Lesson 6: Special Features in Your Landscape

There are many features you can include in your landscaping besides plants. These sections give you ideas on several of the options available to you to make your yard more useful and inviting.

Special Features in Your Landscape

There's more to landscaping than just plants. Although not an all inclusive list, this should give you an idea of other items you can use around your yard.

Arbors. Arbors can add a unique touch to your landscaping. If properly placed and screened they provide a very personal place. Arbors also are great for landscaping with vines. In addition, they can provide a vertical dimension to your landscaping. They are definitely worth considering for use in your landscape. Arbors can lead your vision to another part of the landscape or garden.

Berms. These are nothing more than raised earthern areas. They can be extremely attractive and create an illusion of a more three dimensional site in flat areas. They can be useful for making screening more effective by raising the elevation of new plantings. Further, they can be used to assist with erosion control. Berms should be subtle, 18” to 24”, and not obnoxiously high. For a diagram on how to plant a berm click on this file.

Fences. Styles and materials vary for fences, but they can provide beauty, privacy, security and a valuable place for pets to hang out. Fences can define beds and create a prop for hanging plants and bird feeders. Make your fence work for you.

Gates. The use of gates in your garden can create a strong first impression. Gates can be decorative, grandiose or simple and secondary to other elements in your landscaping. If located at the front of a garden, the gate should announce that you are about to enter a special space. Gates in combination with paths create a sense of movement. By locating a gate at the back of your garden, they provide the perception of depth and imply that the garden is larger than it really is.

Lighting. Low voltage lighting can be extremely attractive along pathways and as up-lights or accent lights to highlight specimen trees and other outstanding landscaping features. Most importantly, however, is site safety. Be sure to use a qualified electrician or landscape contractor certified in electrical work if you are going to have low voltage lighting installed.

Overhead Structures. In extremely hot, sunny areas, structures such as shade shelters can be very desirable. They can provide cooling comfort in the summer and provide a prop for climbing vines. Often they are used in conjunction with patios. Traditionally they are constructed of attractive wood such as cedar and have lattice work overhead so that sunlight can filter through.

Patios. Patios can provide a perfect solution for private relaxation or for entertaining. A favorite of many people is using flagstone. The pieces should be spaced so that groundcover plantings or sod can be planted between the stone. Other patios that work can range from brick type pavers, exposed aggregate concrete, concrete created with a pattern and/or colored, and square concrete pavers placed within timber borders.

Retaining Walls. The use of retaining walls may be necessary to stabilize banks. They can be built with heavy timbers, concrete blocks of or boulders. The quality of construction is critical, as they must be able to hold back the weight of the fill behind them. Seek professional help on this for best results or if walls are not extensive and you want to do the work, spend a great deal of time studying product manuals and specifications.

Steps. First and foremost steps should be safe and comfortable. Too many steps are too small or the rise is too steep. Steps may be constructed from a variety of materials such as concrete, landscape timbers, concrete blocks, and quarried stone. Also, natural flat boulders can create an attractive rustic set of steps. Steps can also be interspersed occasionally with landings to add interest. If steps are extremely steep consider the use of railings for safety.

Trellises. These can be used as a focal point in a specific part of a bed or to screen some undesirable aspect of your yard. Be innovative, play with them and create something special in your yard.

Walkways/Paths. Paths can be rustic ones by utilizing good quality flagstone such as Chilton stone. Steppers should be placed so that the surface is flush with the lawn for the convenience and safety of mowing. Steppers should be 1 3/4" to 2” thick, 18” to 22” in width and placed 27” on center. Other attractive paths are frequently created from brick type pavers. Occasionally wood chips are used to create a rustic type path. Other options are Class 5 gravel, finely crusted limestone or granite.

Character Boulders. Large boulders can be used effectively as an accent. They are attractive when interrupting the edging of beds or walks and when included in berms. Select those boulders that have veins, unusual edges or coloring or exhibit other unique characteristics. Don’t just place boulders on the surface. They should appear like they do in nature, somewhat buried, as if they been pushed up from beneath the surface.

Fountains, Sundials & Armillaries. Never limit yourself to tranditional hardscaping. In a sunny area there is nothing more inviting than a well placed armillary as a focal point. In landscaping you are only limited by your imagination, so feel free to dream and create with special features to create your own niche.

1  2  3  4  5   

Print this page