BUild It
If you dreamed it you must build it
What to Consider When BUILDING Your Landscape with Hardscape Features
At Nature’s Elements Landscaping, we design spaces with intention, functionality, and beauty. If you’re considering upgrading your landscape with pavers, retaining walls, stone veneers, or decorative rock, here are some key factors to keep in mind for a cohesive and elevated outdoor environment:
1. Retaining Walls Designed for Structure & Aesthetic
Think beyond erosion control. Retaining walls can define garden spaces, create multi-level terraces, and serve as backdrops for lighting or planting. When planning your wall:
Choose a style and finish that matches your home’s architecture.
Consider adding curves or tiers for visual interest.
Ask about integrating lighting or stone veneer for a luxury look.
2. Paver Patios, Driveways & Walkways Designed with Purpose
Pavers bring color, pattern, and structure to outdoor areas. Whether you’re creating an entry path or a backyard patio, consider:
The shape and flow of traffic—how people will move through the space.
Matching paver colors to roof, trim, or other hardscape tones.
Whether permeable pavers are a smart eco-conscious choice for drainage.
3. Decorative Rocks & Flagstone Designed for Texture & Contrast
Stone is more than filler—it’s a design element. Rocks and boulders are perfect for creating focal points or water-wise ground cover. To enhance your design:
Use flagstone for natural-looking pathways or informal patios.
Blend rock types and sizes for a more organic, layered effect.
Use boulders or cobbles to anchor plantings or define borders.
4. Stone Veneer Designed for Outdoor Elegance
Adding thin stone veneer to outdoor structures can completely elevate a landscape. Whether wrapping a fire pit, column, or wall:
Choose tones that complement both your house and the surrounding landscape.
Mix veneer types for modern or traditional textures.
Consider stone veneer for vertical interest in a flat yard.
5. DG, Gravel & Sand Designed for Function & Flow
Foundational materials are often overlooked, but they are key to long-term success. Whether installing a DG walkway or prepping for pavers:
Think about traffic—use compacted gravel or road base for high-use areas.
Use DG in places where grass won’t thrive
Ask us about stabilizers that reduce dust and erosion on DG paths.
💡 Final Tip: Blend Function With Beauty
Every element—from a paver border to a stackable stone wall—should feel like it belongs. At Nature’s Elements, we help you design with your lifestyle, property layout, and long-term vision in mind. With careful planning, the right materials, and thoughtful placement, your landscape will feel like an extension of your home.
Ready to design your space? Let’s talk about your goals and style preferences—then we’ll create a tailored plan to bring it all to life.
Building the great out doors
Landscape construction is where thoughtful design comes to life through skilled craftsmanship and proper implementation. A well-planned outdoor space begins with detailed design and precise execution—especially when building hardscapes, retaining walls, garden walls, seat walls, outdoor steps, and custom stonework. These structural elements define the overall landscape and require expert installation using high-performance materials such as CMU block, poured-in-place concrete, natural stone, brick, precast wall systems, and stone veneer to ensure durability and long-term visual appeal.
Common Landscape Construction Features:
Concrete work: Broom finish, sand finish, stamped concrete, colored concrete, exposed aggregate, and troweled concrete
Masonry walls: Retaining walls, raised planters, block walls, seat walls, and decorative stone features
Flatwork installation: Patios, walkways, driveways, concrete stairs, and foundations
Paver systems: Interlocking pavers, cobblestone, and permeable paver installations
Natural surfacing: Flagstone paths, decomposed granite patios, crushed gravel areas, and stepping stone walkways
Architectural details: Concrete mow strips, capstones, masonry columns, and structural footings
Proper grading, drainage planning, and sub-base preparation are critical to the success and longevity of every hardscape installation. Whether working with a professional landscape contractor or managing a DIY build, attention to foundational techniques ensures that everything from flagstone walkways to custom concrete patios performs reliably over time.
Additional Landscape Construction Components:
Drainage systems: French drains, catch basins, swales, and downspout tie-ins
Smart irrigation systems: Drip lines, multi-zone controllers, and weather-based smart timers
Low-voltage lighting: LED path lights, uplighting, hardscape lighting, and transformer integration
Built-in structures: Footings and utility access for pergolas, patio covers, outdoor kitchens, and fire features
Services can be provided for hardscape design, masonry layout, installation support, or full construction management, depending on your needs. Whether you're upgrading a residential landscape or developing a large-scale commercial space, success lies in using the right materials, proper methods, and a detailed implementation plan that brings the design to life—beautifully and built to last.