Early on landscape designers trained by apprenticeship. It was not until the early 20th century that landscape design became institutionalized through education. So although the term is relatively recent, the practice has been around ever since humanity has tried to change the appearance of the outdoor environment with a planned design.

While the first enclosures were thought to be around 10,000 years ago, no one really knows much about them. The earliest known designs seem to have begun in western Asia with the Ancient gardens around the 6th Century and then spread to Europe.

Ancient Gardens

Some of the earliest ancient gardens created varying combinations of large structures with smaller features in a landscape. Stone was often used with religious and philosophical thoughts in mind. Islamic gardens were enclosed and stone was seen in buildings, which had intricately carved details.

Japanese Zen gardens combined all elements to create a natural setting that included stones along with water, plants, waterfalls, trees and bridges. A Zen garden was designed to bring peace and harmony.

In classic Chinese gardens, small scenes were recreated in multiple sections. Every Chinese garden incorporated some rock element, whether a simple rock garden or a collection of rocks. Rocks used to create miniature mountains had special meaning, symbolizing virtue and stability.

European Gardens

Stone is a natural choice for its hardness and durability. When we think of stone in historical European landscapes, we might think of very imposing features such as paved roads, walls, bridges, culverts, wells, and other structures. Early landscapes were designed for social gatherings and public spaces during the age of Greek and Roman Antiquity. Yet there were also plenty of smaller stone features such as statues, waterfalls and ponds.

As the Middle Ages were ushered in, more European gardens became private, walled in places for the wealthy. There were also the monastery gardens that had open green space surrounded by covered walks, generally with a stone well or fountain at the center.

The Renaissance period revitalized the wider spaces of garden designs from Antiquity while embracing innovation with water structures, which were often construction of stone. During the baroque period, the French opened up the garden to enormous proportions that included stone walkways, large pools and fountains.

The Victorian gardens were designed with more massed flower beds, exotic colors and intricate details. There was also a profusion of open spaces, such as green spaces, aimed at bringing culture to the community in the Victorian gardens.

Modern Gardens

The modern landscape designs of today continue to incorporate large and small stone structures, paved walkways, driveways, patios, pools and more. With newer technology, there are increased possibilities of using different materials, including stone that can be cut and sized more consistently and evenly.

Thin stone veneer has helped revolutionize how stone is used in landscape design because it is lightweight and economical. Sustainable methods have become more common practice while creating new challenges for the landscape designer. In addition, luxuries such as stone fire pits, bars and fireplaces add a new level of outdoor entertainment to both residential and commercial land use.

The history of using stone in landscape design is an immense topic. And the practice of analyzing, planning and designing available outdoor living space, whether for aesthetics or functionality, continues to evolve.

Since 1949 Fieldstone Center has worked with landscape designers and others by providing quality stone for a number of practical and creative uses. If you would like to learn more about our stone or want to schedule to see our selection of stone, contact us at (770) 385-7708.

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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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It can be a challenge for groundcover plants to grow between pavers or flagstones, but certain plants are perfect for this purpose. Plants that work best spread quickly, stay close to the ground and are resilient. They reduce weeds growing through openings. They are tough and can handle being stepped on.

When choosing a plant, look for short plants that won’t obstruct the path or walkway and that can grow under your soil and light conditions. Here are 10 groundcover plants that make good fillers between paving stones:

Blue star creeper – This ground cover bears starry, pale-blue flowers atop a bed of very flat, light-green leaves. Although the flowers look delicate, the blue star creeper is a tough plant that handles foot traffic well. It blooms for most of the year and it can grow in full sun to partial shade conditions.

Creeping thyme – Perfect for sunny paths and tough under foot, thyme has many varieties to choose from, grows in difficult soils from sandy to heavy clay, and tolerates inconsistent watering. The herb bears tiny, rounded fragrant leaves in shades of dark green, lime green, and even gold with a white edging. Most varieties form low-growing mats that blend nicely when planted between stone pavers. A good variety for paths, Elfin thyme, is a miniature version of creeping thyme that grows 1 to 2 inches tall. Creeping “Sunshine” speedwell is also a good choice that blooms with tiny purple flowers.

Dianthus – Extremely hardy, this low-growing, clumping plant makes a good ground cover between pavers for both sunny and partially sunny locations. Depending on the variety, plants are smothered with pink, red, white, or lavender flowers. The flowers grow 3 to 6 inches in height.

Dichondra – Also called Carolina Ponysfoot, this plant grows well in the south in areas of sun to partial shade and is heat resistant. Its lime-green, round leaves spread to fill in spaces.

Dymondia – Extremely flat with slender, oval leaves that are two-tone (green on top and gray underneath), Dymondia has a tidy appearance, uniform height and low watering needs. It occasionally bears tiny, flat yellow daisy flowers. Large areas require a regular watering, fertilizer and care, so this plant is best planted in smaller paved sections of your walkway or patio.

Green carpet – Popular in landscaping design, this ground cover forms a mass of dense, green leaves. It is low-growing and only reaches a height of 3 inches. It is extremely drought tolerant and does great in heavy foot traffic areas.

Irish moss – With a soft, spongy texture, Irish moss grows best in moist, shady areas and keeps its short, compact appearance even when regularly stepped on. It forms a dense carpet of miniature, velvety leaves. You’d be surprised how little soil is required for the moss to grow. Varieties such as woodsy Plagiomnium or star moss are both hardy in our zone.

Mondo grass – When you want to keep a green carpet year-round to fill in paving spaces, the dwarf mondo grass variety is a good choice. It grows in full to partial shade. This might be a simple solution in your landscape so you can stay on the same schedule as your grass lawn for watering and trimming.

Small Lobelia – The blue species are the most popular because the flowers are showy and captivating. The small ground cover varieties usually grow about 1 inch in height with white or blue flowers. Be careful not to choose larger lobelia varieties that can grow as high as 3 feet. These plants are good for shady areas and do not do well in hot, dry areas.

Stonecrop/Sedum – Many of the flattest stonecrops form mats along the ground with succulent stems. They easily fill in the gaps around paving stones. There are several smaller varieties that grow a few inches in height. Goldmoss Sedum is a dainty succulent perennial that bears lime-green leaves and yellow, springtime flowers. Dragon’s Blood Sedum has small, succulent leaves that are a dark, purple-red.

Wire vine – A fast-spreading perennial groundcover, wire vine forms a thick mat of tiny, round, glossy leaves. It grows in full sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant.

Groundcover plants are much prettier to fill the spaces between pavers and flagstones compared to weeds. The type of plant you choose has a lot to do with your personal taste and whether you want greenery, flowers, compact, or creeping. Plants can also be grown in the cracks of a stone retaining wall.

Although we don’t sell the plants, Fieldstone Center has a wide selection of pavers and flagstones. When you are ready to install your landscape design, contact us at 770.385.7708.

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