(714) 519-6348
info@m1landscapingllc.com
Southern California Hardscaping Options
April is already over, and though we're generally a little shorter on showers than the rest of the US, we have plenty of May flowers! But where do you hang out to enjoy them - the patio, the lanai, the deck? Wherever it is, chances are it's the hardscaping in your backyard where you're sitting when you enjoy a frosty, icy, or blended summer beverage. Are you making the most of your hardscaping? Do you know all of your options? Today, M1 is casting a wide net to share your outdoor living options in Orange County and the surrounding areas.
The Place to Be - Patios
As far as we're concerned, outdoor living starts with the patio. If you're hosting a gathering such as a dinner party or barbeque, that's where it will be. If you want to enjoy a sunrise or sunset, that's where you'll sit.
The patio is the beginning of your outdoor life. It's a concrete area that sits outside your backdoor and can be as simple or ornate as you'd like. But we generally call them outdoor living spaces once they get bigger and more complex.
You’ll Stay Longer…Outdoor Living Spaces
It's difficult to determine the exact spot where patios end and outdoor living spaces begin. They exist on a continuum; one person's patio may be another's outdoor living space. You could describe outdoor living spaces as more detailed or ornate, but perhaps the most distinguishing factor between the two is intent. If you want to create an outdoor room where you'll spend much of your free time, you want an outdoor living space. What you do next with it is up to you. I will describe a few ideas below.The Way To Get There - Walkways
Walkways are a fun addition to any yard. While they are most common in large spaces, they're an excellent feature even in smaller homes. They lead from one place to another, frame your favorite parts, and help people know where it's ok to step. But the most important job of a walking path is to make your property more walkable. Hardscaping can differentiate between danger and safety for older people or anyone with injuries or mobility issues. Very few yards are perfectly level without some intervention.The Thing to See - Retaining Walls
An attractive feature for a yard that serves as both a container for your flower gardens and a feature in itself is a retaining wall. Most commonly used as a way to prevent erosion on hills, retaining walls are also a great way to add height to your landscape. Landscape designers know the importance of having various heights for their yards, and landscape walls are the perfect way to do it when your yard is a bit flat. You can build the walls, fill them with earth, and plant flowers behind them.The Enhancements - Hot and Cold
No outdoor living space is complete without the elements that make you want to spend more time outdoors. That's where the "living" comes in. Interestingly, you could call them elements in the most literal sense since most of them fall into the categories of fire and water.Bring the Heat: Fire Pits
Sometimes the heat is outside the kitchen. Firepits are the perfect gathering spot for a get-together. Fire has been a fascinating blend of beauty and function since early humans first discovered it. With indoor cooking and climate control, fire may not be as vital to our survival anymore, but it's still fun and can extend the life of your party after dark. It also warms the chilly nights.