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Forget about Christmas creep. As winter’s chill sets in, it’s actually the ideal time to plan your spring garden transformation. Need some inspiration? Molly Sedlacek, founder of ORCA, a landscape design and outdoor product studio, just introduced the brand’s wood pavers—a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing option to update your outdoor space.
We love that these pavers—crafted from Black Locust, a deciduous hardwood native to the Appalachian Mountains—are both eco-friendly and durable. According to Sedlacek, Black Locust is the most rot-resistant hardwood that can be sourced in North America, making it an excellent alternative to tropical hardwoods with a high-carbon footprint traditionally used in outdoor projects.
Each paver is a 3.5-inch modular block, allowing for flexible and creative layouts in gardens, driveways, patios, or pathways. Installed with the end grain facing up, they showcase the tree’s tight-grain wood. Did we mention that they can also last upwards of 30 years?
Beyond their visual and eco-friendly appeal, these wood pavers contribute to the environmental health of your outdoor space. The joints between the pavers create a permeable surface, permitting water and oxygen to flow underground, nourishing plant roots and enhancing the soil below.
Sedlacek’s commitment to permeable landscaping stems from her experience in Los Angeles, where she frequently replaces concrete with more sustainable materials. She notes that concrete doesn’t allow water to move through it, leading to issues like pooling and flooding. By focusing on permeable solutions, Sedlacek aims to create outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.