A garden is predominantly about plants and nature, but the hard landscaping is what gives it form and shape, providing a sense of order and architectural design, and introducing scale to what could otherwise be an unruly mass of vegetation. This innovative book explores the character of materials available for outdoor construction. The author looks in turn at natural materials such as stone, wood and clay; composites such as concrete, glass and metals; and new technology synthetics. She also looks at unconventional, less restrictive organic gardens, including untreated twigs and vines, reclaimed materials and everyday objects used for novelty effect. Each chapter examines the uses for which materials are most appropriate - from surfaces, walls, screens and boundaries to furniture and ornament - and works through structural and performance considerations to help you explore the options available and achieve the outdoor landscape you are looking for. To help you plan your garden from the outset, the book features hard landscaping ideas to appeal to all styles and tastes, such as polished limestone flooring; smart timber decking; moulded concrete furniture; stainless steel walkways; ceramic mosaic wall tiles; and dynamic Perspex screens. With over 300 beautifully evocative photographs and a wealth of inspirational suggestions from one of the garden world's leading writers, Stone, Wood, Glass & Steel is an invaluable sourcebook of cutting edge ideas for modern, low-maintenance gardens.