What distinguishes hardscaping from softscaping?

Hardscaping is identified by its focus on non-plant elements within landscape architecture. This involves materials like stone, concrete, wood, and other structures that create a solid framework in a landscape design. Features such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and fences fall under hardscaping, as they provide functional and aesthetic benefits without relying on plants.

Understanding what distinguishes hardscaping from softscaping is crucial. Softscaping pertains to the living aspects of landscape design, such as trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass. By recognizing that hardscaping specifically involves man-made, non-plant materials, it becomes clear why this option is the accurate choice.

The other options mischaracterize the definitions by wrongly attributing the characteristics of one category to another. For instance, living plants are a fundamental component of softscaping, and pathways and walls are typically classified under hardscaping, reinforcing that this terminology is not interchangeable.