Horticulture Principles and Practices

for walks, driveways, and patios (Figure 17–2). A layer of sand is spread on the ground
before bricks are laid. With creativity, a work of art can be created with bricks to add
tremendous interest to the general landscape design. Stones add a natural touch to the
landscape, but they are very expensive to install. In the category of permanent material
are decorative patio stones. These stones are made by molding crushed stones and other
materials into attractive patterns that can be laid like bricks.
To add beauty to the landscape at night, some homeowners install low-voltage
lamps along sidewalks and among plants for ornamental purposes (Figure 17–3). This
use of light is called night-lighting. Other hardscaping activities include the construction
of a patio or swimming pool on the private side of a house.
Erecting a fence around a property is a common activity undertaken by homeowners.
The style of fencing chosen depends on the kind of privacy and security desired. The
fence may be solid or with breaks. Chain-link fences are inexpensive but provide the
least amount of privacy. While some people are interested only in demarcating the property
boundaries, others use decorative fences to enhance the landscape. A common type
of fence is the stockade type, which can be purchased in easy-to-install 6 × 8-foot (height
× width) panels from a local lumber store. For durability, the wood in the panel may be
treated with pesticides and thus cost a little more than the untreated type. To create a sturdier
fence, steel pipe fence posts may be used.
Constructing the hard features before planting prevents workers from trampling on
and damaging established plants. Sometimes large implements (earth-moving equipment)
may be involved in the construction, in which case it is best to have no plants
obstructing the operation. It is important that the topsoil removed during the construction
of the home be replaced.
Night-lighting
The installation of special
lights to illuminate and
beautify the landscape.
17.1.2 PREPLANTING SITE MODIFICATION
Terrain
Modifications of the site before planting are necessary to ensure that plants are grown in
an environment in which they will perform well. Modifications may be made to introduce
additional interest in the landscape by creating variations. Instead of planting on
flat areas, mounds may be constructed at certain parts and the area contoured where a
slope occurs. On a steep slope, railroad ties may be used to create embankments. As previously
mentioned, whenever an earth-moving operation is undertaken in the landscape,
it is important to stockpile the topsoil for later use. Mounding may not be necessary in a
landscape. Instead, holes or depressions may have to be filled.
Drainage
An important site modification that may be necessary is drainage. Information about
internal soil drainage at the site can be obtained from the National Resources Conservation
FIGURE 17–2 Bricks are
used for (a) patios and (b) walkways.
(Source: For (a) USDA,
(b) George Acquaah)
(a)
(b)
17.1 Landscape Construction 511