subject: Landscape Design: Using Bricks [print this page] Most people who design their own landscapes and especially professional landscape designers find that at one stage or another they use bricks to make borders, solve problems, protect certain features or even build unique additions to a yard. Landscaping bricks are used so widely, because they come in all shapes, sizes and colours and give any garden a traditional, classic and unified look. A benefit of using bricks in a landscape is that they can literally transform an otherwise dull area into a creative artwork and can make a garden look professional and well designed. Bricks are inexpensive and easy to use and change if necessary. They fit into all styles and designs. You can buy bricks almost anywhere, especially at nurseries or garden centres, but a great idea is to get bricks from old building sites or from the side of roads, because these look more natural and a "weathered" look can be extremely appealing in a garden.A wonderful element to create with bricks in a landscape is a courtyard. You will only need bricks and mortar and you can lay the bricks yourself - all in the same direction or in different directions. This is very easy to build and you can even use a "horizontal then vertical laying" technique to make a creative patio. Add brick flowerbeds to complete the effect. Use your bricks to construct boundaries for flower gardens or you can erect a tiny wall surrounding the flowerbeds. You can also use these walls in water gardens and encase water areas to contrast the organic and the geometrical. It adds warmth to a water feature. Bricks are mostly, however, used to create walkways and paths in a garden. You can build a definite path to a certain area or you front door or you can create random paths through beautiful areas. If your ground is quite soft, line the bottom of the path with organic landscaping fabric so the bricks will not sink away. Use bricks where you expect to have a lot of traffic in the garden so your garden will not experience wear and tear.In the end, bricks produce an untainted, orderly and expert look. They have a large predisposition to draw awareness, so you can "guide" individuals through a designed garden rather effortlessly. You can even make use of crushed bricks to create pathways as they act as more rough and edgy cobblestones. Ensure that you apply contract in a garden, due to the fact that is makes the garden more attractive and enhances character to the surroundings. Bricks automatically do this, because they oppose the natural surroundings of a garden.Anyone can use bricks and build their own features, because it is easy and every person has an idea for his or her garden. With a little imagination, you can do anything. If, however, you feel it is "safer" to leave it to someone else, professional landscape designer will definitely have limitless ideas and methods at your disposal.
