Entertaining Guests with Functional Landscapes

Rich-Way Landscape

With the summer months right around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and be with friends and family. Whether you are hosting a birthday party for family or having a few friends over for the 4th of July, you want your space to be ready for company. Unless you are a landscape professional, knowing where to start with your outdoor space can seem a bit daunting, especially if you have not used it in a while. But that’s where Rich-Way Landscape comes in! Whether you want a quaint garden or a functional extension of your home, we’ll give you a few tips on landscape design elements for entertaining, and help you get the outdoor space of your dreams!

Hardscape Features

There are two primary types of design elements in your landscape, hardscape and softscape. Knowing the distinction can help in your own landscape literacy, and make for a better overall design plan. Hardscape features should be thought of as inanimate objects, such as stone walls, pavement, and water features. While they are typically things humans create, rocks and stone also count as hardscape. For entertaining, there are some primary hardscape elements to keep in mind for you and your guests.

• Appropriate shelter 
• Heating/cooling elements
• Lighting

These elements are set and unchanging, unlike plants and ground cover. For the most part, the more hardscape elements in your landscape, the less work you will have to do to maintain it. So if you lack a green thumb, hardscape is the way to go! However, if you are incorporating both hard and softscape elements, be sure to talk to your landscape professional about the overall cohesion of your yard. Without the right plan, hardscape features can prevent light and water from getting to your foliage, and ruin your hard work. Get in contact with the professionals at Rich-Way Landscape for the most cohesive design!

Softscape Features

On the other side, those with a green thumb might be more inclined to install softscape elements. Softscape encompasses all things living, from trees to grass. Regardless of your plant affinity, you’ll likely want to add some elements of softscape. Foliage can make your landscape softer and more inviting to guests, along with providing functional features to your yard. Trees can give a layer of shade from the hot summer sun, grass can be a soft layer for children and pets, and some plants can even keep the bugs at bay! Think about what you value most in your outdoor space, along with the level of maintenance you are able to provide. A dedicated landscaper or gardener will be immensely helpful if you choose to install multiple different softscape elements, especially if your schedule could keep you from properly maintaining them. 

Ultimately, both hardscape and softscape elements can be great choices when designing your landscape for maximum comfort. Custom landscape design can boost the value of your home, as well as be a unique space your friends and family will love coming back to. Have any questions? Contact the landscape professionals at Rich-Way Landscape for your custom landscape design!