The patio is an open, generally flat gathering space. The patio provides the ability to comfortably assemble outdoors. It is for this reason that the patio is of the upmost importance in residential landscapes. It is of such importance in fact that all other elements of a landscape act to serve or enhance the experience for those on the patio. Walkways provide access to it, retaining walls shape the earth around it, fire features, outdoor kitchens and even swimming pools add tertiary functionality to it but without the patio these elements float in space, unconnected and unusable without the durable, stable surface the patio provides.