| While the trellis covered with roses is still a | | | | far more sophisticated than simply bringing out |
| beautiful hardscape for the yard, intricate | | | | the charcoal grill. It now includes more modern |
| hardscapes now enhance the appearance of your | | | | cookware with stone countertops and built-in |
| yard and the curb appeal of your home. Hidden | | | | refrigerator units. These outdoor cooking areas |
| gardens with statues, seating and masonry create | | | | make trips to the kitchen unnecessary. Imagine |
| interest areas but also places for a peaceful | | | | putting on your food in the oven and sitting back |
| retreat. | | | | in a comfortable chair soaking in the beauty of |
| Stone and masonry add their own dimension to | | | | Mother Nature and your back yard. These types |
| the colorful surroundings of the yard and garden. | | | | of outdoor kitchens are now becoming more |
| If you don't have a flower garden or blooming | | | | popular than ever. |
| bushes, the masonry becomes the accent of | | | | Retaining walls and decorative walls not only |
| color in what would otherwise be a drab appearing | | | | enhance the focal points of the land but also bring |
| yard. | | | | an air of elegance to the entire landscape. You |
| Imagine the peace and tranquility, which comes | | | | can highlight small garden areas by raising them |
| from sitting in your quiet yard and listening to the | | | | above the lawn and enclosing them with a |
| sounds made by pond with a waterfall. Water | | | | retaining wall. |
| features made with combinations of natural stone | | | | Adding drama to the front yard with a stone or |
| and brick create a peaceful environment and take | | | | brick walk way and large bricked entryway gives |
| you away from all the troubles you experience | | | | additional value to your home while providing an |
| throughout the day. The addition of brick | | | | area to display gardens, potted plants and |
| pathways to this miniature paradise that's a | | | | statuary. It also ensures that the water drains |
| pleasure to the eyes, the senses and the spirit | | | | properly away from the home and helps prevent |
| add continuity to the focal point of this type of | | | | soil erosion as it does. |
| hardscaping. | | | | If you live in a dry warm area, brick walls and |
| Masonry patios are not only interesting and add to | | | | heavy masonry create wonderful sun shelters |
| the beauty of the home, they are functional also. | | | | and help absorb the heat as they radiate coolness |
| The addition of stone and masonry turns unused | | | | back toward your home. You'll find these types of |
| space of the backyard into a valuable addition to | | | | walls help to keep your home cooler when the |
| the worth of your home. An outdoor fireplace or | | | | weather is unbearably hot. |
| fire pit is not just a focal point for your yard but | | | | No matter what your weather or location, you'll |
| provides a place where the family gathers and | | | | find that adding hardscapes to your home |
| friends feel comfortable. | | | | improve not only the value of the house, it |
| Another popular item that many backyard patios | | | | improves your enjoyment of it. It helps turn a |
| include is a gourmet kitchen. Outdoor cooking is | | | | place to live into your own private retreat. |