HOW TO SOFTEN YOUR LANDSCAPE
SOFTSCAPES
HOW TO SOFTEN YOUR LANDSCAPE
The landscaping of your home is the focal point of its exterior. Manicured lawn, a well-fitted walkway, seasonal plantings, and depth-creating retaining walls can all work to improve the appeal and value of your home. However, it’s important to make sure these two elements work together, the “soft” living elements and the “hard” construction, such as stone and concrete elements. Understanding and balancing soft and hard landscaping is the key to a great home and landscape design.
Hardscape is defined as the man-made features of landscape architecture, such as walls or pathways. Hardscape is the constructed part of your landscape: it is nonliving parts of your landscape design that are generally designed to either retain parts of your property, such as retaining walls; provide access, such as walkways or patios; or add additional features, such as pools or outdoor kitchens.
Softscape is defined as the living horticultural aspects of landscape architecture, such as grass, trees, and flowers. While hardscape can provide comfort and access while outside, it doesn’t hold a monopoly on beauty. Grass, trees, soil, and plantings all provide the land part of your landscape, the natural beauty which the hardscape allows access to. They cool your backyard, provide a safe space for fun, and help with natural events like water flow.
PHOTO/ LEFT - PROJECT: BEACH HOUSE / RIGHT - PROJECT: PNW COURTYARD
THE IMPORTANCE OF BALANCED LANDSCAPING
In landscape design, thoughtful use of elements provides a sense of comfort and an aesthetic that is pleasing to the eye. Softscapes, lighting, and hardscape features can be arranged in such a way as to illicit a sense of balance and rhythm that can greatly affect the style and purpose of your space. This helps a well-balanced landscape design achieve a simple elegance while remaining visually interesting.
HOW DO YOU SOFTEN HARDSCAPE?
Softening your hardscape can be more complicated than it sounds, especially if you’re not sure what materials to use. That is why it’s always best to work with a professional. If you are looking for some design ideas and inspiration to soften your hardscape, consider the following:
Use Plants
By strategically placing plants and small bushes around your hardscape, you can make your hardscape and landscape as a whole appear much softer. When designing an outdoor space, it is much more cost-effective to have a square patio or pool installed. The edges can appear harsh, but incorporating bushes into your design can soften the corners of your hardscape elements.
Use Non-Plant Elements
A lesser considered method of softening your hardscape is by using non-living objects. Decorative elements such as chairs, pots, and benches, can work wonders in terms of softening your hardscape. This is also a simple way to add your personality and design taste into your landscape, like incorporating seating in a rounded formation with colorful or patterned pillows. It provides functionality so you can see all of your friends and family while helping to balance the aesthetics of the space.
Plant Trees
Lastly, although this may be one of the most time-consuming methods of softening your hardscape, planting trees is an excellent idea for anyone looking to spruce up their landscape. Your landscaping company will help you decide which trees work best by the positioning of your home and any zoning policies.
If you are looking to soften your landscape design, there are plenty of options for doing so. By adding plants, planting trees, or by using non-living items like benches and chairs, you can create your dream landscape design. No matter which design elements you love, be sure that you consult a professional to execute your dream space.
PHOTO/ LEFT - PROJECT: MERCER ISLAND / RIGHT - PROJECT: MADISON MODERN
CONSULT A LANDSCAPING PROFESSIONAL
As mentioned throughout this article, the most important work done balancing your landscape’s hard and soft components is during the design phase of any project. If you’re looking at making dramatic changes to your landscape, it’s always a good idea to consult with a landscaping contractor to give you some ideas of the implications of these changes. At Terrain, we’re landscape design professionals, using traditional walkthroughs and sketches alongside powerful 3D modeling programs. Contact us to get started on your next project!
