SOFT LANDSCAPING
If you are tired of the way your garden looks but you're not after too much change then opting for a bit of soft landscaping could be just the choice for you.
Soft landscaping is the elements of a landscape that do not involve construction. They usually include planting from trees, shrubs, and flowers, as well as container gardens, potted plants, and hanging baskets.
Planning some elements of soft landscaping means undertaking a long-term endeavor. Shade trees and conifers can take years if not decades to reach their mature heights, just as it can take years for shrubs to mature into natural privacy hedges.
Elements like these require some thinking ahead, as they will form the backdrop of the landscape for years to come.
Changing the soft elements of a landscape is an easy way to change the entire look of the outside of the home without too much cost and effort!
HARD LANDSCAPING
From paving to garden structures, water features to fencing, hard landscaping gives the landscape form and structure on which the softer elements can then transform.
Hard landscaping refers to anything else but plants! They are usually functional and can include paths, driveways, patios, terraces, walls, decks, greenhouse, ponds and pools.
Often this is an opportunity to install a favourite garden feature, which can be a focal point or adds an interesting feature into the garden. This is a key part of the structure of a garden and apart from being functional, hard landscape should be attractive and in keeping with the house and the rest of the garden
When landscapers and/or architects talk about hard landscaping materials, they will be referring to construction materials that are in order to enhance the landscape design or the garden or outside space.
Some of these include materials include stones, gravel, concrete, bricks and glass
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
The main aspects of landscape design incorporate the elements of unity, scale, balance, variety, emphasis, and sequence. The elements of line, form, texture & colour are all interconnected.
Landscape design is a process of developing practical & pleasing outdoor living space that compliments and enhances your everyday living by utilising your outside space.
A beautifully designed garden is as important as the emphasis we place on the designs of our interiors.
Options for garden designs can be as elaborate or low maintenance as your lifestyle and preferences permit – consider both your aspirations for how it should look and how much time you can invest in garden maintenance.
Consulting a landscape designer will ensure you have a garden that suits your lifestyle, the local climate and soil conditions.
