Soft Landscaping

Soft landscaping refers to all the living or organic components of a garden — plants, lawns, shrubs, trees, flower beds, groundcover, mulches, and soil works. Hard landscaping, by contrast, is the structural element (paving, walls, paths, terraces). Soft landscaping brings life, movement, sensory experience, seasonal change and biodiversity into your scheme.

• Site analysis: soil type, drainage, sunlight/shade, microclimates, existing vegetation

• Client consultation: your preferences for style, colours, scents, maintenance tolerance

• Concept & palette development: a palette of complementary species selected for their seasonal interest, texture, form, and compatibility

• Planting plan & layout: precise drawings showing plant locations, densities, layering (trees → shrubs → perennials → groundcover)

• Specification & sourcing: specifying plant sizes, pot sizes, rootstock, suppliers, planting densities

• Installation & aftercare: planting, staking, soil preparation, mulching, fertilisation, watering plans and guarantees

• Use of structural/evergreen plants to maintain order and interest in winter

• Seasonal layering: bulbs, perennials, grasses for movement and seasonal change

• Successional planting: anticipating what will thrive over time, avoiding dominance or invasion

• Ongoing maintenance plans: pruning, feed, replacement, weed control

• Monitoring and adjustment in early years to ensure establishment

We use high-quality, nursery-certified stock:

• Standard trees (heavy grades), semi-mature trees where required

• Shrubs and perennials in robust container / rootball forms

• Local provenance or well-adapted species

• Healthy, vigorous stock free from disease and pests

We often specify a range of sizes (i.e. “established” specimens) for immediate impact combined with smaller plants for long-term growth.

Soft landscaping has a maintenance cost, certainly, but it is part of the ongoing investment in a garden’s health and beauty.

• In the early years (1–3), more watering, weeding, adjustment is required

• After establishment, care becomes more predictable — pruning, mulching, feeding

• We can provide a maintenance contract (annual, seasonal)

• By specifying low-maintenance, drought-tolerant or self-sustaining species, we can moderate long-term upkeep

We factor maintenance considerations into the design and plant palette from the start.

It depends on scale, complexity and plant availability, but typical phases are:

1. Design and plan (weeks)

2. Procurement of stock and materials (weeks)

3. Site preparation (soil improvement, grading, drainage)

4. Plant installation and finishing works (days to weeks)

For a substantial garden, the entire soft landscaping process may take several weeks to a couple of months (or more if large trees or seasonal waiting are involved).

Yes, we commonly offer a planting guarantee period (often 1–2 growing seasons). During that time:

• Failed plants will be replaced (subject to conditions, e.g. watering, protection)

• We carry out inspections and remedial adjustments

• After the guarantee period, we can offer ongoing maintenance or plant replacement services

• Soil testing and grading (pH, nutrients, texture)

• Amendment with compost, organic matter, drainage improvements

• Sub-surface drains or improved infiltration design where needed

• Excavation or remediation of poor soils or compaction

• Consideration of root barriers, protection against root competition

If unexpected issues arise (e.g. heavy clay, buried debris), we will notify you, propose solutions and adjust budgets only with your consent.

Yes — soft landscaping is most successful when integrated with the hardscape and infrastructure. We coordinate with:

• Irrigation designers / systems

• Landscape lighting schemes

• Hardscape layout (edges, levels, borders)

• Structural features (walls, pergolas, water features)

• Exterior architecture — ensuring harmony between building and planting

We work with your team (architects, garden designers, lighting specialists) to maintain coherence.

We prioritise:

• Native or wildlife-friendly species

• Pollinator-attracting plants (insects, birds)

• Soil health (organic matter, microbiome, minimal disturbance)

• Water conservation (drought-tolerant plants, mulching, rain gardens)

• Use of responsibly sourced materials

• Encouraging biodiversity, habitat creation

• Clear the area (pots, furniture, debris)

• Mark or protect existing features (walls, paths)

• Provide access for planting machinery or staff

• Ensure water supply and temporary irrigation access

• Agree staging, site contacts, timing and logistics

Typically we provide a fixed, itemised quote that includes:

• Design, planting plan & specifications

• Plant stock (as specified)

• Delivery and handling of plants and materials

• Soil preparation, conditioning, drainage work

• Installation (digging, staking, mulching, fertilizers)

• Aftercare during guarantee period

Exclusions or optional extras may include:

• Major earthworks or structural changes

• Lighting or irrigation (unless specified)

• Hardscape elements (unless combined)

• Ongoing maintenance beyond guarantee

• Seasonal replanting beyond the original scope