hardscapes
Non-living landscape elements
Hardscapes are the non-living, constructed elements of outdoor spaces—patios, walkways, retaining walls, driveways, and other structures made of stone, brick, concrete, or wood.
The term contrasts with softscapes, which are the plants and soil.
Landscape design balances both: The hardscape provides structure while the plantings soften it.
Solid building mixture
- paversFlat stones for walkways
- brickFired clay building unit
- asphaltPetroleum-based paving material
- gravelLoose small rock fragments
cobblestone · flagstone · granite · slate · bluestone · limestone · sandstone · travertine
Paved outdoor living space
- walkwayPath for foot traffic
- drivewayPrivate residential road
- pathwayDesignated route for travel
- terracePaved outdoor extension
courtyard · steps · stairs · border · edging · curbing · landing · ramp
Water-spouting structure
- pergolaLatticework frame for climbers
- gazeboRoofed outdoor shelter
- arborGarden trellis structure
- trellisGarden climbing structure
fireplace · planter · bench · bollards · sculpture · birdbath · pond · column
Low-irrigation garden design
- drainageLiquid removal system
- gradingAssigning marks to work
- permeableAllowing substances through
- sustainableAble to endure long-term
zoning · transition · pattern · layout · scale · proportion
concrete
Solid building mixture
gravel · cobblestone · flagstone · granite · slate · bluestone · limestone · sandstone · travertine · quartzite
patio
Paved outdoor living space
terrace · courtyard · steps · stairs · border · edging · curbing · landing · ramp · apron
fountain
Water-spouting structure
trellis · fireplace · planter · bench · bollards · sculpture · birdbath · pond · column
xeriscaping
Low-irrigation garden design
sustainable · zoning · transition · pattern · layout · scale · proportion
facade
Deceptive outward appearance
- columnsUpright structural shafts
- archesWeight-bearing curved spans
- balustradesRows of posts supporting rails
cornice · keystone · lintel · masonry · buttress · pediment · pilaster · portico · veneer · quoin
hardscapessoftscapes
Living landscape components
plantings · greenery · lawns · vegetation · gardens