Landscaping Fundamentals: Understanding Hardscape, Softscape and Garden Structure
Landscaping defines the style and structure of outdoor environments. It combines hardscape elements like walkways, walls, and water features, with softscape elements like flowers and grass, in order to design functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Commonly, people associate landscaping with planting projects. However, there’s a lot of planning that goes into what can be seen as the skeleton of the garden. This includes drainage design, pathways, and the relation of viewing areas to the placement of seating. These design elements are then layered with plantings to complete the garden and soften the edges.
Hardscape: The Framework
Each hardscape element provides a support structure for various activities and defines usable spaces in the garden. These elements are an essential part of any landscaping project.
Patios and Decks are essential in creating functional outdoor spaces. They provide a flat, level space that can be used for all the activities a garden hosts, regardless of the contour of the garden or the weather. Decking can be used on a slight slope as well. Most suburban gardens can accommodate a 4 by 4 meter patio.
Natural, solid stone (sandstone, limestone, granite) is the most expensive option costing between £80-150 for a square meter. They do however outlast all other options. The other common options, pavers and concrete flags, are more affordable (between £30-60 for a square meter) and can be installed by those without professional carpentry skills. Gardens that are often too wet can use modern options that are also aesthetically pleasing, like permeable paving.
Paths organize movement; one open path leads directly from the house to the garden gate or shed. This path should be wide enough to allow two people to walk side by side (1.2m minimum). A secondary path should be a little less wide. Paths define the garden’s ‘rooms’ by subdividing them. These paths make clear which gardens can be traversed and which can be seated or enjoyed from the side.
Gravel is one of the cheapest options for paths, costing around £15 – £25 per square metre. It is very easy to install, but does tend to need upkeep, replacing and raking to keep level and smooth. It does also have a good drainage capability, however, can become muddy if the ground doesn’t drain underneath. Paved paths cost a lot more (around £40 – £80 per square metre) but help maintain a dry and muddy free path. Stepping stones do create a more romantic effect but also further the length of time it takes to traverse, making them ideal in areas you want people to take time to enjoy.
Retaining walls can help add functionality to a garden with a slope. Walls help create flat terraces and along with providing a functional need of soil erosion, help define planting beds, and provide visually interesting height change. Building a proper retaining walls (anything over 50cm) will help provide a sturdy wall, but will need a professional. DIY low walls can work but need good drainage to help prevent water pressure damage.
Water Features are a great way to add an element of movement, sound and visual interest. They can add a focal point and provide a simple fountain and an enjoyable sound of moving water. Wildlife ponds with shallow edges can support many small amphibians and provide a great feature as well. Small rills also add a modern element. Water does need circulation and movement to help keep it fresh and not a breeding ground for insects.
Softscape
Softscape is the growing living layers of the landscape. Though Softscape consists largely of plants, what is actually included in this layer can differ seasonally, and, unlike hardscape, is something that might change year after year. Maintenance is a must for softscape.
Softscape is particularly useful at creating growing layers of texture and color. Lawns are great for softening walking surfaces and providing a space for recreational activities as well as a relative backdrop for the other layers of planting. However, lawns require a considerable amount of maintenance (mowing, watering, weeding). It is preferable that lawns be kept small. If a lawn is large, consider reducing lawn space with hardscape, or low-maintenance plants instead.
Tall layers of softscape can provide structure. Hardscape combined with tall softscape can create dynamic plays on texture and structure within the landscape. Shrubs can create defined spaces and year-round structure and can create shelter. Along with providing shelter and space for structure, a well-placed, well-chosen tree can transform a space. Pay attention to the conditions in your landscape softscape and choose plants accordingly.
Balancing Hardscape with Softscape
In general, a good garden design incorporates a combination of hard landscape and growing, living landscape. An abundance of hard landscape can create an oppressive feeling where too much soft landscape can start to look wild and out of control.
As a rough rule of thumb, consider:
For small gardens (under 200 square metres) 40% hardscape, 60% softscape balances the need for a sufficient hard surface to provide paths and seating, but ensures enough planting that the space does not feel barren.
For medium gardens (200-500 square metres), 30% hardscape, 70% softscape is a good balance and provides room for ample planting, but is still considerate of enough space for paths and seating.
For large gardens (over 500 square metres), 20-30% hardscape, 70-80% softscape balances enough space for ample planting while still providing enough meaningful paths and focal points.
These are approximate guidelines. Actual division in your garden depends on the available space, desired features, and how much upkeep you’re willing to commit.
Soil and Drainage
It’s good to assess your soil and drainage before doing anything with planting or building. Clay soil that becomes watery and bogged after rain requires either an improvement in drainage or hardscapes (patios, decking, gravel areas instead of grass). Sandy soil that is free draining and bogs less, is suitable for plants that are drought resistant. Most soils improve with the addition of compost or organic matter.
Poor drainage leads to broken hardscape (cracked patios, rotting decking) and unsuccessful plantings. Providing proper drainage the first time is less expensive than trying to combat drainage for years.
Flow and Zoning
Good gardens have flow. This is the encouraging of movement through and around the different areas and features of the garden. Each area serves its own purpose. Usually, the area that contains the largest or the principal seating is closest to the home. Paths lead to each area, with the purposes serving areas being located where they are needed the most. Planting and screening can create flow and areas of surprise and transition.
Intended design is largely the result of zoning, which can be something as simple as determining the purpose of the area. For example, seating can be placed in a rainy-shaded corner while an open area can house a water feature.
When to Expect Upkeep
After hardscapes are installed, maintenance is expected to be minimal. Patios may need some periodic weeding and sweeping while decking needs seasonal upkeep.
Softscape (plants) needs more attention, especially in the beginning. Plants usually need regular watering their first growing season. After that, established plants just need annual pruning and weeding along with a seasonal tidy up. The more plants you select that are suited to your conditions, the less you’ll feel that maintenance is a chore.
A garden with good landscaping balances structure with growth and human elements with nature. Good gardens don’t seem designed, but rather like they’ve grown. In reality, they are the result of planning and continued effort.