What’s The Difference Between Hardscape and Softscape?

A beautiful garden around your home is like your private haven, where you can relax, rejuvenate, and spend time with family and friends. So you need to make sure that this little piece of heaven has both hardscape and softscape. Typically, you would have to sit with a landscape designer in Sonoma County and plan each aspect of your garden. Hence, knowing what hardscape and softscape are and how they work together to create a stunning masterpiece is essential.

Understanding Hardscape

In simple terms, hardscape refers to anything that is man-made or non-living. So, a pathway in your garden, a gazebo, a deck, or a patio are perfect examples of hardscape. Hardscape serves different purposes, such as providing you shelter from the sun and rain or creating a path for you to walk on. The prime purpose of hardscape is to extend living space outdoors.

When you hire a landscape designer in Sonoma County to design and landscape your garden, remember you should first focus on hardscape and then on softscape.

What is Softscape?

Just like hardscape is a term for non-living and inanimate objects in your garden, softscape is anything that is living and part of your landscape. Hedges, trees, lawns, flowering plants, shrubs, and even the soil are categorized as softscape.

Since softscape is all living things, you would need to add them after you plan the hardscape of your garden. The hardscape will take space, and anything that is left over will then be used to plant and grow the softscape. That is why it is essential that you do hardscaping first, and get everything into position. Then you can complete the picture by adding softscape.

Landscaping Requires Hardscape and Softscape

Landscaping is not just about planting flowering plants, shrubs, and trees strategically. You also need to focus on hardscape. Together, softscape and hardscape give personality to your outdoor living space. You can give your preference to landscape designers in Sonoma County, who can help you shape your dream garden. Remember, too much hardscape or softscape can give your garden an unkempt appearance, and this will spoil its curb appeal.

Choose Your Landscape Designer Carefully

Your garden is an integral part of your home. So, you should not hire a landscape designer without due diligence. The professional you select should know the ins and outs of hardscape and softscape so that they can plan the landscaping of your entire garden in a balanced manner. Every element will add beauty to your garden, and also be a reflection of your personality. Above all, the landscape designer should be able to work within your budget without compromising a thing. If you are on the lookout for an expert landscape designer in Sonoma County who knows the nitty-gritty of landscaping, and will work with you to build your ideal garden, Gardenworks Inc. is your go-to service provider. Our experts have years of experience and training in transforming dull and lifeless yards into a cozy haven. Call us today at 707-857-2050.