What exactly is considered a hardscape? We get this question all the time. Hardscapes refers to anything that is non-living in landscaping. This includes things like retaining walls, paver patios/sidewalks, firepits, outdoor kitchens, water features and waterfalls. Hardscapes makes it possible to define the use of a space. Hardscapes are one of our favorite things to do and we love mixing hardscaping and landscaping, by adding plants.