David BeaulieuFrom Paths to PatiosHardscape consists of the non-living elements of landscaping, such as a brick patio, a stone wall, or a wood arbour. It is one of the two major subcategories of landscaping, the other being softscape.…
Overhead view of round mosaic patio. Jacqui Hurst/Getty ImagesBalancing Elements in Landscape DesignTo better understand how to design for a landscape, the two main elements that make up outdoor living spaces are known as hardscape and softscape. The…
Image Source/DigitalVision/Getty Images11 Things to Learn When Starting a Garden From ScratchGardening can easily become a lifelong hobby, with no limit to the skills and knowledge you can develop. But there are some basic skills you…
David BeaulieuYou have probably heard landscape designers speak of "hardscape," but the term, "softscape" is used less frequently. Intuitively, you may guess that being the opposite of hardscape, it must refer to everything in the landscape…
Tom Merton/Getty ImagesWays to Improve the Look and Landscaping of Your Home's ExteriorThe simplest way to assess the curb appeal of your house is to walk to the curb—or to the street—and view it with the critical eyes…
FEB 15DESIGNING YOUR GARDEN: BUBBLE DIAGRAMSDesigning your landscape can often feel overwhelming. The best place to start is with a bubble (or functional) diagram. This is wonderful way to organize your spaces without a lot of detail…
Ways to Make Your Patio or Deck More Attractive, FunctionalPatio landscaping has a dual mandate. Your outdoor living area should look great, but it should also be functional. Privacy, safety, comfort and low-maintenance are four aspects…
Moss can be a low-maintenance substitute for grass.Siripong Kaewla-iad/Getty ImagesLess Work, More Play in Your GardenTake these tips to heart if you're serious about low-maintenance landscaping. Since watering and mowing the lawn consume a large chunk…
Yoshihisa Fujita/MottoPet/ Getty ImagesWhat to Do About Urine Spots on LawnsIs your landscape going to the dogs? Is your lawn grass riddled with urine spots? There is no reason why you can't be the owner of…
BasieB/E+/Getty ImagesLandscape Solutions for Problem AreasRock Gardens and Other Examples of Working With What You HaveProblem areas. Almost every landscape has at least one, whether it is a rocky spot, a slope, or a place so…