Rock and Stone

One of the most beautiful features on a property can be its stone elements. Referred to as the hardscape, rock and stone is the skeleton and core of a landscape. Why choose brick, concrete pavers or concrete block walls for your outdoors projects when there are so many choices with natural stone. Some stone options are comparable in price to the manufactured products. There is nothing like the look and feel of natural stone. A few years back, a client with an obvious passion for hardscape stated, “Stone walls are like naked women. I’ve never seen one I don’t like.” But the stone mason, obviously with a much more discerning eye, quipped in and said, “Trust me. I’ve seen a lot of ugly naked women.”

Stone elements can be very subjective. As the old saying goes, ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.’ With that said, if you are thinking of any hardscape projects, it is worth doing some rock and stone homework. Research and find color options that blend with your natural landscape. You will be surprised with the endless options. Forgo the modular product and opt for something a bit more organic. Dig for images that capture the style and the mood you are trying to create in your landscape. This helps solidify and convey your vision. It is also important to find a good stone mason. Seek someone with a talented hand and a discerning eye. Defining a style of wall or paving can be as personal as decorating the interior of your house. As you observe masonry work in your travels, you can see the many variations and personalities. Take a look at the old craftsmanship of stone churches, libraries and farmers walls. Find a mason who still understands that this is a not just a trade but truly a form of art and expression. To end our blog post, the inspirational quote is a simple statement made by Etienne Hajdu. “Where the material ends, art begins.”

Image of stone walls in the UK from the Internet