A true mark of a successful landscape is how the various elements interact with each other. Between the gorgeous colors and textures of masonry features and the vibrant beauty and movement of plantings, a landscape designer can make sure that each feature works together to create a practically magical outdoor space. While you consider the next steps in your landscape design, read on to see how to complement expert masonry with beautiful, colorful plantings in the Deer Park, NY, area.
Related: HERE ARE 6 MASONRY IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR DIX HILLS AND SETAUKET, NY, FRONT YARD STAND OUT
Pairing Colors
The colors typically used in masonry-centric designs are natural, whether you use natural stone, clay brick, or concrete pavers and wall blocks. Masonry materials are typically separated into two main color categories: warm earth tones and steely bluish grays.
Warm, earthy tones include reds, pinks, tans, yellows, and browns. These colors pair well with landscapes that get lots of sun as well as the plants that love to take in sunlight themselves. A variety of colorful tall and short flowers, ground covers, plants that love to hang or climb, open shrubs such as dogwood, and deciduous trees pair beautifully with warm-toned masonry in both modern and traditional settings.
Steely, bluish tones include different shades of gray, from light to dark. These colors pair well with landscapes that are well covered by shade and matched with dense trees and shrubs. The dark greens of evergreen trees, vines, ferns, and groundcovers will all pair incredibly well together to make a striking and moody landscape. A few pops of color in the form of flowers can brighten the look. White flowers in particular can be stunning next to cooler-toned masonry.
Pairing Textures and Shapes
The various textures and shapes used in masonry materials give rise to countless combinations, sometimes random and sometimes incredibly precise. Traditional landscaping typically makes use of rougher textures and smaller shapes of stone. This typically allows for a much more rustic look and cozy feel around a landscape. Modern landscaping tends to use plenty of straight lines, perfect edges and flat, smooth surfaces that exude elegance. These masonry materials are often much larger and are arranged in stunning patterns.
A traditional masonry design can pair best with plantings that are maintained but largely left to their natural growth patterns. Picture an English garden filled with exuberant colors and textures. A landscape full of bright and dense vegetation would likely be perfect for the cozy, timeless feel or traditional masonry materials.
A modern masonry design can pair best with minimalist, carefully trimmed plantings that are arranged in a curated manner that allows each individual plant to become a focal point This type of planting design could be fitting for smart and sophisticated spaces in a contemporary atmosphere.
Patterns and Borders
Patterns are one way to honor the natural world. Natural uncut flagstone is, of course, the most natural, with completely random shapes arranged to create a completely unique space. Cut and shaped natural stone will be easier to lay, but still features the unique patterns and color variations of a natural product.
If you prefer to use concrete pavers, you can get creative with laying patterns. A herringbone pattern beautifully echoes the relatively symmetrical shapes of evergreen trees. A “random” ashlar pattern that uses a combination of square and rectangular pavers of different sizes pairs well with a naturalistic planting theme. Sleek linear oversized plank style pavers look stunning next to carefully trimmed hedges and plant beds that use small ornamental stones rather than mulch.
A great way to integrate man-made and natural spaces is by using borders that offer a transition between the main field of a patio or walkway, and the surrounding landscape. It’s also a good idea to raise these masonry borders slightly to ensure that any soil or mulch stays within the planting areas and off your paver or stone surfaces.
