Everyone wants the most out of their outdoor space, but you have to understand the different elements before they can all come together in a comprehensive manner.
Most people get their outdoor space decked up before selling the house to increase the value and impress prospective buyers, but you may do it for your own joy too! Who doesn’t like a beautiful outdoor space?
This compels us to ask another question – Do you know that your outdoor space consists of a combination of hardscapes and softscapes.
Before you get in touch with leading landscape contractors in Sacramento, read this post about the difference between hardscapes and softscapes. Keep reading to know more about both because a landscape architect would ask you questions about what elements you need in your dream yard.
Understanding The Concept of Softscape
Softscape is the concept that refers to anything living or growing in the garden. If you have growing elements in the garden, they are all softscape. For example, shrubs, trees, grass, and other elements are constantly growing. They need water, sunshine, and good care. Anything that is soft in terms of touch is termed as softscape. But another feature is it should constantly grow.
What is Hardscape?
Hardscape is anything inorganic or hard. For example, you see rocks, pavers, walls, outdoor accessories, etc, that add style and function to the outdoor space. These are all Hardscape elements. The whole purpose of these elements is usability. Softscape elements are important because they improve the air quality and the oxygen level also increases, but for walking and running, you need hardscape elements.
That’s why most public parks have benches and other seating options. The softscape elements will add life, but hardscape elements improve functionality of the space. If people want to enjoy the softscape elements, there has to be some Hardscape elements too.
What is the Difference Between Hardscape and Softscape?
When an architect starts designing the landscape, they take both Hardscape and Softscape into consideration. It creates a cohesive and beautiful space. People need to keep both the elements in mind!
It’s all about balance. If the space has too many softscape features, the landscape would not have the balance. For example, it will look incomplete and overgrown too. Landscape architects know there should be a balance.
But the same way, you cannot overcrowd the space with Hardscape features because it will start looking unnatural. People will start calling your outdoor space a concrete jungle.
When hardscape and softscape come together, it creates a beautiful and harmonious space. That’s what every homeowner wants.
Creating The Perfect Hardscape – What All Elements To Include?
There are many hardscape elements you can include in the design. Let the architect know the elements you need such as a deck, pavers, fountains, seating arrangements, etc. You have to make the garden space functional so that you can host BBQs and spend lazy afternoons in your lovely yard.
The landscape architect will suggest the changes in case anything extra is required. They might even suggest you to go easy on the hardscape and focus a little more on softscape too.
Incorporating Both Elements In The Landscape Design
It is important to keep both the elements in mind for creating the perfect garden space. A professional will showcase what they could do, but you can also share your vision with them. After all, you’re the client.
But, remember to make full use of your garden space. Consider the space, and the kind of plants that can grow in your region. Don’t think of elements that are impossible to place in the garden.
Second, you should choose a specific focal point. Think of a focal point and surround it with shrubs and planters. It will create the perfect curb appeal. Third, you want to think about saving resources like water too. For example, people think of planting drought-tolerant plants to save water. They are better for those homeowners who do not want high-maintenance plants.
This brings us to the fourth point which is – convey your maintenance limit to the landscape architect. If you do not want too much upkeep, the architects have knowledge about the plants that do not need too much work. But if you are willing to keep a gardener, let them know about plants that you want in your garden.
Lastly, you need to get the hardscape elements before the softscape work begins.
A Garden Fit For Your Lifestyle and Family
Everyone wants to build a dream garden. Knowing the difference between hardscape and softscape may have given you some clarity about what you need from the landscape architect. Think of a garden that suits your family’s requirements and the lifestyle you have. Do you want something basic or a fancy garden with plush elements? It boils down to what you need as a client.
Once you let the landscape architect know your expectation, they can start designing the garden of your dreams with everything you have imagined. But they will also give you inputs whether or not certain elements are doable.
