The landscape is the focal point of a house, so you must ensure it is well-maintained throughout the year. Picking the right flowers and trees to sow on your lawn and balancing it properly with appropriate pots, retaining walls, and paths are required.
While planning a landscape design, you might come across two crucial terms – softscape and hardscape. These are two opposite and complementary elements that are combined to create a beautiful outdoor space.
Let us read further to get a detailed insight into these terms and understand how to balance the ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ elements in your landscaping.
The Difference
Hardscape comprises all the permanent features that are designed to support the overall structure of landscaping. It is a collection of elements that are non-living and human-made. They may include bricks, stones, fences, lighting fixtures, pots, patios, fireplaces, seating walls, paths, walkways, water irrigation, etc.
The softscape includes all the living and green elements of your outdoor space – including everything from flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees to mulch and turf. These elements make up for the natural beauty of the area and contribute to improving the individuals residing nearby.
Start with Softscape
It is important to note that the softscape involves elements that are delicate and prone to changes, unlike the hardscaping components. So, one should always start finding the right soil for plants and trees’ healthy growth.
It would help if you got your soil well-tested and treated before using it on your lawn. And simultaneously, choose the plantations that would grow perfectly in the ground and the kind of weather you have in your locality. You obviously don’t want to end up in a disappointing mode by planting something that doesn’t bear you any fruits in the future.
Make sure you utilize the space properly and leave some space for benches, light fixtures, etc. Don’t just go overboard with the shrubs and trees.
Efficient use of Hardscape
The number of hardscape components should never surpass the softscape pieces used by you in designing. Use the elements that are minimalistic and are functional at the same time.
For example, you can put a birdhouse on your tree or even hang a swing for your kids. You can put fencing or stone boundaries to protect your plantations from being trampled by people and animals and make your lawn look eye-catching at the same time. Building up a retaining wall would help you prevent soil erosion and define the shape of a sloped area.
Using these hardscape elements to complement your softscape is the key to creating a beautiful landscape.
Blending the landscape’s hard and soft components demands specialized skills and basic knowledge of horticulture as well. If you are looking at making any changes to your landscape, it is better to consult with a landscaping contractor to give you some great ideas and help you hit the right balance.
