HARDSCAPES AND HARDSCAPES ELEMENTS

All non-living materials in landscaping,

such as a brick patio, a stone wall, or a
wooden arbor, are all refers to Hardscape.
And it is also one of the subcategories of the
two primary landscaping; the softscapes and
hardscapes. Furthermore, hardscape is the
“hard” features in your landscape. It is the
heavier, unchanging, inanimate objects
comprised of gravel, paving, stone and wood.

Hardscape elements can also define the use of a space, such as with a driveway, or it can lead
visitors through different zones of softscaping, as with a gravel path that winds through a
grassy area and into a secluded garden. Using hardscape elements, there are so many ways to
use it as a way to enhance the area or the property. Hardscape elements include:

Stone retaining walls 

create planting areas or convert a slope to flat yard space.
Retaining walls are a popular outdoor feature that is both
utilitarian and aesthetically pleasing. They are used to retain soil
in place on hills or slopes, as well as to separate soils at various
altitudes for erosion management. They serve as a wonderful
focus point for a design concept, drawing attention to the natural
slope of the ground as well as the interaction of soils and other
softscape aspects. Plants, flowers, and beds of various softscape
organic materials are typically alternated with hardscape
retaining wall components to provide an attractive and unique
contrast.

Water features
Water features may be both beautiful and practical hardscape
pieces. Fountains made of ceramic or stone can assist channel
natural water in the rear or front yard or structure, providing a
nice contrast between the gently flowing water and the rougher
roughness of the fountain. This is especially attractive in the
spring, when gentle showers may highlight softscape elements
and create a pleasing balance with hardscapes. There's something
innately appealing about gentle footfall on wet tiles or stones, or
the fragrance of grass mixed in with the scent of a wooden deck.
If there is a lot of water in the yard, such as from rain or runoff,
hardscaping designs can help keep it from becoming a muddy
bog.
 Brick patios Concrete patios Stone walkways
offer a more upscale and are the classic low- are ideal for garden
natural look than maintenance and paths.
concrete. versatile patio option.

Hardscape can also be a practical and

sustainable measure. Different kinds of
stones or gravel, like pea gravel,
decomposed granite, pavers, and concrete,
can be used to channel and conserve water
in drought-affected areas. It also looks
more attractive than leaving dead grass in
place, or brown exposed dirt. Municipal
hardscaping is a sustainable alternative
because it requires no water or fertilizer,
limits runoff, assists with water filtration
and sequestration, and reduces loads on sewer systems. Hardscaping, however, should always
complement the natural environment and help preserve it.

SOFTSCAPES AND SOFTSCAPES ELEMENTS

Softscape refers to the living parts of your

landscape, such as trees, plants, grass, vines,
and bushes. While certain features, such as
trees or evergreen shrubs, are permanent, other
plants will come and go depending on the
season and if you decide to redecorate the
space.
A professional landscaper would typically
examine the soil quality, the natural lay of the
ground, the amount of sunshine the region
receives, and the kind of landscaping you intend to accomplish when determining what to
include in the softscape features.

As previously stated, it is often difficult for softscape features to thrive in the absence of
hardscape materials. While hardscape materials offer a container or barrier for certain plants,
it all comes down to erosion, water run-off, and the physical structure for others.
 Most of the time, softscape is utilized merely to add foliage to the landscape; however, it
may also be used to soften the hardscape features. Hedges and plants can make a space 'pop,'
while softscape components compliment the sharper edges of the physical materials.
Softscape is the “soft”, living part of your landscape, the vegetation. These features may be
permanent, such as shrubs and evergreens, or temporary like perennials. Examples of
softscape include:

Trees

The most permanent softscape element, sometimes you

don’t really have a choice when it comes to trees. Either
way, they’re a great feature in any backyard.

2. Shrubs and ground cover

Various types of ground cover can be used, it doesn’t just

have to be grass. Shrubs can also add a lovely lower visual
element.

3. Flower beds or gardens

These can be planted directly into the soil or, if that’s not
an option, planter boxes are a great way to combine the soft
and hard elements. Using flower beds is also a beautiful
way to bring some colour into the space and can create
some variety through the year, especially if you plant
particular flowers that grow in specific seasons.

4. Mulch
This can be used for low-maintenance or unused areas of the backyard. Mulch is great
because it helps prevent weed growth and helps to hold moisture in the soil.

5. Screens

Privacy doesn’t just have to come from physical fences. There are some unique ways to use
softscape to create screens or barriers, for example, tall hedges or bamboo.

REFERENCES

https://www.tailoredlights.com/post/what-is-hardscape-and-how-is-it-used
https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-hardscape-2131060
https://www.curtilandscaping.com/blog/what-is-hardscape-and-softscape/
https://artisanexterior.com.au/explore/hardscape-softscape-difference