What is a 'hardscape' in landscaping?

• A. Living Plants
• B. Non-Living Elements Such as Stone, Concrete, Wood Structures Used in Landscape Design
• C. Soil Amendments
• D. Irrigation Systems

Answer: (B)

Hardscape refers to the non-living, built parts of a landscape that shape and support the outdoor space. These are the solid, durable elements like stone or concrete walkways, patios, walls, decks, fences, and other wooden or masonry structures. They provide form, function, and lasting structure, defining areas for movement, seating, and use.

That’s why describing hardscape as non-living elements used in landscape design is the best fit. Living plants fall under softscape, which covers the living components. Soil amendments change the soil but aren’t structural features, and irrigation systems are important infrastructure but are not the physical, built elements that define space.