The right question should be – What is that process that brings life to our properties and adds a dynamic appearance to them? Yes, this is what soft landscaping is, or what we also call soft scaping. Bringing living, breathing organic elements like trees, vegetation, and flowers to the non-living elements like patios, walls, and pathways in a design that attracts viewers at a glance and gives peaceful vibes to the dwellers. The addition of texture and colour to liven up your space is the spirit of soft landscaping.
Interested enough to learn more about soft landscaping? Our comprehensive guide will teach you in-depth about the elements, benefits, and the entire process of soft landscaping. Let’s begin!
What Goes Into a Soft Landscaping Design?
Soft landscaping is a creative endeavour. There is much to add, as per your taste. But we’ll share the main elements to give you an idea:
Flowers & Plants
Flowers and lush green grass are pertinent to adding colour to your outdoor area. There are a lot of options to choose from, e.g., native plants, perennials, annuals, or flowers; all these elements provide the required aesthetics and also bring the much-needed liveliness to your area.
Grass & Lawns
The natural, soft carpet for outdoor activities, lawns not just amplify your space, but their low-maintenance and drought-resistant qualities also provide functionality. Remember, you can’t find these characteristics only in one specific grass type, so choose wisely.
Trees & Shrubs
Whether you need privacy, want to attract birds and useful insects, or reduce noise pollution, trees and shrubs are your best option. After all, what could be more helpful than nature itself?
Hedges & Bushes
Your garden or lawn needs a neat, polished outlook and structure that gives a sense of organisation. This is what hedges and barriers provide. They also act as natural barriers, keeping water penetration minimal during heavy rainfall.
Water Features & Natural Ponds
Green grass and aquamarine water; watching these two natural elements soothes your eyes and provides much-needed mental calmness and coolness to reduce stress and elevate emotional health. Ponds, fountains, and small waterfalls, all these natural water elements can provide the required benefits while also uplifting your alfresco aesthetic game.
Incorporate Greenery and Growth into Any Outdoor Setting
Soft landscaping is helpful when you need to bring plants and textures to your outdoor space. Here are our suggested, practical ways:
- Start By Developing a Plan
Before you begin plantation, plot a landscape design that perfectly highlights designated regions for flowers, grass, shrubs, and trees. Don’t forget to factor in the soil conditions, sunlight, and maintenance requirements.
- Factor in the Local Climate & Maintenance Needs
Consider the local climate while choosing your plants. Native plants are best because they are well-suited to the local weather conditions and also require less water and maintenance.
- Choose Harmony or Ruggedness
Be different with your choice of green elements. Integrate a mix of small, medium, and tall plants to create depth and interest. However, if you want harmony, choose layered planting to create a more visually appealing effect.
- Integrate the Hard Landscaping Elements
You don’t just need to integrate the natural elements for soft landscaping. You also need to create divisions using pathways and borders. This is the magic of the merger between soft and hard landscaping.
Essential Steps in Soft Landscape Development
Soft landscaping is an intricate job, so you need to be fully aware of the process before carrying out the job. Even if it’s a professional doing the job, being informed about this process allows you to better supervise the project:
Step 1: Soil Testing & Enhancement
First, examine your soil and prepare it well before initiating the process. While surveying the soil, you need to test the nutrient levels, pH, and soil structure. Taking the idea from the survey, you need to modify the soil accordingly using organic matter and fertilisers to develop the ideal growth environment for your desired plantation.
Step 2: Smart Plant Selection & Sourcing
Now you need to wisely pick plants that will thrive in the specific environment of your garden. Consider factors like sun and wind exposure, drainage and soil type, maintenance needs, seasonal displays, screening and privacy requirements, and local microclimate.
Step 3: Planting Methods
This is the time to plant what you selected. To successfully perform this process, you need to modify the spacing and depth to mature the plants’ room. Perform initial staking where required and cover the soil surface with an organic or inorganic material to retain humidity and subdue weeds. Install irrigation systems, if necessary.
Step 4: Care & Maintenance
Although your soft landscaping process is done but what you need to understand is that the first few months are crucial. So, you need to regularly water the establishment, perform early pruning and tree training, and eliminate undesired vegetation. Regularly survey the establishment to observe signs of any potential disease or distress. Make necessary adjustments to plant positions if required.
Remember, as much as anyone would like to add aesthetics and functionality to their properties through soft scaping, maintaining it is as important to keep the grass green, flowers fresh, and the soil healthy.
Why Soft Landscaping Matters?
Well, it’s not going to be a short write-up because soft landscaping benefits are numerous and diverse. Let’s find out:
- Visual Appeal That Speaks Volumes
Adding colour, texture, and depth to your space, soft landscaping adds an unrealistic, dream-like visual charm that certainly enchants first-time viewers and elevates the space for the residents.
- Breathe Better with Nature’s Help
Absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, you can enjoy fresh, clean air with soft landscaping.
- Invite Nature Back into Your Space
Want to attract the local fauna to your space? Soft landscaping is the answer. You’ll certainly be impressed by the biodiversity it supports.
- Nature’s Own Climate Regulator
Having a shady area during hot, humid summers is a blessing, which trees and shrubs offer by providing windbreaks.
- Preventing Erosion, the Natural Way
If you’ve plants with strong root systems, then consider your soil, stabilised and erosion prevented.
- A Green Escape from the Everyday
Having a stressful day? Just spend some peaceful, quiet time in the green space created by soft landscaping and improve your mood.
- Curb Appeal That Pays Off
Not just your mental health, your property’s value is also increased due to a well-maintained soft landscaping.
- Let Nature Manage Your Runoff
With flowerbeds and lawns in your space, you’ve got your own natural rainwater absorbing system that dramatically reduces runoff and potential flooding.
Bring Life to Your Property – Call Professional Soft Landscapers Today!
You just can’t get enough of the mesmerising beauty of towering trees, structural shrubs, seasonal bedding plants, and fragile perennials. If you want such a marvel in your outdoor space, then call our specialised soft landscapers. Our workmen approach soft scaping as an art or science. Creating a living tapestry out of your garden, our masterful workers work on both the visual and the practical aspects of your alfresco space. Because it’s not just green, it’s the soul of your garden.
