A career in horticulture or landscaping is appealing to many individuals for a variety of reasons. In addition, the landscaping industry offers a variety of tasks, including hard and soft landscaping.
Included in landscape related occupations are landscape architects, landscape and garden designers and landscape maintenance personnel.

Gerard in this video explains how landscaping jobs play a major part in civil engineering projects.
He mentions how a job in landscaping design and hard landscaping now creates much more exciting commercial outdoor spaces.
This is compared to previous times when purely grassing an area whatever size would be a go to idea.
But now fortunately hard landscaping options are considered just as much and this gives a lot more opportunites for jobs in landscaping.

What does hard landscaping involve?

The expression “hard landscaping” refers to the practise of incorporating man-made, non-living elements into outdoor landscape design and maintenance. Hard landscaping, as opposed to “soft landscaping,” which concentrates on living things such as plants and trees, involves the construction of permanent and functional elements to create structure, define spaces, and enhance the visual appeal of an area.
As discussed by Gerard in his video hard landscaping is a big part of landscaping jobs.

Common hardscaping elements consist of:

Outdoor dining areas and pathways are constructed using flat materials. These are things like concrete, pavers, flagstones, or bricks.

Driveways: The planning and construction of an asphalt, concrete, gravel. Or it can be interlocking paver surface for vehicular ingress and parking.

To prevent soil erosion and create terraced levels on sloped land. As well as bricks, stones, or concrete blocks are used to construct retaining walls.

Wood, vinyl, metal, or stone can be used to build fences and walls. These are then used for privacy, security, and aesthetics.

Decks and pergolas are elevated platforms or structures typically constructed from wood or composite materials. Then used for outdoor socialising and feasting.

Including fountains, ponds, cascades, and artificial streams. As well as water features are a calming and aesthetically pleasing addition to any setting.

At night, outdoor lighting improves the illumination of pathways, focal points, and architectural features.

Using stones, bricks or metal, garden edging is the practise of delineating a boundary. This is normally around a planting bed, walkway or other landscape feature.

Installing amenities such as a washbasin, counter space, grill and chairs. This being is part of creating an outdoor kitchen or barbecue area.

Playground structures, such as swing sets, slides, and seesaws, are constructed.

For hardscaping projects to attain the desired level of functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal, meticulous planning, design, and construction are required.
In order to bring the design concepts to reality and make the outdoor space more attractive and functional, these projects frequently involve somebody with a job in landscaping that includes professional landscapers, architects, or contractors.

What is hard landscaping?

In outdoor areas and landscaping initiatives, hardscaping serves multiple important functions. Hard landscaping works in synergy with soft landscaping which creates a lot of landscape gardening jobs

The following are some of the most important reasons that hardscape elements are used:

Hardscaping provides form and function to outdoor spaces and defines their configuration. The environment is enhanced by introducing well-defined pathways, seating areas, and other zones.

Hardscaping elements are constructed to withstand the elements and heavy foot traffic for many years, extending the time you can appreciate your outdoor space.

Hard landscaping generally requires less maintenance than soft landscaping (plants and foliage). After installation, patios, walkways, and retaining walls require minimal maintenance.

Hard landscaping improves the safety of outdoor areas by reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by stumbling.

Aesthetically, the inclusion of hardscape elements improves the overall appearance of the landscape. They can be used to enhance the appearance of structures and draw attention to specific elements of a design.

Hardscaping can significantly increase the value of a residence or business if it is well-designed and expertly executed. A property with an attractive outdoor space is likely to sell faster and for a higher price.

Patios, decks, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens provide additional space for entertaining visitors and hosting fun outdoor gatherings.

Erosion Prevention Hardscaping elements such as retaining walls and curbing can be used to stabilise soil on slopes and other inherently unstable surfaces.

In terms of design, hard landscaping offers a great deal of flexibility. Different materials, hues, and textures can be utilised to achieve a desired aesthetic or to accommodate the property owner’s preferences.

Two examples of hard landscaping elements that contribute to efficient water management and conservation are permeable pavements and rainwater harvesting systems.

Hard landscaping complements soft landscaping because it provides the structure for outdoor spaces, ensures their functionality, and enhances their aesthetic appeal. The most attractive outdoor areas are those that skillfully combine gentle and hard gardening elements.