If your yard is looking a little bland, there are a variety of ways you can spruce it up. While new plantings can be an obvious and simple solution, adding a new hardscape, or replacing a hardscape that is not aging gracefully, can provide a nice, year-round foundation for creating interest in your yard.

Popular options for hardscape surfaces include the following:

Patios
Patios create the perfect space for enjoying the outdoors. Whether you have room for a small patio or a large one, the key is making sure the materials and style are in harmony with your home. For example, if your patio has trim or other material used along the edges, make sure those coordinate with the materials and color of your home. Patios can be built beautifully with pavers. Pavers give the added benefit of multiple colors and sizes so you can get a really custom look.

Walkways
Adding a walkway to your yard is a great way to combine function and beauty. Walkways can be constructed from different materials such as wood, stone, pavers, and concrete. Think about your yard. Where are your beaten paths? Are there places that get particularly soggy during the rainy months? A walkway with a few gentle curves or softened edges with fragrant plants can add a lot of charm.

Decks
Decks can be a great addition if you have a larger yard, creating a space for overlooking your pool, pond, lawn, etc. Decks are most commonly made from different varieties of wood, but several engineered materials are available, too. Depending on the size and height of your deck, you may require a railing. Again, you have several options that can create a variety of effects. For instance, you can opt for traditional wood rails, sanded knobby wood rails, cables, glass and post, etc.

Seating Walls
If you have children who like to play in the yard, or if you simply enjoy sitting outside to take in the fresh air, a seating wall can be a nice addition. Seating walls can be made with a combination of blocks and paver caps, natural stone, and you can even incorporate lighting. Lights built into a seating wall set the stage for an evening feature for your yard. Another fun idea for a seating wall is to create one with different heights so guests of all sizes can have their own special space.

Driveways
Concrete makes a fine driveway, but if you want to up the 'wow' factor, a paver driveway can be just the answer. You can choose from a variety of colors for the main surface and even add a contrasting color for a nice edge. Line the driveway with some low shrubs and you will have the nicest driveway on the block.

Retaining Walls
If you have followed us for any amount of time you know we are fans of retaining walls. Not only do they create functional space for your yard (or keep it from eroding away), they also make for amazing backdrops for different water features and climbing plants, as well as creating space for adding things like outdoor fireplaces, wood fire ovens, and other decorative plant nooks. Retaining walls are most traditionally made from concrete blocks that come in different colors and shapes, natural stone, and also pressure treated lumber with a nice finish.

At Graham Landscape & Design, we have an exceptionally talented team of design and construction professionals. Our team can meet with you to discuss your specific needs, explore ideas, and construct a project perfect for your space. Give us a call today at (541) 729-8029.

Having a truly unique backyard was of utmost importance for this Eugene, Oregon homeowner. The challenge for our team was how to integrate a unique play space for their children with the desire for an artistic feel. Through collaboration, we designed an underground play area and a sunken trampoline that the children could enjoy. Then, we covered the structure with a high-grade artificial turf, giving it an easy-to-maintain finish with an artistic aesthetic.

To further accomplish the artistic feel of the backyard, we extended a mosaic of concrete rectangles from the back patio to "make it look like it's exploding into the yard."

This Eugene family now has a fun, and easy to maintain space they can enjoy for years to come.

If you live in the Eugene and Springfield area and have an idea for your backyard, give our design team a call. We're always up for a fun challenge! 541-729-8029

Graham Landscape & Design in Eugene, Oregon designed and built this cohesive hardscape including the paver patios, pathways, steps, and retaining wall for this Eugene area home. The residents were thrilled to make better use of their hillside yard.

Graham Landscape & Design in Eugene, Oregon designed and installed this custom paver patio and walkway plan along with a very special Oregon State Beavers fan fire pit and cover. Even though Eugene is home to the Oregon Ducks, we can still support our Beavers brothers and sisters.

Graham Landscape & Design in Eugene, Oregon designed and installed a system of interlocking paver patios and pathways, as well as plantings, to add distinction to this Eugene residence.

Graham Landscape & Design in Eugene, Oregon designed and installed this interlocking paver patio and steps to extend the functional space of this homeowner's yard.

Graham Landscape & Design in Eugene, Oregon designed and installed this system of paver pathways and patios, along with a new fence and custom gate with an arbor.

Graham Landscape & Design designed and installed this paver patio, fire pit and seating wall to provide these homeowners years of enjoyment and better use of their yard.

Graham Landscape & Design in Eugene, Oregon designs and builds beautiful paver patios, outdoor kitchens and pergolas throughout the Willamette Valley.

Graham Landscape & Design in Eugene, Oregon designed and built this paver patio, retaining wall, and steps to add more functional space to this Eugene home.