Landscape architecture can be used to add defining structure, order and clarity to your Huntington Station, NY, outdoor area. This can be done with outdoor structures that include gazebos, arbors, retaining walls and other outdoor living features. The materials used for this type of construction include concrete, pavers, metal, stone and wood. This creates contrast to complement the more natural elements of your landscape. Let’s take a look at some of these features in more detail.
Retaining Walls
The beauty of retaining walls lies in their ability to restructure an area to provide more useable space, multiple levels or a more defined space. Retaining walls themselves can be used to showcase the character of natural stone and can add charm to a landscape. As a further benefit, retaining walls can be used to house raised plant beds that add to the greenery of your landscape and soften the angles and texture of your hardscape. The dimension created by using retaining walls for adding multiple tiers to a landscape can further heighten the appearance of structure and effectively divide multiple spaces of differing function.
Low Walls and Hedges
Low walls and hedges function in much the same way, creating division between outdoor spaces, adding to visual interest and contributing to a sense of verticality. Like retaining walls, low walls can be built from attractive natural stone or quality concrete products that provide earthy charm or the character of brick. Additionally, low walls double as permanent seating, making them ideal for enclosing outdoor living spaces such as patios or fire pit areas. Hedges, on the other hand, provide a less permanent means of providing separation and contribute to the lush greenery of the landscape. Shrubs such as boxwood are ideal for hedges and maintain a tight shape with their small leaves and dense foliage. Boxwood hedges can also be trimmed into neat geometric shapes to add to a sense of structure and definition.
Pergolas
Although pergolas offer minimal shade on their own, they can be coupled with shade cloth and outdoor curtains to create a comfortable shaded area. Pergolas are also often used as a framework over which vines can be trailed. Importantly, pergolas add dimension and an attractive aesthetic element to an outdoor area. They can also be used to visually separate a space from the rest of a hardscape, for example enclosing an outdoor kitchen or sitting area.
Gazebos
Gazebos create a more enclosed area than pergolas and often rest on a raised platform. This makes them excellent for creating an attractive vantage point from which to enjoy a view or supervise a children’s play area. Once again, gazebos provide vertical interest in a landscape.
Trellises and Arbors
Trellises and arbors provide a structure for vines and other plants. These can be used to enclose patios, demarcate entrances or divide outdoor areas. As well as being attractive features, trellises and arbors are excellent for providing shade and color.
