During the long year we had in 2020 where we spent a lot more time at home, we all have had a chance to inspect and even dream of updating our yards into outdoor living spaces we can enjoy and be proud of. Just like everything else, Landscape design has many trends and we want to showcase five trends that have really been on the rise lately, and have transformed our backyard’s into vacation “getaways."
- Outdoor Living: As more and more people discover the enjoyment of outdoor living, one of the top priorities is often the construction of a paver patio, firepit, remodeled pool area, outdoor kitchen, or a place where they can relax. This area becomes more than a backyard to look at - but an attractive outdoor room for work or play. It is a place to read the Sunday paper, eat a meal, enjoy the sun, or entertain friends. This design trend really is all about creating simple and elegant spaces to live, relax, and entertain outdoors; as opposed to the backyard lawn or plantscape that requires weekly upkeep. It is an extension of the home space into the outdoors, can turn a 2,000 sq ft home into a 3,000 sq ft home with the right design.
- Florida-Friendly Landscape Plants: Because these plants are adapted to local environmental conditions and are hardy, they require far less input - saving time, money, and perhaps the most valuable natural resource, water. In addition to less irrigation, these plants are pest-resistant and are not invasive either. Some of my favorites would be Loropealum, Flax Lilly, Variegated Ginger, Agapanthus, Azaleas, Redbud trees, and Crape Myrtle. For more information on Florida-Friendly plants, we like to utilize in designs, visit Rusty’s Top 10 Gainesville landscaping Plants Blog Post.
- Plant Pollinator and Wildlife-friendly plants: Providing plants for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators is something many gardeners strive to do. The more diverse plants are, the better they can weather changes in the environment. Best of all, pollinators are beautiful and fascinating to watch. One of the most important ways you can help pollinators is by adding plants that provide pollen and nectar. To attract and keep butterflies, you will also need to include a variety of larval host plants for caterpillars as well.
- Edible Landscaping: Even a small yard can handle a few pots of peppers, tomatoes, or rosemary; and you may be surprised at how easy it is to fit in one or two small raised beds. With more time spent at home, many families invested in raised garden beds and using their outdoor space to create an ROI in food. Start with a small, manageable garden, and grow the veggies and herbs you like to eat. We started with cucumbers and tomatoes - two of my favorite vegetables. Doing your plant and seed shopping locally at a helpful nursery will ensure you choose plants that will do well in your climate, too. The Alachua County Seed & Feed on 6th has been extremely helpful to many clients.
- Landscape Lighting: Whether you're looking for curb appeal, security, or extending your entertaining area outside, landscape lighting is a design trend that does just that. One popular recent trend would be upgrading to lights that change colors for Christmas, Independence Day, and even football season with the touch of your phone. Pathway lighting that can help guide your family and visitors around your property safely. Viewpoint Lighting defines beautiful trees or architecture and driveway entrances that would be lost in the dark. A spotlight not only illuminates but makes a statement that there is much more to see beyond the focal point. Visit our “Gainesville Landscape Lighting for Drama and Function” blog post for more inspiration.
Whether your dream backyard is designed for entertaining a crowd or just relaxing with a good book, we hope these landscape design trends will help you get an idea of what your space can do for you. If you want help with transforming your yard using these landscape trends this year, give our team a call or text at (352) 378-5296. We're local and have been serving Gainesville for over 15 years. We look forward to working with you!