Tips from a Landscape Designer for Balancing Hardscapes and Green Space in Penryn, CA

Keeping the right balance between hardscape elements and green space for your Penryn, CA, location can be tricky, but a landscape designer can step in to make sure it’s done just right. These tips from a landscape designer can make the process clearer and easier.

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What Is a Hardscape Element?

There are generally two main elements in a landscape design—hard elements and soft elements. Hardscapes are simple the hard elements of your yard—the bricks, stones, paving stones, retaining walls. 

The hardscape portions can form a general structure for your landscape with paths for walking, flat surfaces for relaxing, and lines and curves that bring order to a property. The gravel that fills your pathway from your house to the outdoor kitchen is a part of the hardscape, as is an outdoor structure like a pergola. Hardscape elements are unmoving and unchanging.

What Is a Softscape Element?

in short, a softscape element is any living thing in the landscape. These elements are always changing with the seasons—trees, plants, flowers, shrubs, and grass. The softscape brings variety, color, and interesting texture to your outdoor spaces.

Why Is Balance Needed?

The delicate balance between hard and softscape elements requires specialized expertise—without balance, the combination of paved walkways, the driveway, and the patio could make a space seem impersonal and feel too flat. An overwhelming softscape, in the form of plants, shrubs, and flowers, can make a space feel overgrown and unkempt, even unplanned. 

The best spaces tend to have a thoughtful balance of hardscape features and greenery to bring order and harmony to the landscape, with the hardscape providing structure and form and the softscape adding color and life. 

Another factor in hard and softscape choices is height and texture and symmetry. You may want a complete contrast to the exterior of the home in order to make a statement about the landscape. Or you might choose to keep the same general overall feel of the architecture reflected in the various aspects of your landscape design. 

How Can a Landscape Designer Help?

Balancing all of the elements is the forte of your landscape architect. Your landscapers will start the process with a one-on-one consultation and conversation to understand how you want your outdoor space to look and feel. Think through the kind of space that will lead to long-term enjoyment by you, your family, and occasional guests. 

The focus on an unhurried, clear design process means that you can think about what you truly want and make corrections before any dirt is moved because 2D and 3D renderings can allow you to see what the final product will look like in real time. Managing your budget is a key component with itemized estimates and line item budgeting. 

Assisting with the selection of the ideal materials for your landscape project, your landscapers can suggest finishes and components that bring out the best in your Penryn, CA, property. A group of talented craftsmen build your hard and softscape elements, all while the landscape architect maintains a hands-on approach to ensure perfection down to the last detail.

From product selection to construction management to the realization of your dream, your landscape architect will keep you in good hands. 

Related: 3 Reasons Why Landscape Architecture Should Be the Next Priority for Your Penryn, CA, Home