'Hardscape' termed natural alternative in landscape

by Quinton Sheppard, Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal

Home and business owners have a new, environmentally pleasing choice for establishing patios, walkways, and even bulkheads, using hardscape products. According to Jim Moncure, general manager for Rappahannock Masonry Supply of Gloucester, the practice is relatively new to this area, but is quite prevalent in the northeastern part of the country.

Moncure said that Rappahannock sells and distributes various hardscape products, ranging from brick stone to cobblestone to turf stone and more. Each of the stone products is made of natural, environmentally-friendly material, he said, and comes in a variety of styles, colors and textures. The business's location, on Route 17 near White Marsh, has a number of displays on hand for customers to see the many products and designs. Moncure said that professionals are on hand to suggest a look at features such as existing color schemes and to help the customer decide what may be best fit for the individual application.

According to Moncure, the true drawing card of this type of landscaping is that is does not rot (as traditional landscape timbers eventually do) and is guaranteed to last a lifetime. He noted that the products contain no toxic substances that can leach into the soil or water, and his company employs the latest developments in water reclamation, dust control, noise abatement, and storm-water management.

Moncure said that the various masonry designs allow for aesthetically pleasing additions such as steps leading down to a waterway or inset lighting in areas of decking or around swimming pool or water features.

Hammer Time Marine, Inc., of Deltaville, is currently installing one of the first shoreline retaining walls using these hardscaping materials, according to Moncure. Basically, he said that the walls allow rising water to penetrate a specifically-constructed reinforced zone (such as layers of gravel), and then drains out when the water recedes.

He said the design allows for no runoff of sand or topsoil, keeping everything securely behind the wall. He also said that with this project, which is being done on the North River in Gloucester, the grasses will not be disturbed, as the old retainer wall will be removed after the new wall is established behind it. "The grass will actually have more room to grow," Moncure added.

For more information on hardscape products, all Rappahannock Masonry Supply at 693-3606.

Article first appeared in Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal, October 25

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