concrete landscaping

The use of concrete in landscaping can contribute significantly to a garden design.

Concrete still has a poor image, because of the many situations in which it is used - forever associated with sky-rise blocks of the 1950's rather than the tranquil surroundings of your garden. but there is more to concrete than industry and an increasing number of modern garden designers are finding a role for it in the home environment. It can be attractive!

The primary use of concrete in the garden is still for paths and walkways - it is certainly hardwearing enough for these purposes. Patios also are often constructed in concrete, although it is often thought to be too 'hard' and covered with more attractive paving slabs - ironically, themselves made from decorated concrete.

The next frequent use of concrete is for building retaining walls. These might need to be reinforced, depending on the load they will be subject to, but can provide a clean-lined way to separate parts of the garden that are at different levels.

The most exciting use of concrete is as a decorative feature in its own right - stark, angular, walls (painted or not) rising from the gentle planting below can provide an interesting contrast. Freestanding walls are quite complicated to construct to a significant height, but a wall with a 90 degree corner in should be much more stable.

Be bold, use concrete in your garden! And remember, if you find the look of the concrete too 'aggressive' it can be painted successfully - either in a colour such as dark green that blends with the garden, or in a bright or contrasting colour, if you prefer to highlight the wall and provide a touch of colour in the winter months.