Both landscaping and gardening involve the creation and maintenance of functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor areas, but they are different. Both activities can be a hobby or a profession, whether they are in small back yards, parks, golf course complexes or building complexes. Although there are similarities between gardening and landscaping, they have differences. However, the line between the two can be blurred and subjective.
Tip: Both landscaping and gardening involve planning, design and maintenance. However, gardening is usually limited to the plants within a given space. Landscape is the area that includes all the plants.
History of Landscaping
The J. Paul Getty Museum explains that Dutch artists in the 16th century called their paintings “landschaps” because they depicted landscapes on land. The English word “landscape”, which is derived from Dutch, refers to an image of outdoor space. Landscape design is the process of visualizing and creating a particular space. Landscaping includes both hardscapes such as paths, furniture, planting bed, water features, and fences as well as botanical elements such as shrubs, trees, and lawns.
Landscape Design Professionals
Landscape architects, designers, and contractors provide overlapping but different services. To become a landscape architect, you must have a degree in the field of landscape architecture. You also need to pass a national exam. The American Society of Landscape Architects explains that these professionals are involved in a wide range of projects, from planning and implementing a backyard to designing transportation facilities, resorts, and waterfront developments. Landscape designers don’t need a formal degree, but they can be accredited by professional associations based on the design work that they have done.
Landscape designers may work with contractors only after the design phase is complete. Designers usually work on smaller-scale projects or for residential clients. Landscape contractors build the structures, and incorporate the hardscape elements and botanical elements to implement the vision of an architect or designer. Landscape contractors can also limit their work to maintaining yards and gardens. In this case, they are essentially gardening contractors.
Landscaping & Gardening
Gardening is similar to landscaping in that it involves planning, design, and maintenance. However, the plants are usually all that are involved. Landscape designers and gardeners may design a garden, and decide on a list of plants, but only gardeners are responsible for planting, weeding, cultivating, replacing, and harvesting the plants. Landscapes can include a garden, but they are more than the plants. The needs of the space will also determine whether or not a landscaper is required. Landscape ideas for backyards will differ greatly from the landscaping requirements of an apartment complex or a parking lot.
The National Gardening Association explains that gardening is a continuous activity, as gardens need to be tended and given specialized care not just throughout the year, but also over a longer period of time. Experience and education are also required to garden. This includes knowledge of soil ecology, climates, and plant physiology.
Professionals in Landscaping and Gardening
A professional gardener may have a degree in horticulture, botany, or zoology. Some professional gardeners complete a master gardening program. Master gardener training programs require a number of hours from mentors who are experts in gardening and horticulture.
This post was written by a professional at 345 Landscaping. 345 Landscaping in Blacksburg, Virginia, turning outdoor areas into breathtaking retreats. With over a decade of experience, 345 Landscaping offers services which include landscape and hardscape design, custom pools, retaining walls, patios, 3D designs, and lawn maintenance. Their expert team is committed to excellence, blending innovation and skill to exceed your expectations. Whether it’s creating new spaces or maintaining existing ones, 345 Landscaping ensures your outdoor space reflects your dreams. Let them transform your outdoors into stunning retreats for lasting enjoyment. Trust 345 Landscaping for unparalleled outdoor transformations.
