Monday, February 22, 2016

2016 Landscape Trends

Every year brings new ideas and different trends. This year the landscape trends, according to the Landscape Insider, are a mix of savvy technology and natural characteristics. Below I talk about 3 of my favorite.

One of my favorite trends and number 1 on their list are fully customized outdoor living spaces. Landscapes used to consist of patios, decks, plants, paths, and other characteristically outdoor things. Now outdoor spaces are becoming extensions of our interior spaces. Our landscapes now have full service kitchens, couches, & fireplaces. When you are in one of these creatively designed spaces you get all the amenities & comfort of being indoors with the beauty of the outdoors. Another great thing about these outdoor living spaces is that you can personalize them to make them your own. You can add themes, make a game room, or add a space to practice yoga. Whether you have a large yard or small patio, you can create an outdoor living space perfect for you.
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Another trend hitting big right now is lighting and technology in the landscape. Whether you like the subtlety of twinkling lights from your tree and along your walkways or the extravagance of a flat screen TV on your patio, there is a high tech trend sure to fit you. Are you a music lover? Install speakers throughout your yard. Do you love the ambiance of romantic lighting? Hang a chandelier under your deck. There are so many ways you can add tech to your landscape.
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The third trend I really think has an important place in todays landscape is the desire for edible landscapes and container gardening. There is something almost magical about being able to go into your yard and pick a fresh vegetable or fruit. I think an issue that a lot of people face is the lack of space or time to grow a big garden but the great thing about a lot of produce is that it can be grown in a container or a small space. You can grow tomatoes alone in a container or mix your herbs, fruits and vegetables with flowers that require similar growing conditions. You can have a lot of fun with this. Throw away the old school thought that all your plants need to be separated by their use and create unique planters that consist of herbs, annuals, and vegetables.
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No matter what trend attracts you, have fun with it and make it your own. To add these trends doesn't have to be a huge ordeal. Add a few things at a time and eventually you will have a landscape you love. If you are ready for a full redo of your yard and would like some help contact our designer Joe and schedule a consultation. Go to our landscape page for details.