Landscape Materials: pavers, stone, rocks, edgers, tree rings & more

Expanding your outdoor living space
for year round Arizona living

        Because Arizona weather is ideal for year round outdoor living, expanding our patio space is often part of our landscaping plan. There are many options, beyond pouring concrete, for creating additional space. Options include using pavers, which are available in assorted shapes, colors and sizes.
        We’ve photographed several samples, to give you a few landscaping ideas. Some pavers are simple squares, others are stamped with shapes, and some fit together puzzle like.
        When creating spaces in our yard, we sometimes need to connect those areas, and one way is by creating walkways or using stepping stones. While pavers can be used, there are landscape materials made specifically as a stepping stone.   Sometimes these resemble stones, yet are made from concrete, and can be used to fashion a patio slab as well as for stepping stones.
        When choosing landscape materials, use elements that will blend and complement the overall look of the landscaping project.
        There are various material options to consider, such as do you need a retaining wall? Will you need edgers to border planters or tree rings?
        All of these items, paver, edges, tree rings, retaining walls, are normally fashioned from similar, concrete like elements. Yet, they come in a variety of colors, shapes and textures. Mixing too many elements may make your yard too busy, and lack a comfortable flow.
        Before starting your project, plot out your landscaping design. Don’t fall into the trap of going to the home improvement store and picking up pavers one week, then deciding the next week you need stepping stones. Will they have stepping stones that will blend with the pavers you’ve already installed?
       To help you plan ahead, we’ve included images of a variety of common pavers, edgers, borders, and tree rings, that can be found at many home improvement stores. There are of course more styles, yet this will give you an idea of what you may find.
        Check out the various materials that can help you easily build landscaping retaining walls, which will provide dimension and interest to your yard. For a sampling of how some of these materials are used, you can check out our landscape page.
        Designing your desert landscape involves bringing together a variety of landscaping materials. Popular Arizona ground cover is colored gravel, available in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. There are plants to green up and add color to your yard, trees to provide shade, and some opt for grass or artificial turf for additional green, which can also give the space a cooler feel, desirable in the warmer months.
        Our front yard is how we present our home to the outside world. It is the curb appeal real estate agents find helpful when marketing a home. But, our backyard can become our extended living space. There we might have a swimming pool, or barbecue area as an outdoor kitchen.
        Living in Arizona gives us the opportunity to utilize our home, inside and out.