Softscape can include flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, flower beds or any type of living, organic material included in the landscape plans. Softscaping is a term that has been popularized in pop culture on the internet and television shows such as Home and Garden TV (HGTV). The purpose of softscape is to plant so as to give character to the overall landscape design and reflect the uniqueness of the inhabitants or homeowners. Softscape comprises the animate, horticultural elements of landscape design, and are complemented by hardscape design elements, such as stone walls, tile pations and brick walkways. First, solidify your landscape ideas. Sketch the layout and place all those structural elements—the hardscape—then concentrate on the things that grow. Within the hardscape might be lighting, which you'll have to figure out the hows and wheres of the fixtures and wires. This might involve a professional electrician, but so many outdoor lighting systems today use low voltage lighting, you may be able to install everything yourself. As always, if you've never done this type of thing before, get yourself down to one of the large home improvement stores and ask someone in the garden department or go to a landscape supply. Working with low voltage fixtures is a snap, really. As far as waterfalls and water pumps, however, that's a different matter. It takes 110 volts and sometimes some pretty serious amperage to move water! Most applications require a permit (see CODES) and are beyond the expertise (at least in the eyes of the powers that be) of the common man or woman. Generally, anything remodeled or added needing 110 or 220 volts needs to be looked at by an electrical inspector. Its a safety thing. But don't get discouraged. Talk to a few salespeople and ask what can legally be done by the homeowner in your particular area and who they know that might work with you on this. A few hundred spent to avoid future problems is cheap insurance, if you ask me.
|
