HARDSCAPING

It's time to start planning non-living elements of your yard



February 28, 2020



PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER PHYLLIS ELMORE

Fences can be simple or elaborate--or somewhere in between.  They can be made of wood, brick, metal, vinyl or even synthetic slats woven in a chain-link fence.  This handsomely designed wooden fence in Victoria is constructed of treated and/or stained lumber.  Note the cement block base that will help ensure a secure perimeter so that animals will not dig their way out and, at the same time, keep the fence bottom off the ground and help prevent rotting of the wood.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER PHYLLIS ELMORE

A chain-link fence is more than a formal solid structure or even a metal or white picket fence.  This chain-link fence with inserted slats provides transparency from inside to outside the fence line while being able to see through it beyond the fence structure.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER PHYLLIS ELMORE

The stone wall border shown here contains the built up landscape and ground cover curbside on both sides of the walkway entrance that leads up to a sidewalk and then a turfgrass lawn.  Of note is the decorative butterfly paver entrance that welcomes one to the yard and up the walkway to the home in Old Victoria.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER PHYLLIS ELMORE

Borders can be made of rock, metal, stone or concrete and keep plantings or soil in an intended location.  This cement curb border serves to keep the rocks in place in a bed.  While it appears that it could be street side here, it also can be set in a more formal landscape garden design.

NON-LIVING ELEMENTS IN LANDSCAPE

• Arbors
• Borders
• Fences
• Gazebos
• Pathways
• Patios
• Walkways
• Walls

HARDSCAPE MADE EASY

Points to remember:

• Research
• Plan
• Cost
• Maintenance
• Preparation
• Construction
• Enjoyment

GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS

Robert Frost wrote the poem “Mending Wall” published in 1914. In it he penned, “Good fences make good Neighbors.”

The Gardeners’ Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Victoria County. Mail your questions in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77901; or vcmga@vicad.com, or comment on this column at VictoriaAdvocate.com.

Boys and girls, guess what time it is? This time of year some of us are itching to get in the yard. However, it is too wet, too cold or just too blah. It is time to get creative and start your project list. We may have some cold temperatures ahead of us, but newsflash – spring is around the corner.

Non-living elements of yard
Do you know what hardscaping is? Hardscape is the non-living elements of your yard. They can be patios, walls, fences, borders or other structures. We are going to learn more about hardscaping, limiting it to fencing and borders. While not entirely riveting, hopefully, this column will be informative. As the band Three Dog Night sang, it is “Easy to be Hard.”

Fencing
I have been wanting a fence. That is not completely true. I want a large dog. One day, that may happen. But I can’t get a dog until I have a fence.

I drive around town checking out people’s fences. I wouldn’t call it fence envy. But wood and vinyl and metal, oh my, there are lots of choices. There are many examples to pick from in Victoria. Just take a ride and check them out. How do you decide which one is right for you?

• Secure perimeter

Why do you want a fence? I can think of two reasons. The first is to keep critters out of your yard. The second is to keep critters in your yard. Those reasons are actually the same reason. You want to secure your perimeter.

• Types

As I mentioned earlier, there are many types of fences. You might choose a privacy fence or something decorative. There are simple designs or more ornate ones.

You may pick wrought-iron or even a chain-link version. When I see an attractive privacy fence, I immediately think, “What goes on behind that fence?” The Gladys Kravitz (from the television show “Bewitched”) in me comes out. Yes, that dates me. Come to think about it, my neighbors have some great fences. Hmmm, what could be the common denominator?

Borders
Have you thought about a border?

• Contain plantings/soil

Borders can contain your plants and soil. They may speed up lawn cutting and maintenance. I know my lawn-boy, AKA husband, would appreciate this construction.

• Can be made of various materials

Borders can be rock, metal, wood or concrete. There are a myriad of choices. Take a field trip and look around to see what you fancy.

• Research project; choose wisely

Whether your penchant is for barbecue, entertaining, leisure, swimming or cooking, all can be accommodated. There are things to consider before you jump off into your hardscaping project. Don’t run to the lumber yard until you do your homework. Your finished project will determine your final grade.

What do you want? How will you use it? For example, if you are wanting a wooden fence, you might consider a barrier to keep your dog from digging out from under it.

It is critical to do your research. Fixed objects can’t be moved easily, without great effort and expense. Remember, mistakes can be costly and will probably leave you with buyer’s remorse. Invest in quality design and materials to get the most years out of your project. Always think about form and function versus cost.

• Plan around the landscape

You may not want to put in a pool under a tree if you have other options. Consider the entire area even if you are only able to do part of the design for now. You may be building a patio for now. A gazebo or outdoor kitchen may be built later.

• Cost

What will it cost? Budget rears its ugly head. Dreaming is free. Reality is not.

• Consider maintenance

How about maintenance? Are you going to follow through with staining, painting, or even a cleaning project? I prefer to spend more time in the yard surveying my handiwork and less time on catching up with maintenance. Generally, the more elaborate the project design, the more maintenance it could need.

Preparation is everything. You will want to enjoy this feature for many years. Make sure to do a thorough job.

• Construction options

Construction is the final phase. You are almost done. Consider if you want a do-it-yourself project or if you want it professionally built. You are not saving money if you end up in the emergency room.

Now that the project is finished, you can enjoy it. Pat yourself on the back, sit down and relax.

Build your dream correctly to avoid mistakes.

Bonnie Tyler sang, “It’s a heartache.” I would change the lyrics to “It’s a hardscape, nothing but a hardscape.”