Hard or Soft Landscaping?
Why you could save yourself a lot of money by using plants instead of bricks…
Thinking of redesigning your garden and not sure what you need? Let’s start with some explanations.
Hard landscaping includes all the elements that need to be constructed, such as patios, fences, walls, ponds, sheds and summer houses…
Soft Landscaping is all about the natural, horticultural elements of your garden: hedges, trees and shrubs, flower beds and climbers.
Whilst there is no doubt that sometimes you need to address boundaries and areas of the garden with some construction, our experience is that in a lot of cases you can create a similar effect with greenery.
The soft elements of the landscape are indeed an easy way to change the entire look of the garden without excessive costs.
In our typical London gardens, often small and narrow, we are often asked to split the open space into different zones to create interest, and the temptation is to use patios, fences or pergolas to do so.
However, using plants that can provide boundaries, screens or height is often a better, greener and much cheaper alternative. The variety of size, shape and texture that plants offer also enables a lot of creativity and a varied, changing landscape throughout the year.
Plants can be used to divide areas, create movement and shape, and even to direct traffic through the garden. Eyesores such as compost bins or storage areas can be hidden behind soft hedges or other evergreens. A new bench on the lawn can be surrounded by a small border to provide privacy and a new dining area can be defined by a low circle of greenery.
In today’s world, when we all need to be more sustainable, plants are also a crucial way to help insects and wildlife in general, so as well as saving money, you are helping the environment.
So, when planning your garden project, remember to hire a company that offers this horticultural knowledge, as the choice of plants will be decisive in giving your garden its character and personality.
After all, would you ask your plumber to advise on the new curtains or wallpaper for the bathroom he is building for you?
Anne Fraser and Caroline Streets
07729 835988 & 07930 876348
