Mixed Elements
Often, multiple "hardscape" elements of landscape used together create a dynamic foundation of a garden.
STONE
The permanence of stone makes it the fundamental design material in the garden landscape. It provides visual interest, strength & structural support, and the added natural beauty of the material itself. Stone walls level and enlarge garden areas to improve plant performance. Stone provides beautiful smooth patio surfaces; and as paving, firm steps and a stable continuous surface for transit.
The flowing sailcloth of this pergola provides shade and contrasting shapes and colors to the garden. The adjacent grape pergola provides support for the vines, while adding shade and a billowing canopy to the dining area.
PERGOLAS
Pergolas are a multipurpose garden feature. A pergola will provide a vertical architectural point of interest, with functional options as well. A pergola will provide shade with a well designed canopy, or a platform for plant material, providing shade in addition to the overhead garden of flowers and foliage.
This combination of fence and trellis offers both privacy and the architecture to support beautiful plant growth.
FENCES
Fences are often used as an instrument of privacy. Simple designs provide an outdoor wall. Others reflect an architectural element in addition to the privacy, and can be stunning in their materials presentation or architecture. Screens are another type of fence, often allowing some privacy while not appearing as a solid wall.
When combined with an overhead trellis, a fence provides an additional vertical aspect of color and/or architecture.
A classic integration of multiple elements. Pergolas, one for shade over a sectional, the other for grapes over a dining table. An isolated small coffee patio aside a gurgling boulder with soothing sound. Custom stone benches for gardenside seating. Multiple colors of flagstone compliment the colorful plant palette. A walkway to the rear garden and petanque court bypassing the patio area. A fabulous design by my friend Liz .
The Utah Stone wall is mortar free, with an integrated step which begins a pathway loop of gorgeous flagstone pieces. The open custom lattice fence suggests the garden border yet borrows the landscape beyond for depth. The rectangular fence lites reflect the similar character of the stone. The urn converted to a fountain draws hawks, finches, and woodpeckers. There are 5 boulders which provide focal points of interest and places to sit and linger in appreciation. This garden is less than 2 years old.
