softscape
Living landscape elements
Softscape refers to the living, organic elements of a landscape design, including plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, grass, and soil.
It stands in contrast to hardscape, which encompasses the non-living structural features like patios, walkways, and retaining walls.
Landscape architects balance softscape and hardscape to create functional outdoor spaces.
The softscape around the new office building includes native grasses and flowering perennials.
Flora regrowing annually
- annualsSingle-season plants
- shrubsLow woody plants
- groundcoverLow plants blanketing soil
- flowerbedsCultivated planting areas
turf · grass · seedlings · bulbs · ornamentals · hedges · vines · ferns
Ground matter for planting
- mulchProtective plant bedding
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
- fertilizerSoil nutrient supplement
- irrigationArtificial water supply for agriculture
pruning · weeding · topsoil · amendments · aeration · drainage · planting · watering
Tended yard grass
- bedsFurniture for sleeping
- bordersLines separating regions
- layeringForming successive strata
- massingGathering in quantity
focal point · color scheme · texture · form · scale · balance · rhythm · naturalistic
Capable of bending easily
- suppleFlexing without damage
- flexibleAble to bend freely
- yieldingBending under pressure
- spongySoft and absorbent
cushiony · springy · lush · dense · feathery · wispy · billowy · velvety
Interconnected organisms and surroundings
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- native speciesOrganisms originating in a region
- wildlifeUndomesticated natural organisms
pollinators · rain garden · permeable · stormwater · erosion control · microclimate · carbon sequestration · living systems
perennials
Flora regrowing annually
- annualsSingle-season plants
- shrubsLow woody plants
- groundcoverLow plants blanketing soil
flowerbeds · turf · grass · seedlings · bulbs · ornamentals · hedges · vines · ferns · hostas
soil
Ground matter for planting
- mulchProtective plant bedding
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
- fertilizerSoil nutrient supplement
irrigation · pruning · weeding · topsoil · amendments · aeration · drainage · planting · watering · mowing
lawn
Tended yard grass
massing · focal point · color scheme · texture · form · scale · balance · rhythm · naturalistic · formal
pliable
Capable of bending easily
spongy · cushiony · springy · lush · dense · feathery · wispy · billowy · velvety · delicate
ecosystem
Interconnected organisms and surroundings
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- native speciesOrganisms originating in a region
wildlife · pollinators · rain garden · permeable · stormwater · erosion control · microclimate · carbon sequestration · living systems · sustainability