Not an enlightened observation mind you but our landscapes take on many looks, for several reasons. Essential among those, the north to south length of the lower 48 encompasses nine, and by some reckoning, 10 planting zones. Add in Alaska, Hawaii and our neighbors to the north and the consensus is 11.

Naturally the view varies widely from zone to zone based on what turf, flowers, shrubs and trees thrive in each one. Adding to the difference makers is the availability of water in a given area, in spite of which zone it falls into, soil types, and weather-related influences other than average annual temperatures, such as high winds.

I have discovered that hardscaping can look different from region to region also. Historical and cultural influences have an effect on that but so to does the proximity to a project of natural and man-made materials since the costs for shipping hardscape products can be prohibitive. With variety being the spice of life, we present in this issue a wide variety of hardscape materials, techniques and styles from east to west.

Our first feature takes us to Omaha and highlights the diverse textures and colors that are possible with stamped concrete. Stephens and Smith Construction, and Bomanite Imprint Systems are our guides on this expansive project.

Just as expansive and every bit as interesting, this time set in New York City, Town and Gardens Ltd. gives an unattractive apartment courtyard an appreciated facelift of custom concrete pavers, which were installed on pedestals, allowing for a an appealing mix of plants and hardscape.

From the East Coast, we venture north of the border to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where Hardscapes Inc. put on view a stunning backyard vista with natural stone-textured materials from Rosetta Hardscapes that were manufactured locally by Barkman Concrete, who also provided their own pavers to the project.

Southern charm and influence permeate the next feature as bushels of Tennessee fieldstone enhance an extensive makeover in Guilford County, N.C. When all was complete, the contractor Southern Exposure had installed two patios, two walkways, two sets of steps, a fireplace, seatwalls, and a pergola-covered kitchen, bar and dining area.

Back to the heartland, this time in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Omaha's neighbor across the Missouri River, father and son Jim and Justin Hampton, who call their company Paver Designs, display their skills in creating ornate patterns with pavers in a style that calls to mind mosaic tile work.

In an interesting example of how regional differences affect material availability, this installation incorporated custom-made, gold-toned pavers that the company bought from the Belgard manufacturer in their area. Justin Hampton believes they were left over from a job commissioned by the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs whose colors are red and gold. The project, which included walkways, seatwalls, steps and a fireplace, also used granite fieldstones from South Dakota.

In addition, the states of Arkansas and Missouri are represented in this issue in our Hardscape column, which this month focuses on decorative concrete.

I hope you enjoy the stories and pictures of these hardscapes from across the nation, and take pride in being part of an industry that produces such exceptional work.