Painting an Interesting Background that is Soft and Out-of-Focus

I have made the green foliage of the background very soft by brushing over it with a very soft, dry flat brush.  You'll notice that there are still strong darks and highlights there.  You can always brush in more darks and highlights if there is not enough contrast (as long as it is out-of-focus).

I've started to bring in a bit of interest with a middle foreground of frangipanis.  These have a little more structure, yet I have brushed them in so that they do not compete with the focal point and star of the painting - Sophie!