Before and After: Bed-Stuy Backyard

I might have to say this was the most labor intense and awesome backyard we have done so far. This one is an extreme before and after! We have done some hardscaping before but this was our first huge hardscaping project and I'd say it turned out beautifully. The clients wanted their downstairs neighbor to have their own backyard space so the yard was sectioned to give each their own space. They are all very excited about their new backyard garden.

BEFORE:

DURING:

The new fence! The front part is what separates the downstairs tenants space.

The bluestone delivery! Holy cow.

Oi. That's a lot of huge heavy rock. No problem. We got this.

Bringing in and fitting together the puzzle of stone

Permeable aggregate for optimal rainwater absorption added between the irregular bluestone

Stone in front laid

We had to level and clear the back. Colin and Vladimir find a huge boulder! 

Stone in the back laid! The far back square is aggregate that will be covered with artificial turf lawn which remains green all year - zero maintenance, and a permeable surface for rainwater absorption

Planting! We chose a mostly native plant palette with evergreen shrubs around the existing mature Magnolia soulangeana.

Laying the artificial turf. Colin is fabulous. 

AFTER:

TA- DA! 

Dana posing after our hard work!

Kat admiring and Colin relaxing.

Hardscaping

A major decision in garden design is choosing the right paving option for your garden. 
In the end, the choice is a matter of preference and style. Everyone has a different taste, so get creative! 
Here is a little guide to explain some of the options available.

Common hardscaping materials include concrete, brick, stone, wood, and pavers. 

Concrete

Concrete is a relatively cheap option that is very versatile. Instead of having a poured concrete sidewalk in your yard or garden, why not try concrete pavers? They are less susceptible to cracking and because you can have grass or stone between pavers this option helps eliminate run off.

Brick

Brick adds a classic look to your garden. You can stick with the classic deep red or try brick in a variety of colors. There are also endless patterns for brick laying.

Stone

Stone is another great option for hardscaping. It can be used as your main material or in addition to other materials. Common stone available for hardscaping are flagstone, sandstone, slate, limestone and quartzite.  Stones permeability makes it a good environmentally friendly option. 

Wood

Wood is typically used in hardscaping for fences, walls, and decks, but wood chips can also be used to create a rustic looking pathway.

Pavers

Almost any stone type can work as a paver, but the most commonly available options are either sandstone, limestone, slate, or granite. Pavers can be laid in a connected pattern or spread out with sand, gravel or even greenery between them to create a permeable surface for water to seep through.

There are many hardscaping options out there for your garden space. There is much room for creativity. You can stick with one material or mix many. Recycled materials are also a great option. You could use old glass bottles or salvaged building materials. Have fun with it!