Softscape refers to the live horticultural elements of a landscape. Softscaping can include flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, flower beds, and duties like weed/nuisance management, grading, planting, mowing, trimming, aerating, spraying, and digging for everything from plants and shrubs to flower beds. Wheel barrows and manual tools like rakes, shovels, picks, and gas power tools are commonly used. This is a term that has been popularized in recent pop culture (2006 onwards) on television shows such as Home & Garden Television. The purpose of softscape is to lend character to the landscaping, create an aura, ambience, and reflect the sensibilities of the inhabitants.
The term softscape stands in contrast to hardscape, which represents inanimate objects of a landscape such as pavers, stones, rocks, planter boxes, arbors, water feature as well as structures of wood and natural stone and concrete, like retaining walls, patios, fences and decks, pergolas, and stairs. Wikipedia
Softscape is an important element of landscape design. It refers to the use of living plants and other organic materials, as opposed to hardscaping which uses man-made materials such as concrete and stone. Softscape can provide a number of benefits to your landscape, including reducing noise and pollution, improving air quality, and providing habitat for wildlife.
One of the most important benefits of softscape is its ability to reduce noise pollution. Plants can act as sound barriers, absorbing and deflecting noise. This can be especially beneficial if you live in a busy urban area or near a highway. In addition to reducing noise pollution, plants can also help to improve air quality. They do this by absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants and releasing oxygen into the air. Plants can also help to cool the air by evaporating water, which can be a great relief on hot summer days.
Another benefit of softscape is that it can provide a habitat for wildlife. Native plants are especially beneficial as they provide food and shelter for local animals. This can help to support the local ecosystem and make your landscape more diverse.
Including softscape in your landscape design can provide a number of benefits that will improve the look, feel, and function of your space.
At Gardenia Landscaping, we provide a wide range of landscaping services to help our clients create the perfect outdoor space. Contact us today at (385) 437-6468 to get a free consultation!
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