Hardscape can be thought of as “hard,” yet movable, parts of the landscape, like gravel, paving, and stones. They are inanimate objects. Hardscape is solid and unchanging. Other examples of hardscape include retaining walls, pavers for paths or patios, outdoor kitchens, water features, gazebos, decks, and driveways

Pea gravel, Mexican river rock, small stones, gravel, recycled rubber mulch, and recycled glass are all considered loose-material hardscaping. Think about it this way: if a material is used as a landscaping surface and is not green, living, growing landscaping, then it probably would be considered hardscaping.

Hard landscaping may not be a phrase you’ve come across before, especially if you’re just getting into the exciting and malleable world of garden design. But it is important to take hard landscaping into consideration during the planning process of garden design, to make for a smoother operation.