There are many great benefits to maximising your outdoor area. It helps to add space for future family get together and events, and it can be a great aesthetic addition to your landscape. An outdoor scene can be categorised into two types: soft landscape and hard landscape.
Soft landscape, or also known as Softscape, refers to the type of landscape that involves horticulture. Softscape entails growth of a various variety of plants, cultivation of fertile soil supply, organic compost production, and everything revolving around nature.
Examples of Softscape
These are flora and fauna gardens, front lawn grass and hedges, biological ponds and even vegetable gardens. It is suitable for landscape enthusiasts that prefer nature and a greener environment.
Flora and Fauna – Both words are Latin. Flora means flowers, while fauna means animals. But in residential areas, one does not have to rear animals to make that same effect, simply because one cannot imitate the natural habitat of animals, and both cannot live in the same location without losing its naturality. So, technically, fauna in house landscaping only refers to indigenous animals and creatures often found in homegrown gardens.
Front Lawn Grass and Hedges – Green grasses and hedges in lawns help provide relaxation. Since the colour green sends a calming effect on the human brain, it also eases eye tension. Hedges can also be a form of fence or partition, it creates a rustic yet sophisticated appeal to your front lawn.
Biological Ponds –This kind of pond serves as habitat to wildlife. It can also serve as a swimming pool or an artificial lake where humans can safely dip into the water. Botanical tarns need a larger space, which is why it is advisable to have a strong and durable water filter system to avoid frequent maintenance.
Vegetable Garden – For a more prolific gardening experience, homeowners are inclined to rearing vegetable and herb gardens in the backyard. With the help of a rich and cultivated soil supply, it can produce organic crops and harvest that can be consumed by the family or bought by neighbours. It can help one generate extra income too.
Hard landscape, or also known as hardscape, is the type of outdoor decoration that refers to a more solid approach. From the word “hard”, it specifies as the usage of stones, concrete, bricks and other compacted materials.
Examples of hardscape are stoned pathways, concrete or wooden patios, outdoor dining and kitchen, bricked barbeque grill spots and bar counters. Hardscaping is best suited if you want to add an outdoor living area.
Stoned Pathways – Pathways from the curb to the entrance of a home can be made from different types of stones such as cobblestones, marble, pebble-blasted concrete, limestones, and concrete blocks and bricks. Using stones can accentuate pathways and also helps prevent dirt and soil during the cold and rainy season.
Concrete or Wooden Patios – Patio is an extension of the dining area where it is located outdoors. It may be adjoined to the dining area or situated in any desired spot. Pergolas can be made from steel or concrete material and some even in glass casings.
Outdoor Dining and Kitchen – Eating outdoors can often bring a festive feeling, whether it is a simple picnic or a local shop that has a patio. Imagine having one in the comfort of your home — dining and cooking with family and friends while enjoying the scenery in a natural setting. An outdoor area for cooking and feasting also includes a barbeque grill spot and bar counters — an ideal for houses that often host parties.
Having a landscape, whether it is indoor or outdoor, is proven to be a stunning feature to enhance the aesthetic and lifestyle of homeowners.
For gardening, stone, and soil supply, visit our official website at Labrador Landscape. You can also contact our professional landscape artists for a more precise and high-quality landscaping service.