11 Comments
User's avatar
LW's avatar

When we moved into our current home, there were some concrete pavers and many old bricks in a storage space in the garage. Over the years, we've just used those when we wanted to create some hardscaping. I like reusing what's already been manufactured. Of course, our yard is pretty small, so we haven't had to do any large-scale hardscaping. It's good to know treated lumber isn't as toxic as it used to be.

Heather Evans's avatar

So glad you were able to put that gift of old bricks and pavers to good use!

Kristine Johnson's avatar

We have had great success reusing hardscaping materials. When we bought our house, we pulled the brick pavers and reconfigured them in a smaller footprint for a more attractive patio, and used the remaining pavers elsewhere. We have been successful finding flagstone for free via Craigslist and Freecycle to make a pathway/slight berm in our backyard to protect the house from flooding.

I’ve seen really attractive stuff done with urbanite (ie used concrete) particularly when it is stained earthier colors.

Heather Evans's avatar

Thank you for all those great ideas about how to source used materials!

PAULA KALIN's avatar

Heather, is this your newsletter? I signed up and joined…

Paula

Ps. Great webinar tonight! Wow!

Heather Evans's avatar

Welcome! You found me! Glad you enjoyed the webinar.

Jill Shultz's avatar

We inherited 5 millstones. I used 2 to create a landing by a door, 3 for edging, and placed the broken one flat into the ground in a path to create an unexpected moment. Old bricks are incredibly handy as weights and temporary edging, too (I plant many trees that are about the size of a pencil, so it's really useful to create a visible ring around them to prevent us from stepping on them).

Heather Evans's avatar

Millstones! What a treat! And the way you used them sounds lovely.

Jill Shultz's avatar

I often carry heavy things through that door, which has about a 2-ft step down onto the ground, so having a sturdy landing is helpful. I really love those millstones, too.

Pari Sabety's avatar

I can’t see links to the pond workshop, yet I am a subscriber.

Heather Evans's avatar

Hmmm, not sure why… I will email you the link. Please check your spam if you don’t see it.