This landscape project focused on creating a natural garden effect through hardscaping. It brought forth the mountainous preserve onto the property through the details of old world rustic textures: natural slate, clay tile, granite, silica textured masonry walls, exposed and colored concrete. With this project located on the hillside of the Camelback Mountains in Paradise Valley, Arizona the finishing touches of the residence were just being completed, which meant all of the exterior areas surrounding the home were left as raw rocky terrain ready for a landscapers magic to be performed. First, machine and hand grading were needed to prep the site for the hardscaping phase. The project took approximately three weeks to complete. Our client had in place three specific features and locations for the pool, lawn area, and main entry water feature. They also desired a gentle hardscape. The rest was an open palate for my creativity: to control the hardscape so that it would not be overbearing, and to stay in tune with a true garden effect. Each landscapable area would have to be studied for weather exposure, flow of traffic, drainage, the type of hardscape material to be used; not only as a topping, but for a soft, rustic appearance for the home and garden architecture. It was important to determine the types and textures of plant species, what style or fashion of water feature, and where raised hardscape planters should be incorporated. The idea of where to locate the round shaped casual conversation patio came from studying the sun exposure from different times of the day. In addition, ease of access from the master bedroom, and salvaging the beautiful views of the city were taken into consideration. The ?EUR??,,????'??flow of traffic?EUR??,,????'?? concept was used to allow easy transition from one area to another. For example, the pool decking called for imported white tile throughout. Next to this tile, we juxtaposed lawn for the homeowners to step onto for easy transition and recreational purposes. Hardscape material choices were based on particular settings. For instance, on the elevated steps, we chose a nonslip rock that also gives appeal to the natural garden effect. Hardscape walls were needed to retain soil from one elevated area to the other. As a result, we took into consideration the type of finish texture and paint color to conform softly to the garden. Incorporating hardscape materials and their installation techniques on this particular project was critical. Not only did the various hardscape materials have to complement one another, but also the installation of each particular material was very time consuming. This was due to the intricate and extreme variables of curvature, circles, angles, elevated steps, grade changes and limited construction space. For example, the upper level patio areas where base concrete needed to be poured ?EUR??,,????'??+ and later slate tile would be installed ?EUR??,,????'??+ first had to be hand-graded to ensure correct water runoff due to the massive rocky soil. All wood and steel forms for concrete had to be double-stacked as well. Ten-foot wood ramps were built to enable our curbing machine to reach isolated areas that seemed impossible to access. The six-inch desert rose-colored concrete mow curb was implemented with an architectural flare to separate the lawn area from the permanent wall structures and eliminate water damage and shifting. On the second level area, where the swimming pool sits, the city required a pool wrought iron fence to be installed by code for safety purposes. This fencing completely encases the entire area, resulting in one way in and one way out. As a result, we decided to cut out sections of the existing fence, allowing access for a Bobcat to dig, drag grade, and move boulders. We also attached a steel chain to the front bucket of the Bobcat, helping us to raise our pallets of slate, sod and granite from approximately seven feet below. All of the work in this particular area had to be completed within one day for safety sake, as the section of pool fence had to be welded back together. Finishing the approach to the main entry called for the water feature to be a replica of the elevated steps entering the residence. Highlighted with the natural taj rose slate, it gives the cascading water a unique mirrored effect. The bubbling effect of the water had the same effect. Using raised hardscape planters really helped set off the areas where we needed to present not only elevation but also distinctive and noticeable planting gardens. These considerations in planning made implementing the hardscape more focused by truly creating a unique, natural garden. This project proved hardscaping could be beautiful in a natural environment. One absolute with hardscaping is the critical choices of plant material. Using different textured plant species, and placing them into the landscape for a staggered height effect and in a clustering fashion, created a natural garden and softened, expansive hardscape areas. Once again, utilizing hardscapes and its fine-tuned material definitely captured the beauty within a natural setting. Mitch Cluff is a landscape contractor and designer at Quinntana Associates in Mesa, Arizona