The Hottest Landscaping and Gardening Trends of 2014
A lot of people underestimate the importance of landscaping. They believe that if work is going to be done, it should focus on the interior of the home. However, the truth is that the exterior is very important as well. It is the first thing you see when you come back home from another place, and it is the first thing that prospective buyers are going to see if you are interested in selling your home.
If you have never really done landscaping work before or worked with a landscaping contractor, it is definitely something that is worth looking into. A lot of the time, people will be artistic and creative enough that they will be able to come up with ideas on their own, but it would still be a good idea to talk to backyard landscape designers. These individuals have the experience to be able to help you and tell you how much things cost. For example, if you are interested in backyard landscaping stones or other things that play a role in your version of the best residential landscape design, a professional can help you figure out how to do this. Generally, this individual can help you figure out how to create a landscape that you are going to love.
Spring is just around the corner, and that means it is finally time to consider what’s in and what’s not. Americans revealed the hottest landscape and garden designs in a recent American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) survey. From lighting, outdoor dining areas, and fire pits to vegetable gardens and native trees and shrubs, homeowners are embracing a little bit of everything in 2014.
Lights and Kitchen-Style Dining Outside
A growing number of homeowners are bringing the comforts of the indoors outside. “Thanks to new outdoor fabrics, which are made from acrylic fibers and are fade-resistant and waterproof, homeowners can create permanent living spaces outdoors with comfortable fabrics and furniture,” HGTV reports. Washington Home and Garden chimes in, “You can set up sofas and chairs, a fireplace, and even a full kitchen, depending on how much time you want to spend in your yard. Be sure to install appropriate lighting fixtures and look for furniture made with durable fabrics.” Expect to see a lot of string lights or strand lighting with small globes this spring.
Edible Fruit and Vegetable Gardens
Gardening and landscaping is leaning toward practicality. “Blended gardens that incorporate edibles and ornamentals do double duty, giving gardeners a bountiful harvest of fruit, vegetables and herbs and an alternative to turfgrass. Edible gardens also create community as urban farmers share their bounty around the neighborhood,” HGTV explains.
Natural, Low-Maintenance Shrubs and Trees
Sustainable, low-maintenance gardens and landscapes are an emerging trend. Economical gardeners are choosing flowers and plants (and shrubs and trees!) that will endure cold, wet winters and long, dry summers. The most popular plants also thrive with relatively little care — and without expensive plant foods, fertilizers, and/or weed killers.
Warmer weather is on its way, and it’s time to start thinking about gardening and landscaping trends. Homeowners are introducing more of the comforts of home into an outdoor setting and entertaining more guests on increasingly functional patios. Natural gardens, moreover, are trending toward practical edibles and hardy, sustainable plants, trees, and shrubs.
