softscapen.
/ˈsɒf(t)skeɪp/, U.S. /ˈsɔf(t)ˌskeɪp/, /ˈsɑf(t)ˌskeɪp/ Originally U.S.
Vegetation (such as lawns, shrubs, trees, etc.) as an element of landscape design, as distinct from constructed features such as walls, paths, etc. Frequently attributive. Cf. hardscape n.
ΚΠ
1975 Star-News (Pasadena, Calif.) 23 Nov. a11/5 Judging criteria in the landscape design category included use of groundcover, overheads, hardscape and softscape.
1980 Los Angeles Times 26 July (At Home in Orange County section) 22/1 Our plans..show prospective buyers the variety of hardscape and softscape treatments possible.
1999 Building your Outdoor Home (Black & Decker) 9 With softscape features, such as hedges and garden beds, select plants that grow well..in the conditions in your yard.
2013 P. Penick Lawn Gone! v. 49 If living plants are the softscape, the living spaces for people make up the hardscape.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
n.1975