As the world continues to modernize, so too does landscape design. As people start to care more about the environment and their personal space, they’re looking for ways to create a stylish and sustainable landscape. While landscaping designs are commonly seen as expensive, these new ideas allow you to keep up with the trends without breaking the bank. If you’re looking to update your landscape this year, here are six modern trends you should consider.
1. Minimalism
Achieving a minimalist aesthetic in your landscape design is all about less is more. This means choosing quality over quantity when it comes to both materials and plants. When selecting plants, opt for a few statement pieces rather than filling your space with a bunch of small filler plants. The same goes for materials—a few well-placed pavers or stones will make a more significant impact than using too many types of materials. The less is more concept also applies to any outdoor furniture or decor you might use—keep it simple for the best results. Clean lines, neutral colors, and a focus on negative space are crucial to achieving a beautiful minimalist landscape design.
2. Vertical Gardening
With urbanization comes a decrease in available land, which means that people are getting creative with how they use their outdoor space. One popular trend is vertical gardening, perfect for small spaces or adding an element of interest to a larger area. There are a number of ways to create a vertical garden, so get creative and see what works best for your space. Potted plants, trellises, and living walls are all great options. Vertical gardening is also great for dividing your outdoor areas while allowing light and air to flow freely. While there are many high-end vertical gardening structures on the market today, it’s also just as easy to DIY a structure that best suits your garden and style.
3. Sustainable Practices
As people become more aware of humans’ impact on the environment, sustainable practices are becoming more and more popular in landscape design. If you’re looking to implement sustainable practices in your own landscape design, there are a number of things you can do. One easy way is to choose native plants, which require less water and maintenance than non-native plants. You can also install rain barrels or create compost bins to reduce your reliance on municipal water and help fertilize your plants naturally.
4. Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping that uses minimal water. This makes it perfect for arid climates or for people who want to reduce their water usage without sacrificing the beauty of their landscapes. When xeriscaping, be sure to choose drought-tolerant plants and use mulch to help retain moisture in the soil. Most people think xeriscaping is primarily about the plants you choose, but longevity lies in the soil preparation. Getting your topsoil delivered in bulk and composing your own mix is the best way to ensure a healthy, long-lasting landscape. It would help if you also grouped plants based on their watering needs—this will help ensure that your landscape gets the right amount of water without any waste.
5. Smart Home Devices
Technology has come a long way in recent years, and that includes smart home devices that can be used in landscaping and gardening. These devices range from automatic sprinklers that can be programmed based on weather conditions to soil sensors that help you monitor moisture levels. There are even app-controlled systems that allow you to adjust irrigation and lighting as needed remotely. Adding smart home devices to your landscape design is a great way to save time and money while still keeping your yard looking its best.
6. Edible Gardens
Edible landscaping is another trend that’s been gaining popularity in recent years. This involves incorporating fruits, vegetables, and herbs into your landscape design to enjoy fresh produce right from your own yard! Not only does this provide you with healthy food options, but it also adds an element of interest to your landscape. If you’re thinking about adding a vegetable garden to your yard, consider incorporating raised beds or container gardens so that you can make the most of your space. Growing herbs such as lavender, mint, and rosemary are also a great way to add color, fragrance, and flavor to your landscape.
In Closing
There’s no doubt about it—landscape design is evolving as we modernize our homes and lives. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your own home’s exterior, why not try one (or all) of these modern landscape design trends? From minimalism to sustainable practices, there’s sure to be something here that piques your interest. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start designing!
