Hard landscaping refers to the elements of a garden that are constructed from ‘hard’ material such as brick, stone, paving etc. It includes patios, walls, driveways, steps, paths and other features constructed from hard materials.

Source: www.landscaper.org.uk/content/landscaping-faq

A landscape architect is someone who holds professional qualifications in general landscape architecture with training in horticulture, landscape design and planning. Using their knowledge of building, civil engineering, planning and the environment, landscape architects can plan an entire site including the location of buildings, public access, roadways, structures and planting. In general, a landscape architect would be used for commercial projects rather than residential or domestic landscaping.

Source: www.landscaper.org.uk/content/landscaping-faq

A landscape designer has experience and training in horticulture, design and landscape planning. Their knowledge of horticulture means that they can make recommendations as to what is best suited to your garden. They are also skilled at incorporating hard landscaping and features such as arbours, pergolas, water, stonework and ponds into a scheme. A landscape designer can produce an accurate, printed design including a list of materials for installation by a landscape contractor. Many APL members are either skilled designers themselves or have connections with qualified designers.

Source: www.landscaper.org.uk/content/landscaping-faq

Soft landscaping refers to the elements of a garden that are made up of living or green material such as plants, turf, seeding and bulbs. It is also used to refer to areas of lawn, flower and shrub borders, tree planting etc.

Source: www.landscaper.org.uk/content/landscaping-faq