If you are looking to add upgrades to your landscape, whether for your own personal wants or to prepare to sell your home, consider hardscaping improvements. To maximize your investment, think of hardscaping as a way to improve your property so that it is more “green” and low maintenance. The key is to blend the living environment with hardscaping elements so that they benefit wildlife and provide healthy outdoor spaces.

4 ways to add hardscaping to your landscape

Walkways

Add a gravel or paved walkway through your garden. This allows you to enjoy the garden with a material that is low-impact. When choosing gravel or natural stone as the material for your walkway, you can avoid the harsh chemicals that are found in asphalt and use a more environmentally-friendly surface compared to concrete. Plus, gravel and natural stone have naturally high permeability rates so water can flow through them instead of as run-off, helping to minimize erosion.

Patios

Get rid of the concrete pad and install a patio with flagstone that is low maintenance and gorgeous. This is a luxury that is hot in today’s marketplace. Flagstone is natural so it works well in blending your outdoor area with the surrounding environment. And if you convert a place where grass is hard to grow for your new patio, you can further maximize your outdoor space with a low-input material that reduces your maintenance. You’ll have more time to relax and less time needing to mow, weed, seed, or otherwise waste your energy maintaining the area.

Retaining Walls

Stone retaining walls are some of the best ways to help conserve water and minimize soil erosion in your landscape. By adding a drywall stone wall to a sloping area, you can better control erosion while using a material that is hard and durable. Plant some low maintenance groundcover behind the wall and you’ll have a feature that can be appreciated for years.

Garden Features

Incorporating in stone water fountains or ponds can help attract wildlife while also filling in areas that minimize your maintenance. Interspersing stone garden features in your landscape can help reduce the need to buy plants and other landscaping products, and they are durable and long-lasting. Consider constructing a pond that is surrounded by various sizes of boulders or riverrock, or design a water fountain with thin stone veneer.

It’s important to blend your hardscaping in with your natural landscape to maximize value in your home. People want to see something that is appealing besides being “green”. Too much greenery can be intimidating to a person who doesn’t want to spend all their time in the garden, while too much “hardscaping” can be overly intimidating to someone who wants to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

Fieldstone Center, Inc. has stone products for all your landscaping needs. Contact us at 770-385-7708. We can help you decide on the best upgrades to add to your landscape with the right stone for an amazing result!

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The winter season is here but you might not know it if you are seeing the beautiful daffodils blooming. While it’s been a warm winter, there is sure to be cooler weather to come. Yet, even if it wasn’t so mild, many people consider winter to be the best time for doing hardscape projects.

Why do Hardscape Projects in Winter?

Dormant plants

Like your perennials and grasses, weeds go dormant. And even evergreens are not actively expanding their roots like they do in the summer months. This makes it ideal to carve out space for a walkway, patio, driveway, and other hardscape projects without damaging the landscape. And the projects help to give a jump on your weeding come spring because you’ll have the hard materials in place to suppress the weeds.

Comfortable temperatures

One of the great things about working outside in the south during winter months is the mild climate. You can beat the heat and be comfortable when you choose warmer winter days. This helps not only in personal safety but in the application for stone hardscape materials. For example, the mild temperatures allow mortar to dry at a slower and more even rate. This makes it more durable with the result having less cracking and a longer life span.

Cost savings

Many contractors are slower during the winter months. People often don’t plan to do much outdoors this time of year and the result is that you can hire hardscape designers and contractors at a reasonable expense for projects during the offseason. Labor is not the only thing that is less in demand; demand for materials decreases also so you can get inventory at cost savings. This could equate to a sizeable savings and be applied to upgrades such as quality stone and additional luxury features that give you more for your money.

Better service

When business is slow, contractors are more motivated to get your projects underway and completed quickly. Yet they are not so rushed with the pressure of moving on to the next job. This helps them have the time to pay attention to the quality and details of hardscaping. And there is less wait for permit reviews. The permitting process can even become simpler because the focus is on your projects. There are less bottlenecking and interruptions in the projects as the process and communication improves.

More time to design

The slower season often affords you the chance to get it right. While there is less competition, hardscape designers can give you their undivided attention. They are less likely to rush you in discussions about different approaches including the design and style, material choice, and colors. And they are more likely to share ideas and provide more details about options for luxury features that you might not have thought about.

If you are ready to start hardscaping, winter is the perfect time. One of the best benefits of starting in winter is that no one will be using your yard so the work won’t disturb your routine. And come spring when you are ready to be outdoors, you’ll have that beauty of a new walkway, driveway, patio, or other hardscape feature to enjoy!

For assistance in selecting the materials for your hardscape projects, contact Fieldstone Center. We have been providing quality stone products since 1971 and have a wide selection to choose from. Call us at (770) 385-7708 for more information.

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Good planning is needed to add the proper balance in material and style. You should understand the size of the project so you can select the right materials. Some projects are smaller in scope and others larger.

3 Hardscaping Ideas

Functional Patios

A patio is the backbone of your outdoor living space. It is the gathering place for friends and family to enjoy the outdoors. It compliments your landscape by creating a transition from the inside to the outside. With hardscaping, you can add function with a relaxing sitting or eating area. Frame your area with a rock wall and use your natural landscape as the backdrop.

Since your patio will be an area of high traffic, flagstone is a favorite choice for the surface. It is durable and low maintenance. It is a good option no matter what size area you are working with. And the natural color hues help to transition from indoors to outdoors while providing many ways to be creative with the stone’s numerous patterns and uses. Mix in thin stone veneer when building luxury features like an outdoor kitchen or fireplace. And add in drystack stone for a bar.

Low Maintenance Lawn

Replacing portions of your grass with hardscape materials is becoming increasingly popular. Besides decreasing your maintenance and conserving on your watering needs, aggregates like river rock, pea gravel, and crushed granite can be a beautiful compliment to the rest of your landscaping.

You may already have an area where the grass is difficult to grow. Think of how much easier it would be and better it would look if you didn’t have to struggle with caring for those bare patches. Instead, redefine the area with stone or aggregates. If the area gets a lot of traffic, you can design a wide gravel area bordered by low maintenance plants or beds. For an area that is not used often, spread pea gravel and add iron or wicker furniture for a cozy resting place.

Walkways

A stone walkway can compliment a landscape by bringing diversity and creating a natural flow for traveling through an area. There are a number of hardscape materials with different shapes and sizes to compliment every type of outdoor environment. Design a simple gravel path for low maintenance and quick access through a landscape area. Or design an intricate stone walkway that leisurely winds through a garden with several drystacked stone water features and other points of interest. Plan a rock retaining wall as an added feature to compliment a property boundary. Your options are plentiful.

To design the best compliment for your landscape, the amount and type of hardscaping you add should blend with the surrounding area. You don’t want to overpower a quaint, cottage garden. Although you can still add in a strong structure such as a stone fireplace or wall to a small area, be creative with the greenery hanging or growing alongside the structures so that you maintain the cozy feeling. A scenic landscape that has more open space or a grand view is typically more suitable for standalone hardscape feature that creates a statement.

When you are ready to add in hardscaping to your landscape, Fieldstone Center has the natural stone, thin stone veneer, aggregates, and other materials for your project. Contact us at 770.385.7708 for more information.

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Stone will stand the test of time. It is durable and long lasting. Its use in landscape design is called hardscaping. And while stone is hard, it also gives a softness to landscape design projects. The trick is to use it so it blends seamlessly with the natural environment. When done well, adding stone into your landscape creates a design you can appreciate for a lifetime.

How do you create a landscape that lasts and is appreciated for years?

Choose the best materials for the purpose.

Paved walkways and patios give permanence to an area but don’t have to be boring. Concrete is boring and also cracks over time. You want function, longevity and attractiveness. Using quality materials that are durable and weather well is important. Stone is one of the most durable, long-lasting materials used in landscape design projects. And it provides a natural beauty that can look attractive in any setting. It also doesn’t fade so it maintains its color. With its versatility, stone can be used for walls, walkways, garden beds, patios, outdoor fireplaces, firepits, seating areas, and more.

Incorporate low maintenance elements.

When you have areas that require little effort to maintain, the landscape maintains itself and shows the way you want it to look for a long duration. Stone resists weather and ultraviolet damage. It requires minimal maintenance. It is hard and if it chips or scratches, it is not easily noticeable. Use natural stone to hardscape areas where plants are hard to grow or in place of lawn so you can reduce your watering and mowing. The result is that you will be incorporating low maintenance elements with the permanent beauty of stone.

Build strong structures.

When you think of landscapes that have endured, you might think about rolling hills divided by stone walls that have lasted generations. They stand the test of time. Stone walls are strong structures that can be built directly into a sloping or terraced landscape, or to form boundaries along a property edge or patio area. And there is a large variety of stone that can be used to build strong structures in a landscape. In addition to stone walls, think about granite cobblestone driveways, bluestone steppers, flagstone seating areas and stone veneer building facades.

Design for lasting impressions.

Blending strength of structures with the living environment is an art when done well. Mix stone with other materials or other stone to create a rustic look in a wooded or casual environment. Use it in solid lines or geometric shapes for a more formal, well manicured landscape. Impress by choosing a material that adds value to the surroundings and matches the style so it seems like it belongs there. Look at the origins of stone. For example, fieldstone is popular in agricultural settings, riverrock along river settings, and ledgestones along more rugged, cliff settings.

When it comes to creating a landscape that stands the test of time, stone is a versatile option. It impresses while continuing to look beautiful and endure the elements season after season.

Fieldstone Center has a wide selection of quality stone for many types of landscape projects. If you would like see our selection or find out more information, contact us at 770.385.7708.

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Green landscaping is a term referring to a landscape that is designed and maintained to save time, money and energy. It is also known as sustainable landscaping or eco-landscaping.  When designed to blend the living environment with hardscape elements, green landscapes benefit wildlife and provide healthy outdoor spaces.

Choosing a sustainable material, finding ways to minimize negative environmental impact, and reducing maintenance are all factors that help make working with natural stone ideal choices for green landscaping.

Sustainability

One of the most durable and versatile sustainable materials for hardscaping is natural stone. Stone can be used for a garden structure, gravel pathway, paved patio and walkway, rock retention wall, and so forth. Because it is durable, stone does not require the long-term labor to maintain once it has been placed in the landscape. This saves time and money. It also helps with drainage to conserve water and soil retention to minimize erosion.

Minimal Environmental Impact

Hardscape materials such as natural stone are low-impact and low-input, meaning they minimize the input of resources and the output of waste. Materials such as natural stone don’t contain harsh chemicals like asphalt, aren’t environmentally complex like concrete, and don’t need to be topped off each season like mulch. They don’t need fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. By reducing or avoiding chemicals, using natural stone in hardscaping is better for us, the wildlife and the environment.

Low Maintenance

Hardscaping can help reduce your maintenance by replacing areas where plants are hard to grow and reducing the need for watering where you lessen your lawn with alternate surfacing. Many stone pavers have naturally high permeability rates so water can flow through them instead of as run-off. This makes them ideal for paths, driveways, patios and pool decks. Besides conserving water, another benefit of reducing lawn or hard-to-grow areas by hardscaping is you don’t have to continuously mow, weed, seed, or otherwise waste your time and energy maintaining the area.

Upgrading your landscaping to be greener is not only a good choice for the environment, it can save you time, money and energy. If you are ready to integrate hardscaping into your landscape design, Fieldstone Center can help you select quality stone that can minimize your water use, reduce your maintenance, and provide lasting beauty.

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You can enhance your existing garden with a simple change in color and texture from aggregates. From gravel to pebbles and egg rocks, there is a wide range of colors, sizes and types of stone aggregates available. Their variety provides a number of ways to use them in your landscape. Here are some ideas:

In Place of Mulch

When used in and around garden beds and shrubs, aggregates can aid in moisture retention and provide protection from the hot summer temperatures. Its low maintenance means that it won’t need to be topped off each season like mulch. Our gold or grey pea gravel is visually appealing when used in place of mulch and will add a new dimension to your landscape.

As a Groundcover

It can be used in large areas of your garden such as for covering slopes and placed along the edges of pathways where you might often think of adding groundcover plants. It’s flexible for filling in any size or shaped area and can reduce invasive problems of many groundcovers. We suggest pea gravel, pebbles or egg rock for a decorative layer in your landscape.

For the Surface

Lay it down as the surface for sidewalks, driveways, and other landscape projects. It will help provide natural drainage. It has the durability as a rock material while giving a softer look compared to concrete and pavement. And it’s the perfect transition material when moving away from a home into a larger garden or other area. Crushed slate, granite gravel #57 and pea gravel are great options for surfaces.

As a Replacement for Grass

It does well for areas of the yard where plants don’t grow well or when you want to reduce maintenance with less irrigation. And if you have bare areas where grass is hard to grow, consider covering the area with a decorative display of boulders and smaller aggregates. Since you are dealing with rock, the color won’t change over time. And it’s a cost effective way to cover an area.

In Place of Grout

When laying down pavers, choose smoother aggregates that don’t have sharp edges to fill in the space. Stones are very durable and offer a unique textural contrast with the pavers. Because aggregates come in different sizes and colors, you have options for how much spacing you want to fill between pavers. Our crimson pathway and mixes Mexican beach pebbles are beautiful choices to use between pavers.

As a Rock Border

Aggregates lined along path and garden beds give a finished look to a landscape. They can add a natural look to your garden while keeping plants contained in beds. Planting groundcover behind the aggregate border creates another effect when the groundcover starts to spread over the rocks for a casual look. Also popular is lining rows of different sizes and types of aggregates, such as beach pebbles, for a creative look.

When you use aggregates in your landscape, you are adding functionality along with the natural beauty of stone. Depending on your purpose, be mindful that some aggregates do not compact like others do. Fieldstone Center, Inc. has a wide selection of aggregates and can assist you in selecting the best ones for your landscaping project. Contact us at (770) 385-7708 for more information.

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There are many different types of decorative stones to use in a landscape. Choose from crushed stone, gravel and native rock in a variety of sizes, textures and colors. Depending on the size and type of stone that you choose, your options are limitless for adding an ornamental touch to make a beautiful and unique outdoor setting.

Six Ways to Give Your Landscape an Ornamental Touch with Stone

1. Use stone as groundcover to add texture and color to different areas of a garden, or around driveways, walkways, pools, and recreation areas. Be creative by making your own design along a grass border or by widening an existing sidewalk. Specialty crushed stone, river rocks and lightweight aggregates can help give an unforgettable natural look to any outdoor area.
2. Mix and match large boulders with an area of smaller pebbles. You can add two to three boulders to a garden bed and then surround the area with a border of pebbles. The larger the boulder, the more prominent is the appearance. For a less prominent effect, switch it up by adding smaller pebbles as mulch around plants and then place medium-sized boulders or riverrock around the bed in place of edging.
3. Create something special using boulders. Place one large boulder or a few together in a decorative display. You can choose a location that almost implies a story. If you have a pond, randomly place a few boulders to create a natural feel. Or if it is structure you are looking for, choose several boulders of the same size and space them at consistent intervals in or along a garden bed.
4. Stack drystack stones or riverrock in columns or create a wall for visual height or depth. Placing four stone columns around an outdoor seating area or building a short stone wall around a patio can set apart the area by acting as a decorative frame.
5. Use drystack stones or granite cobblestones to build an ornamental design feature. A fountain or fireplace adds luxury and beauty to any landscape. If it is a casual atmosphere you are designing, stack the stones in an offset pattern or with no particular pattern. If you want to achieve a more structured appearance, stack the stones evenly in a consistent pattern.
6. Add custom cut limestone, bluestone and sandstone fabrication to pool and spa copings, outdoor fireplace surrounds, and window sills and trims for ornate detailing that is sure to impress. Fabrications are custom cut to your designs and will enhance the beauty of any outdoor space.

As a landscape architect or homeowner, you are sure to have projects where you will find unique, functional, and creative uses for stone. Fieldstone Center can help you choose the right stone to add an ornamental element to your project. Contact us at (770) 385-7708 for more information or to arrange to view our stone selection.

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Adding stone into your landscape doesn’t mean you have to create a desert-style landscape or completely replace your grass with hardscaping. Here are a few tips and ideas to create a beautiful, eco-friendly landscape that incorporates stone:

• Limit the space dedicated to natural grass lawns or avoid a conventional lawn completely by adding low maintenance plants mixed with pathways. With less lawn, you reduce the need for watering and thus decrease the amount of stormwater runoff. In addition, plantings help to create wildlife habitats while the pathways provide access to enjoy it.
• Install stone pavers for sidewalks, driveways, and patios as an alternative to asphalt or cement. Flagstone pavers are a low maintenance, natural, and durable option that is both decorative and functional. When using stone in your landscape, you are using a low-impact, low-input material. It is a great environmental alternative to concrete (cement) or asphalt, which has petroleum toxins.
• Add a side path of stepping stones or separate pavers with mulch or plants along a pathway. This adds charm and a rustic look to your space while helping the rainwater to drain naturally back into the ground.
• Add a drywall stone or cobblestone wall to help maintain a slope. The wall will help control erosion and will look lovely with low maintenance plants such as azaleas or daylilies growing along the slope.
• Create a stone edging or border along plant beds. Layering stone along an edge can be visually appeal. It also decreases maintenance because it provides a natural barrier for grasses while helping to control invasive plants.
• Take up space with attractive stone features, such as rock gardens, fountains, benches, and a good sized patio. Stone features help to reduce the surface area that requires watering, decrease your garden’s maintenance requirements, and reduce the need to buy landscaping products. Stone water features or statues interspersed in your garden beds also help to take up space while adding beauty to your garden.

If you would like more tips and ideas about how to create an eco-friendly landscape using stone, contact Fieldstone Center at 770-385-7708. We can help you select the right stone products for a good design in your eco-friendly landscape.

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