Definition of "hardscape" [hardscape]

• The part of a building's grounds consisting of structures, such as patios, retaining walls, and walkways, made with hard materials. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The hardscape is the handiwork of an Old World craftsmen from south of the border."
• "But it wasn't so much the plants and flowers that were the problem as the "hardscape" such infrastructure pieces as the retaining wall in the sunken garden, which was discovered to have leaned about five inches out of plumb."
• "For example, countless paving materials are available for "hardscape" areas, along with countless patterning options."