Hard and Soft Landscaping ... getting the balance right

Now of course you know the difference, hard = constructed surfaces, walls, paving etc and soft = natural, plants, lawn, trees etc. Creating balance between the built and manmade areas of a garden and the natural elements is key to any successful design.
When choosing items for a garden it's interesting that less is more. The best way of focusing attention on any one item is to place it within its opposite. For example a courtyard space with man-built surfaces will focus attention and amplify the nature of a single tree within that space. Similarly a stone or ceramic item placed within and amongst plants will be the focal point within the scheme, though small relatively speaking. Its position and presence can be a constant source of pleasure when it appears in view around a corner or through a gateway.

" A thing of beauty is a joy forever..." ~ John Keats

" But if the thing of beauty is a garden, then only if it gets...
... weeded, pruned, tidied, and mown"
(Kathryn Gilmour)

Even better, why not put a garden designer's know-how to use to get a garden layout right, right from the start.

The benefits are simple...

• A clear design will ensure that time and money aren't wasted. 
• What's more a good looking garden can add value even to the smallest plot. 
• A garden designer can help you sift through all those dream garden books to highlight your needs and preferences and to select the right plants for you. 
• A good range of plants will add year-round interest and enjoyment.
• The garden can be easily managed.
• You'll feel like spending much more time outdoors for leisure and pleasure.

And the results speak for themselves...

Before

After