platform with garden beds creates an enclosed room effect. Etched and stained concrete can make a driveway
look like a living room floor, but many gardeners are looking for a permeable surface that allows water to penetrate back to the earth. The trend here is to large pavers over the smaller bricks. A variety of shapes and sizes in the paving mix is also on trend along with surface textures. Paver sizes vary from 10” by 20” to 20 “ by 20” and 20” by 30”, arranged in random patterns. Really though, it’s all about what pleases you and complements your garden and lifestyle. Using found materials combined with stone or
gravel can make a walk or patio unique an inexpensive at the same time. Building raised beds is always in style, but add a
stone wall as a divider to give dimension to larger spaces. Outdoor fireplaces are popular and can be constructed as part of the patio to create a living space. Today’s outdoor soft furniture means you don’t have to race to take in the cushions every time it rains, either. Be sure to contrast these spaces with plenty of
green, using trailing plants to set off and soften the stone. One bit of advice: be sure your contractor is reputa-
Natural limestone pavers. The outdoor living space with a fireplace built in (Lemkey Landscape).
ble. Ask friends or your local garden centre for recom- mendations and check to see if he belongs to a local association. Hardscaping can be pricey. You want to be sure it’s done right so you aren’t having to do reset stone a year or two down the road. .
14 • Summer 2014
www.localgardener.net
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