softscapes
Gardens and lawns
Softscapes are the living, organic elements of a landscape—plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawns.
The term contrasts with hardscapes, which are the built or paved features like patios, walkways, and retaining walls.
Landscapers and designers use the distinction when planning outdoor spaces: The softscape needs more color; let's add some perennials along the border.
Protective plant bedding
- topsoilNutrient-rich surface earth
- irrigationArtificial water supply for agriculture
- perennialsFlora regrowing annually
- shrubsLow woody plants
hedges · turf · lawn · groundcover · planting · compost · fertilizer · pruning
Collective plant life
- foliagePlant's leafy covering
- lushnessAbundant, thriving growth
- grassNarrow-leaved ground cover
- meadowGrassy field for grazing
grove · canopy · leafy · shrubbery · vegetation · parkland · prairie · woodland
Flowers or flourishes
- petalsColored bloom segments
- rosesThorny flowering shrubs
- tulipsBulb-grown ornamental flowers
- daffodilsYellow spring bulb flowers
lilies · orchids · chrysanthemums · peonies · hydrangeas · arrangement · fragrance · pollen
mulch
Protective plant bedding
- topsoilNutrient-rich surface earth
- irrigationArtificial water supply for agriculture
- perennialsFlora regrowing annually
shrubs · hedges · turf · lawn · groundcover · planting · compost · fertilizer · pruning · sod
greenery
Collective plant life
meadow · grove · canopy · leafy · shrubbery · vegetation · parkland · prairie · woodland · layering
blooms
Flowers or flourishes
daffodils · lilies · orchids · chrysanthemums · peonies · hydrangeas · arrangement · fragrance · pollen · nectar
velveteen
Cotton imitating velvet
suede · terrycloth · minky · plush · nubby · brushed · napped · microfiber · cashmere · mohair
softscapeshardscapes
Constructed landscape elements
hardscaping · concrete · masonry · stonework · pavement