creating beauty and balance!
It is said that everything right in our universe has two parts, and balance needs to be achieved to make something complete. This is precisely the case when we talk about landscaping. It requires a balance of hard and soft landscaping (or 'Softscape' as it is often referred to) to create a garden or landscape that contains all the elements to make it functional and something of great beauty.
What is soft landscaping?
In essence, when looking at a landscape's elements, one will see that it comprises two main features - stone, paving, walls, etc. – and soft flowers, plants, trees, etc. We wrote recently about hard landscaping and precisely what it consists of. To familiarise yourself with it, see our article on What makes hard landscaping so great, Windy Willows.
This article focuses on soft landscaping elements – so what exactly is it? Wikipedia defines it as "the live horticultural elements of a landscape. Soft landscaping or Softscaping can include flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, flower beds, etc."
There are other things to look at, however, to get a complete understanding of Softscaping, and these are - what are the purpose and benefits of Softscaping? What are the things we need to do to achieve Softscaping? What are some of the tools used in Softscaping? etc.- let's look at these…
Why Soft landscaping?
The purpose of Softscape is to lend character to the landscaping, create an aura and ambience, and reflect the sensibilities of the inhabitants. It has many potential benefits, such as reducing air pollution around a factory using plants and trees known for their air-cleansing properties. Some trees and plants can also filter dust, pollen and other harmful particles from the environment, allowing more oxygen into your area.
Additionally, many Softscaping plants attract birds, bees, butterflies and insects, all of which enhance your landscape environment – and not only can soft and hard landscaping protect your property from damaging wind and weather if correctly designed, but landscaping itself will significantly increase the value of your property.
What needs to be done?
If you plan to be a D.I.Y. landscaper, remember that many duties need to be carried out in the execution of Softscaping, like weed and general nuisance management, grading, planting, mowing, trimming, aerating, spraying, and digging for everything from plants and shrubs to flower beds.
Softscaping tools
Generally, wheelbarrows and manual tools like rakes, shovels, picks, and sometimes gas power tools are the most commonly used.
Foliage in a typical S.A. waterwise Softscape
Because we live in an environment where water saving is critical to our survival, we heartily recommend that you focus your Softscaping around more indigenous foliage, as these tend to be less thirsty and longer lasting in a typical S.A. garden.
To learn more about this, read and share this great article - Indigenous gardens are beautiful, sustainable and highly beneficial! (Windy Willows.co.za)
For any form of landscaping, whether soft landscaping, hard landscaping or a combination of both, it is always wise to seek the advice and direction of experts, as effective landscaping (particularly waterwise landscaping) is not a simple thing.
At Windy Willows Wholesale Nursery in Honeydew, we not only provide everything you need to create all the elements of soft or hard landscaping and are expert landscapers, but we freely offer advice to all who don't want to break the bank to achieve a beautiful balanced garden.
Simply bring a diagram or photo of your garden to the nursery, along with the dimensions of your garden beds, and we'll help you choose the best plants and their ideal placement. Alternatively, you can get a two-hour consultation at your house with a trained landscaper for a modest fee.
Come and visit or contact us online - and remember, making your landscape beautiful is our business!