Filoli’s Use of Hardscape

Filoli makes great use of hardscaping–those landscaping elements such as paths, walls, hedges, structures, allées, and arbors–in its garden design. I noticed they have a theme of arched windows that is repeated all through the house, the outdoor structures, and even the passages through walls and hedges. They use a variety of “walls” in their theme of garden rooms, ranging from brick walls to deciduous or evergreen hedges to formal box hedges. Their paths are constructed with different materials, as well, and always look inviting.

A beckoning path through the dappled light of an olive grove.

Deciduous and evergreen hedges serve as garden "walls".

Brick garden wall with arched passage, and
pathway to the Garden House.

One of my favorite hardscape items at Filoli is the Garden House, a single-room structure overlooking the Sunken Garden. The structure was built as a light airy space for the family to gather out of the wind. It has marble floors, arched windows, and grand views of the garden. My aunt and I enjoyed the winter light streaming through the windows, the container plantings, and grand floral arrangement created from garden plants. Who wouldn’t enjoy gathering in the Garden House for a spirited game of cards, or a leisurely breakfast buffet with the newspaper?



Exterior of the small Garden House.

Interior of the Garden House with afternoon
winter light and container plants.

Filoli uses hardscaping and gardening on a grand scale, but there are many ideas that can be implemented on a small scale.

 Cracked cement planter with succulents.

 Charming white flowers between pavers.

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