Chapter 8
Choosing Stone and Hard Materials
Choose a Family of Stone and Hard Materials from the Beginning.
It will save alot of problems if you considerately select the set of stone and hard materials you will be using together for your ‘palette’ before you begin to design your projects in any detail.
You are after a sort of family of materials, a set that looks well together. Your early choices may strongly influence the overall appearance of your landscape because the initial selections will often establish the kinds that you will be using in subsequent work for the sake of continuity within your place. In terms of the quality of finished appearance, the difference between your hard materials options may be priceless, so you will want to look around and have an opportunity to choose.
The materials you select will affect the cost, the ground preparation needed, the sequence of the work and the maintenance afterwards.
Each particular kind of hard material has a typical shape, color and texture range, and other inherent characteristics which make it suitable for some building applications and not others.
For this reason, for the different uses you will need to choose multiple kinds of stone and hard materials. Some will be best thin, others thick. Some will be large forms, but the small forms of the same kind of stone can be used in other applications for a overall natural appearance.
Once you have thought about your necessary uses, you can choose your ‘family’ of specific building materials from those that are well suited to their jobs.
The enduring materials such as wood, stone, concrete, metal, asphalt and even plastics that you choose are fundamental in establishing an esthetic connectedness for your property.
“Devi Guardare Tutto”
= You need to look at (absolutely) everything.
From the advice of Italian Master Mason, Carmelo Messina.
Get the best materials you can afford.
Durability is an issue. Materials that seem a bit more expensive may actually be a far better buy because their lifetime in the landscape is a lot longer.
Time goes by quickly in a garden setting, and you won’t want to replace things just when the plant materials are maturing nicely. Or ever, preferably. If you do things right the first time, and quality stone is your medium, the work will last. Sometimes the handsomest and best overall materials may even cost less than alternatives if the source is nearby.
“Oh thou sculptor, painter, poet!
Take this lesson to thy heart:
That is best which lieth nearest;
Shape from that thy works of art.”
Longfellow, Gaspar Becerra
You may want to choose the very best and most long lived kinds where the floor is busiest and most visible.
Consider the character of the various stone and other materials already in the view.
Whatever you choose to bring in should be harmonious with existing elements that you like and are keeping.
If the family of materials you build with originally came out of the same area as you reside in, or from similar geological earth areas, when you build them in they can seem as if they had always been there.The chosen set of materials may be more pleasing if it seems an appropriate part of the local landscape in general. If you are choosing between alternative materials, consider how their color and character will work in relation to whatever else is already on your property, in the views or in scenes nearby your home.
There are so very many kinds of stone, each with their own character. Their appearance depends on which place they come from, the geological history of that location and how long they have been out of the earth and in the weather.
Be Consistent
If you use the same or related kinds of materials for all similar applications throughout your property, such as all the steps (or all the paths or all the stone walls) being a particular kind of material, that consistency will help create a unified feeling and esthetic within the place.
“Constancy (is) generated
by the repetition of underlying patterns.”
F. L.Wright
Horizontal Contexts
The type of Stone or other particular material chosen for horizontal building contexts
can be consistently the same kind or set of kinds
throughout the property.
You can use particular kinds from your set of materials in the same way in your various locations. Materials with durable flat surfaces will be good choices for the horizontal work created, such as treads of steps, paths or terraces. These can be just a couple of inches thick.
Vertical Contexts
You can be equally consistent for vertical applications, but you probably need a different kind of material.….
When the goal is some height, as in stone wall work or construction of step risers, raised beds, rock gardens or fire pits,
Three dimensional kinds of hard materials are probably needed.
You often need small, medium and large versions of the dimensional kinds of stone you choose. If they come from the same bedrock, they will usually look well together. Size classes roughly like Corn kernels, Marbles, Golf balls, baseballs, and soccer balls each have different jobs.
Stone that Drains away Water
You may need a small kind allowing good drainage in some areas. If this small material is taken out of the same geological location as the larger stone you are using, the color set can provide consistency. Your gravel or crushed stone may be visible in walkways, drives, surface drainage areas, or stone garden mulches. Gravel is a natural stone product, which is screened from the sand or earth matrix to obtain the desired sizes. Here the 1/2″, 3/8ths ” and 1/4 ” types are called peastone.
You will need to be careful of what you buy as peastone. It is best to check the actual source pile since the color of the natural run of peastone may vary over time. The stoneyard may change their source, so bring a sample of your own original material. In addition, some distributors of peastone blend in crushed stone of the same size with the gravel, making the overall product have a sharp texture, which is less desirable for garden uses.
“Propriety is a universal test.“
F.A.Waugh, Landscape Gardening
Look around at nearby built work to find out what materials may suit your local esthetic and be available to you.
A particular vernacular visual character is established by the kinds and colors of materials that have been commonly used in your area over a long span of time. Often this is because they have been available close by. Their character is part of your biogeographical destiny, an intrinsic part of the eco-esthetic nature of your place. There are choices that are a natural part of the local palette.
“Do experiments with the materials at hand
to find out what you can do
with what is locally available…
so that people can do gardens beautifully in that area.”
Mien Ruys / Dedemsvaart, Netherlands
What is beautiful in your eyes and locally available can help you determine the range of good choices for your projects. Go see nearby stone and hard materials suppliers, quarries and maybe even excavation and blasting projects that might be sources for you.
To find suitable matching material, it will be important to travel with a few photos and physical samples of stone and materials in your car. These will speak volumes to knowledgeable masons, or the masonry and stone suppliers. Color and character are hard to describe in words.
Truly local materials may or may not be available, so if what will be used must be brought in from other areas, your job may be to locate the best match for that typical local material. This will be especially important if you want to blend with some already in your home surroundings.
Try to get kinds of stone and other hard materials that you will be able to get again, as this will be important for your future projects. Many of the most beautiful landscapes are made over some years. If you have found a source for any wonderful material, this may be treasure for your place down the lines of time.
Keep track of where each of your chosen kinds came from, and find out how to request those particular types again. When you are engaged in making a landscape, you will be needing matching materials later, more likely than not.
Keep Track of Your Recipes.
For stone constructs with visible cement or mortar joints, or if you mix stucco, the components of the mix matter for the outcome color. There are different mixes and various proportions used by different masons and this can affect the color.
You will want to use the same recipes as are established on your property, so ask your builder or your sources how to specify them in future.If you make notes for your files at the time of the work, it saves a lot of time and trouble later, just as it does in your home when it is time for touchups and you kept track of the specific paint colors you used.
Asphalt can have different textures and colors depending on the size, color and the proportions of sand and stone embedded in the matrix. The color of the bedrock that the small stone came from will determine the overall hue.
..
Nearby here, we see driveways with a decidedly purple caste due to the color of the bedrock in Saugus, Massachusetts. Elsewhere we see the range of tans and greys typical of the Cape Ann gravels embedded.
Thus even when sourced locally, driveways made from materials from different quarries can have very different appearances, so where your contractor buys his asphalt, crushed stone or peastone matters. If later you need to add or patch with something resembling what you already have, it will be infinitely easier to succeed if you noted down the original source.
Keep track of your Artisans.
The hand of the particular mason or builder can be very important to the character of each built project, and to the appearance of the property overall. Consistency is most easily accomplished if you begin with an artisan whose work you love, and can who can probably come back over time for subsequent similar projects.
If this is not possible, for continuity in your place, choose someone who can build in the established style. There are many kinds of masons. The ones you need will depend upon what type of masonry work you will be doing. Best to visit their work.
Lyrical…A connected composition
with some repeating portions
wherein a person is led on a journey
by repeating or related parts….
ELLEN COOL
STONE GARDEN DESIGNS INC.
781 856 5600 msg.
stonegardendesignsinc@gmail.com
A Reasoned Landscape.com
Landscape Composition.
Stonework and Garden Design.
Unusual Plant Materials, Troughs
Tools and Antique Garden Ornaments
140 Comments
https://www.wikipedia.org
In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did,the web would be a lot more useful than ever before.
I was reading some of your articles on this website and I think this site is very instructive! Keep posting.
Keep working ,impressive job!
Wow c’est génial!
Good post here.
I recently observed your website, I like the concepts (We’ve enrolled in the particular Feed)
I really like your writing style, fantastic info, thanks for putting up :D.
Real wonderful info can be found on blog .
This is one awesome blog article.Much thanks again.
Awfully illuminating thank you, I do think your current visitors may perhaps want a whole lot more content material such as this continue the good effort.
Wonderful goods from you, just too wonderful. I really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I cant wait to read more from you. This is actually a great website.
Asking questions is a genuinely pleasant thing if you are not understanding something fully, this article gives good understanding.
Awfully illuminating thank you, I do think your current visitors may perhaps want a whole lot more information such as this continue the good effort.
Thank you so much for these valuable articles, you have saved me Considerable time
Amazing,valuable.
These are very good tips, brief and accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article.
Remarkable post, preserve the superb function.
This short write-up has been perfect for the “instructions” I came searching for.
I get pleasure from your internet site!! Superb, outstanding posts! Thanks for creating time for you personally to make this happen
Thanks for the good article, I was searching for details like this, going to check out the other articles.
Never knew these things, thankyou for letting me know.
Excellent post! You have to got my thumbs upward!
It’s hard to find knowledgeable men and women on this topic, and you could be seen as do you know what you’re discussing! Thanks
It always shocks me that people don’t appear to think about these things. Great work on the blog and I shall be sure to spread this page.
You’re just extremely fantastic.I really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care to keep it wise.This is really a great website.
Really educational thanks, I reckon your current followers could possibly want even more well written articles of the character continue the excellent function.
This is quite fascinating, You happen to actually be a professional writer. I’ve joined you in search of far more of your amazing posts.
Thank you Very good article.. !!! I love it..:)
Simply wish to say your article is amazing. The clearness in your post is simply cool, please carry on.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will be sure to come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I simply desired to say thanks once again. I’m not certain the things that I might have done in the absence of these opinions I am just thankful for the advice and as well , recognize what a powerful job you were getting into instructing the mediocre ones via your site. Probably you haven’t encountered all of us.
Thanks and good blog.
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great posts. Also, I have shared your website in my networks………….
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.I will be subscribing and I hope you write again very soon!
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I’ll check here again regularly. I am quite sure I’ll learn lots of new things
Well I really enjoyed studying it. This subject provided by you is very constructive for good planning.
Very nice article and straight to the point.
I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with your layout Keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one..
Whoa! Incredible step-by-step training. My goal is to make use of which!
Ideas that can aid me. Thank you!
Keep working ,splendid job!
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.
Extremely great post, thank you a good deal for sharing. Do you’ve an RSS feed I can subscribe to?
[...]here are some links to web pages that we link to because we believe they’re worth visiting[...]
Hello there, You’ve done an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends.
I hope you never discontinue! This is one perfect blog. I just hope you dont lose your style given that youre undoubtedly among the list of coolest bloggers in existence.
Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your site is very useful. Thank you for sharing!
I saw your blog awhile back and saved it to my computer. Only recently have I got around to reading it and have to say nice work.
Everyone loves it when folks come together and share ideas. Great website, keep it up!
It’s difficult to find proficient people on this subject, nevertheless , you sound like you realize what you’re talking about! Many thanks
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful posts. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
This is the type of material that really should gain worldwide recognition pertaining to its workmanship.
After going through a few of the posts on your website now, I really like your method of blogging. I bookmarked it to my list and will be checking back.
Hi there, I discovered your web site via Google whilst searching for a related topic, your web site came up, it looks wonderful. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hey there, You have performed a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg it and suggest to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.
Hi! Great blog!
Great article! I loved the knowledge and the advice given . Additionally, your writing style is very fun to read.
Incredible article! I initially found your blog site per week or so back, and I want to subscribe to your RSS feed.
Hey There. I found your page researching with yahoo.This is a properly authored piece of writing. I will return to scan a lot more of your helpful information.Thank you for sharing.
Great blog you have got here.. It’s difficult to find excellent writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate people like you! Take care!!
Thank you for the superb post you made. You truly packed your post with quality content.
Ones website is definitely particularly beneficial for myself. I bookmarked your internet site!
Stunning post! I initially observed your weblog weekly or so ago, and I wish to subscribe for your RSS feed.
I like your site
You have brought up very superb points, thanks for the post.
Hey it’s me again, just wondering if there is an rss feed i could subscribe to?! Genuinely interested in learning a lot more about this.
Thank you for sharing with us, I believe this website genuinely stands out : D.
Its a cool blog, thank you for sharing it with us.
your blog is really amazing……..
Great stuff, just great! Some truly superb information and very useful.
Useful details and extraordinary structure you obtained here! I would choose to thank you for sharing your strategies and placing some time in the content articles you publish! Great work!
Interesting post here. Many thanks!
I’d forever want to be updated on new blog posts on this site, bookmarked!
Important info for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark,The site style is great, the articles are really nice. Good job, cheers
Visiting your Blog today. Thanks for this information. Pleased to meet you.
Perfect piece of work you have done, this site is really cool with excellent info.
I really like what you are saying, and am glad I found your website. Please keep it up.
I wasn’t aware of some of the information that you mentioned so I want to just say thank you
Hey there! I’ve been reading your weblog for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Huffman Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the great job!
I really like your writing style, excellent info, regards for putting up :D.
Many thanks to the author for taking the time to share this Great blog post. Thanks..
Hi! Great post!
I love your writing style, genuinely enjoying this website.
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it. You have made my day! Thx again
Keep up the wonderful piece of work, I read few posts on this website and I think that your web blog is really interesting and has circles of wonderful information.
Simply desire to say your article is as astounding. The clearness in your post is simply great.With your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming posts. Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding work.
It appears that you’ve put a first-class amount of effort into your piece. I truly got a kick out of your post. I do not have a bunch to to say in reply, I only wanted to register to say phenomenal work.
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article about Hard Materials.Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
very interesting subject , great post.
quality post, I’m sharing it on FB!
Hello webmaster, good day. Excellent weblog submit. You’ve got gained a new fan. Please continue and I look ahead to hearing more.
You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
Spending time on your blog is very helpful, Awaiting your next articles.
Your blog is very nice, I like your articles, they are very helpful to me.
Thank you for helping out, fantastic information.
very good post, i definitely love this web site, carry on.
Hi, Nice job! I saw this really great post today.
It is in point of fact a great and helpful piece of info. I’m glad that you simply shared this information with us. Please keep us informed like this.
Aided me a lot, just what I was looking for : D.
Yes A very very interesting article! Thank you.
Hi! Great post!
I’m impressed, I must say. Really hardly ever do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining. Your concept is excellent; the issue is something that individuals are speaking intelligently about. I’m very pleased that I stumbled on this in my search.
whoah this blog is wonderful i love studying your articles. Stay up the good paintings! You already know, lots of persons are hunting around for this info, you can aid them greatly.
Excellent info my friend!!, keep it coming!
Good blog! Plenty of helpful information here. I was looking for this.Thanks for sharing!
good post, i obviously love this site, keep on it.
Read it, liked it, thanks for it
I like Your Article about Designing Your Landscape : Hard Materials Perfect just what I was searching for! .
Hi! Great post!
Hello! I just would like to provide a huge thumbs upward with this. great tips you have here.I will be coming back to your blog for more
I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to exploring your web page yet again.
I really enjoy looking at this web site, it contains fantastic posts.
Hi, decent post. I have been pondering this topic, so thanks for sharing. I’ll likely be coming back to your posts. Keep up the superior work
wonderful put up, very informative. I ponder why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You should proceed with your writing. I am confident in you !
Thanks for the info, very useful
It’s actually a nice and useful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this helpful information with us.
Thanks This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent posts. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
Outstanding work once again. I am looking forward for your next post!
Simply want to say your article is surprising. The clearness in your post is just excellent. Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying work.
Excellent post, thanks for the researched read. You really helped me comprehend this topic much better.
Wow, this article was really educational!!!! =)
Thanks for the information provided! I was after finding this data for a long time, but I was not able to find a trusted source.
Hey this is a decent post . Can I use part of it on my page? I would obviously link back to your article so people could read the full article if they wanted to. Thanks either way.
Hey man I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to create something worth reading . It takes passion to create good stuff, thanks for caring.
Very good post.
This blog offers a nice individual twist on things. I guess having something authentic or substantial to say is the most important thing.
Interesting
Very good post.
Very great post, thank you very much for making the time to write this blog.
These tips are so true
Thanks for the advice. Will put it to work. Tom
¡Gran poste! Gracias por tardar la época de escribir algo que está realmente digno de la lectura. Encuentro demasiado a menudo el Info inútil y no algo que es realmente relevante. Gracias por su trabajo duro.
I will use your advice from now on. Jaap
Not typically what I like to read about, but it was absolutely worth my time. Thanks.
This blog gives a nice unique spin on things. I guess having something real or substantial to say is the most important thing.
This is some thing which i dont normally do, but i loved your post so i need to say thank you. You’ve got gotten a loyal reader.
The contents are a masterpiece. you have performed a wonderful process on this topic!
Ive recently started a blog, the information you offer on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time and work.
Gosh, I’ve been looking about this specific topic for about an hour, glad i found it in your website!
15 Trackbacks
[…] LINK to Chapter 8: Choosing Stone and Hard Materials […]
Great information uncovered on this web blogging site….
Google…
[...]Every once in a when we opt for blogs that we study. Listed below are the most up-to-date internet sites that we choose [...]…
Very nice blog post. Awesome….
A big thank you for your blog post. Want more….
I think this is a really great article.Looking forward to reading more. Cool….
Hey, thanks for this blog article. Really Great….
I really like and appreciate your blog article.Really looking forward to reading more.
Very neat article.Really looking forward to reading more. Great….
Case Rearick…
I truly appreciate this post.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing….
Thanks again for the post.Really looking forward to reading more….
Really appreciate you sharing this blog.Really thank you! Want more….
Im thankful for this blog post. Much thanks again. Really Cool….
Thanks so much for the post.Really looking forward to reading more….
Thank you ever so for your post. Fantastic….