Why You Want an Outdoor Kitchen (and Why You’ll Wonder How You Ever Lived Without One)

When it comes to outdoor surfaces, the choices can feel overwhelming—but it all comes down to what works best for your style, budget, and how you plan to use the space. Two of the most popular materials we install at HLG Growers are pavers and bluestone —and while they both offer beauty and durability, they serve different needs. So, which is right for your project?  Let’s break it down.

A well-designed landscape is more than just plants and pavers—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem. And like any living thing, it needs water to thrive. In Charleston’s hot, humid, and often unpredictable climate, a properly installed irrigation system isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. At HLG Growers, we’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t) in our local soil and weather conditions, and we’re here to explain why irrigation is one of the most important investments you can make in your outdoor space.

There’s nothing quite like gathering around a fire—whether it’s for roasting marshmallows, sipping cocktails, or simply soaking in the ambiance. A fire feature brings warmth, beauty, and year-round functionality to your outdoor space. But when it comes to fire pits vs. fireplaces , which one should you choose?  At HLG Growers , we install both fire pits and fireplaces throughout Charleston, Summerville, and the Lowcountry. Here’s a side-by-side look to help you decide which option is the perfect match for your home and lifestyle.

1. What’s your ideal Saturday afternoon? A. Hosting friends for a cookout and yard games B. Quiet time reading or meditating outdoors C. Wandering a local art market or antique shop D. Sipping sweet tea on the porch with family 2. What describes your style best? A. Bold and functional B. Clean and serene C. Creative and colorful D. Classic and Southern 3. Pick your dream outdoor element: A. Outdoor kitchen and fire pit B. Water feature and stepping stones C. Mosaic pavers and flowering vines D. Charleston brick walkway and boxwoods 4. What’s your favorite kind of plant? A. Something easy and low-maintenance B. Bamboo, ferns, or ornamental grasses C. Wildflowers or climbing roses D. Hydrangeas or magnolias 5. What do you want to feel in your yard? A. Social and welcoming B. Calm and centered C. Inspired and surprised D. Proud and at home 🌟 Your Results Mostly A’s: The Host with the Most You thrive on connection and celebration. Your perfect landscape includes open space for entertaining, a killer patio, an outdoor kitchen, and durable plantings that can handle the party. Design Tip: Go for pavers, built-in seating, and accent lighting to keep the good times going after sunset. Mostly B’s: The Peace Seeker You crave calm and intention. Your yard is your sanctuary, with soft textures, muted colors, water sounds, and natural flow. Design Tip: Think Zen garden meets Charleston charm—add a water feature, gravel paths, and low-maintenance plants. Mostly C’s: The Creative Spirit Your yard is your canvas! You love mixing colors, textures, and surprises in your garden. You’re not afraid to try something unique. Design Tip: Irregular pavers, native blooms, upcycled decor, and asymmetrical beds will speak to your soul. Mostly D’s: The Southern Traditionalist You appreciate timeless elegance and local roots. Your dream yard looks like it belongs in Southern Living—orderly, lush, and steeped in tradition. Design Tip: Use Charleston brick, wrought iron accents, classic hedges, and iconic Southern blooms like camellias and hydrangeas. 💬 Now What? Now that you know your landscape personality, let’s bring it to life. At HLG Growers, we specialize in custom landscape and hardscape designs that reflect you—not just the latest trend. 📞 Contact us for a personalized consultation and let’s build something beautiful together.

🛠️ What It Really Takes to Lay Pavers Correctly 1. Excavation Before the first paver even hits the ground, we have to dig—a lot. Most patios and walkways require 6–10 inches of excavation, depending on the project. That means removing soil, roots, rocks, and even old concrete. DIY Pain Point: Hand digging is exhausting, and improperly excavated bases cause sagging and drainage problems. 2. Base Prep and Compaction This is where professionals separate themselves from quick weekend warriors. We layer and compact a gravel base in several lifts (typically #57 stone or crush-and-run), ensuring a solid, stable foundation that won’t shift or settle over time. Key Step: Each layer is compacted using a plate compactor—something most homeowners don’t own or use correctly. 3. Slope and Drainage Planning Water is your worst enemy if you don't plan for it. Proper paver installation requires a precise slope (usually 1/8" per foot) away from structures to prevent water pooling and foundation damage. Professional Touch: We use lasers or string lines to ensure perfect pitch. That’s something hard to eyeball. 4. Edge Restraints Ever seen pavers that “bleed” out into the grass or crumble at the edges? That’s what happens when edge restraints are skipped. We install secure restraints and spike them in to lock your pavers in place for good. 5. Sand Bedding and Paver Placement Before placing the pavers, we spread a precise layer of screeded bedding sand (not too thick, not too thin) over the compacted base. Then the real art begins—laying each paver by hand, aligned and level. Reality Check: A 300 sq ft patio can require laying 1,000+ pavers. That’s a lot of bending, kneeling, adjusting, and sweating. 6. Cutting and Finishing Not all pavers fit perfectly out of the box. Corners, curves, and borders require precision cuts with a wet saw or guillotine splitter. It’s messy, loud, and technical. What we bring: The right tools and expertise to make those custom cuts flawless. 7. Joint Sand and Final Compaction We sweep polymeric sand into the joints and compact the whole area again to lock everything in. Then we mist the surface so the sand hardens, creating a weed-resistant, interlocking seal. 👷 Why You Should Hire Professionals Like HLG Growers ✅ We bring the crew: Our team works efficiently, completing in a few days what might take you weeks. ✅ We own the tools: Plate compactors, wet saws, laser levels—tools that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. ✅ We know the soil: Charleston’s sandy, shifting ground takes know-how to build on properly. ✅ We guarantee our work: Unlike DIY, our professional installs come with peace of mind. ✅ You get a long-term investment: Done right, a paver patio or driveway can last 20–30+ years. 💬 Final Thought Yes, laying pavers is hard work—and that’s exactly why it’s worth having someone who does it every day do it right the first time. At HLG Growers, we combine artistry with engineering, bringing beautiful outdoor spaces to life across Charleston, Summerville, Mt. Pleasant, and beyond. 📞 Let’s talk about your next paver project—so you can enjoy it, not sweat over it.