What is garden landscaping?
If your dream is to step outside onto cool porcelain flags rather than wet grass, this comfort can be easily achieved with garden landscaping.
Defined as the ‘measured manipulation of ground, surfaces and plants’, landscaping is a mixture of careful construction and horticulture (the art of growing plants). It usually begins with a hard backbone (e.g., natural stone paving, walls, decking).
You’ll then have a soft layer of well-trimmed grass or turf, flanked by plenty of shrubs and (space provided), trees! But every garden is unique: what’s common is how often people confuse regular gardening with landscaping.
So, what is garden landscaping? How does it differ from regular outdoor gardening jobs, and what makes top-quality paving such an important part of the process? Stay with Ovation Landscaping for more.
What is garden landscaping?
Plenty of tasks go into garden landscaping: designers might introduce permanent features, like patios and decking, and complement these additions with well-placed foliage. Each element requires considerable planning, with many garden landscapers responsible for:
- Measuring the site and preparing scaled drawings that capture any level changes
- Regrading soil, improving drainage and setting new contours to manage water and frame views
- Building decking, retaining walls, steps or raised beds to introduce seating, storage and extra planting pockets
- Adding turf, shrubs, hedges and trees
- Installing water rills, lighting or fire features
As you can see, the process looks completely different to regular garden maintenance, and yet the two terms are often used interchangeably.
What is the difference between gardening and landscaping?
Gardening is the day-to-day tending of living material: sowing seeds, weeding, pruning and feeding soil, so plants thrive: this is work most households manage with hand tools.
Landscaping starts much earlier: to garden, you need to landscape first! Designers might redraw levels, set out routes and install fixed features such as patios, decks or walls. Often, plans need to be outlined and machines brought in before a single seed can be planted.
Designers typically separate this process into hard elements and soft elements.
What is soft landscaping?
Now we’ve answered ‘what is garden landscaping?’, it’s time to dive deeper.
‘Soft landscaping’ is so-called because it covers all living elements of a garden redesign. From turf and borders to shrubs and trees, it’s about adding seasonal colours and even movement to your garden.
A designer may weave soft landscaping between patios and paths, positioning foliage between paving. Soft landscaping makes the ‘harder’ elements of a garden (e.g., stone, decking) feel much more grounded.
What is hard landscaping?
Hard landscaping is the foundation of any garden. Paving, decking, steps and walls shape levels while clearing routes and allowing for proper drainage.
These features are usually installed first and guided by drawings and skilled trades, because they must support everything that comes next!
By choosing well-made slabs (like our porcelain paving slabs and natural stone paving), you can create reliable surfaces for dining and late-night garden wandering.
How can paving be used in landscaping?
More often than not, paving is laid before anything else.
As your garden’s skeleton, patios, paths, and stepping-stone runs guide every future planting choice. For example, a well-sited terrace extends the home outdoors, while slab paths keep feet dry as they lead towards the shed or a bench.
It’s important to remember that the material you choose will determine the required upkeep.
Porcelain is vitrified and, as such, shrugs off frost, algae and stains. Sandstone, with its natural colouring, can make a space feel warmer, but needs regular washing to stay bright.
You’ll also need to pay attention to the manufacturing details.
Joints under ten millimetres will make it much less likely that wheelchair wheels will catch, and an R11 slip rating will keep paved areas safe after rain.
Shop for natural stone paving for landscaping and gardening with Ovation Landscaping!
So, what is garden landscaping? Really, it’s a labour of love! A professional helping hand can transform any flat, dull garden into a place you really want to spend time in. If you want to test your DIY gardening skills, our paving products are a great place to start.
As your local supplier of top-grade, natural stone paving, our products stand up to wheelbarrows and family footfall alike! You’ll find paving of different sizes, textures and materials, all sold for spectacular prices.
If you’re interested in our selection or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.