Landscape design: different styles

Hi all, glad to see you back again. So landscape design then, where to start, well it can be split into two main types, hardscape and softscape. What's this, you say, well the clue is in the names, hardscape consists of stone, flagstone and rock, while trees, soil, flowerbeds, vegetable gardens, grass and shrubs comprise the softscape.

So lets dive a little deeper into the description of hardscape, it involves lots of different styles ranging from basic stones and pebbles in the borders to full flagstone patterns. Hardscaping is usually employed in the early stages of landscaping, as it will generally set the shape of the area, it is also commonly used to lower the maintenance required, for example not having to cut the grass or weed the flower bed. Hardscaping also protects the soil by curbing the loosening and erosion effects the elements have on it.

Now for a more informative look at softscaping, it is the living animated part of landscaping, which can be experimented with prior to implementing the subtlest of ideas and changes in a landscaping area. Softscaping can utilize evergreen plants, shrubs and trees for a permanent show of colour, you can also go with a temporary look with seasonal plants which lend their vivid colours and character to landscapes, or have the best of both worlds and use both. The main points to consider when using these elements are, planning and arrangement, to achieve an aesthetically pleasing softscape.

The two attached pictures are of landscaping that I have produced for clients.
The first contains hardscaping that integrates a tree stump and a tree into the design with softscaping surrounding the pebbled area and also being incorporated into planters on the hardscape.
The second photo is of a Japanese style garden that consists of softscape contained within the hardscape.

That is all for this entry, thanks for taking the time to read my posts, all your views are greatly appreciated and any feedback is very welcome, I hope you enjoyed reading this. Please like 'HOG services' on Facebook, follow us on twitter @HOGservices and check out the website www.hogservices.moonfruit.com