorporated multiple bench seats into our Kew Entertainer project to maximise comfort throughout the space.
Water feature
Water features are a decorative hardscape in the garden that incorporates water, such as fountains and ponds. They add a calming atmosphere with the soothing sounds of flowing water while also enhancing the visual appeal of the landscape. We love using water features to create focal points, attract wildlife, and promote a sense of tranquillity. They’re a popular choice for gardens seeking both aesthetic beauty and peaceful ambience. Deepdene Forest features multiple water features, creating peace for our clients.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are structures built to hold back soil and prevent erosion. They’re typically made from materials like stone, brick, or concrete. We utilise these to create tiered landscapes, level sloped areas, or define different sections of gardens. Retaining walls not only provide practical support but also add visual interest and dimension to the garden. This makes them ideal for creating raised beds, outdoor seating areas, or decorative features. The cosy fire pit area at our Blairgowrie Hideaway project is nicely protected with low-lying limestone walls, which both frame the area and prevent the sloped garden from over-growing.
Crushed Gravel
Crushed gravel is a versatile landscaping material made from small, angular pieces of stone. It’s often used for paths, driveways, and decorative areas in gardens. Its rough texture helps with drainage and provides a stable surface for walking or driving. Crushed gravel can be used to create natural-looking pathways, fill garden beds, or serve as a base for other hardscaping elements. This adds both functionality and a rustic aesthetic to the landscape. Granite rock gravel creates a beautiful colour contrast in the driveway area here at Deepdene Forest while also supporting the overall functionality of this garden.
Outdoor Dining
Outdoor dining areas are designated spaces in the garden designed for eating and entertaining in an open-air setting. These areas typically include a dining table and chairs and may be enhanced with features like pergolas, lighting, or nearby plants. This creates a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Outdoor dining areas are perfect for hosting meals, barbecues, or gatherings. Allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the garden while dining al fresco. If you’ve been searching for outdoor dining or entertaining inspiration, look no further than our Kew Sanctuary project.
Whether you’re looking to create pathways, add seating areas, or design a tranquil retreat, the right hardscape features can transform any outdoor space into a stylish and welcoming environment.
With careful planning and thoughtful design, your garden can become a harmonious blend of nature and man-made artistry. Hardscapes offer both visual appeal and lasting value to your home for years to come.
