hardscaping
Non-plant yard features
Hardscaping refers to the non-living elements of landscape design—patios, walkways, retaining walls, stone paths, and other permanent structures made from hard materials like concrete, brick, or stone.
It contrasts with softscaping, which covers plants, trees, and soil.
The contractor finished the hardscaping before the gardeners arrived to plant.
Flat stones for walkways
- concreteSolid building mixture
- bricksFired clay building units
- flagstoneFlat stone for paving
- gravelLoose small rock fragments
stone · granite · slate · limestone · bluestone · sandstone · cobblestone · travertine
Flat stone for paving
- cobblestoneRiver-smoothed paving stone
- graniteIgneous rock, quartz-rich
- slateFissile metamorphic rock
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
sandstone · bluestone · travertine · basalt · fieldstone · quartzite · boulders · stepping-stones
Paths designated for pedestrians
- drivewaysPrivate vehicle paths
- pathwaysRoutes for walking
- patiosPaved outdoor living spaces
- stepsSequential actions in process
stairs · edging · fences · pergolas · gazebos · arbors · decking · terraces
Resistant to outdoor elements
- long-lastingPersisting over extended time
- low-maintenanceRequiring little care
- sturdySolidly built, durable
- permanentFixed without end
resilient · robust · stable · heavy-duty · frost-resistant · load-bearing · non-slip · UV-resistant
pavers
Flat stones for walkways
gravel · stone · granite · slate · limestone · bluestone · sandstone · cobblestone · travertine · basalt
flagstone
Flat stone for paving
- cobblestoneRiver-smoothed paving stone
- graniteIgneous rock, quartz-rich
- slateFissile metamorphic rock
limestone · sandstone · bluestone · travertine · basalt · fieldstone · quartzite · boulders · stepping-stones · rockery
walkways
Paths designated for pedestrians
steps · stairs · edging · fences · pergolas · gazebos · arbors · decking · terraces · firepits
weatherproof
Resistant to outdoor elements
- long-lastingPersisting over extended time
- low-maintenanceRequiring little care
- sturdySolidly built, durable
permanent · resilient · robust · stable · heavy-duty · frost-resistant · load-bearing · non-slip · UV-resistant · settling
layout
Spatial arrangement of elements
- blueprintDetailed technical drawing
- planDetailed proposal for achieving
- symmetryInvariance under transformation
proportion · balance · pattern · texture · contrast · drainage · grading · elevation · zoning · transitions
- gardeninggardener, gardening, flowers, seeds, soil
- landscapinglawn care, lawn mowing, grading, gardening, trees
- horticulturehorticulture, gardening, cultivation, planting, seeds
- groundskeepinglawn care, mowing, groundskeeping, lawn mowing, trimming
- house exteriorsfront door, siding, roof, windows, garage door
- Yard Serviceslawn mowing, hedge trimming, weed control, sprinkler repair, lawn treatment
hardscapingplanting
Placing seeds in earth
greenery · vegetation · lawns · garden beds · turf