Upgrading landscapes became the focus of 2020 as homeowners spent more time at home. Many homeowners chose to embrace Teco-conscious design in landscaping and we’re seeing these trends continue through 2021. We have also seen a great increase in the creative utilization of outdoor living spaces. Use these ideas to start to build your perfect landscape the way you want it. Here are five landscape design trends to follow this summer in Lake Forest and Glenview, IL.
Related: Fitting Ways To Use Patio Pavers In Your Landscape Design In Glenview And Highland Park, IL
Prioritize Native Plants and Reduce the Lawn
Take back your weekends and prioritize natives in your plant beds. Plants that are Native to Illinois have been evolving in the region for millions of years. This means that they are perfectly suited for your landscape. They will need far less water, fertilization, and maintenance than exotic imported plants, and they will delight you with an amazing variety of color, texture, shape, size, fragrance, and more.
A “less is more” philosophy around lawns is also a hot trend. Since lawns require a considerable amount of watering and maintenance (and they are often not used at all, unless you have kids and pets), xeriscaping has been a great way of replacing this labor-intensive landscape element with native plants that beautify your landscape.
Creating an outdoor living space that reflects the way you actually live, has been a major trend. Patio design is following a zoned approach with segregated high- and low-activity zones that allow people to enjoy the outdoors in the way they like.
Plant a Food Garden, Attract Pollinators, and Optimize your space.
Growing your own food brings immense pride, whether it’s a few culinary herbs or the entire salad bar. Edible plants are happy to grow alongside your flowers and other shrubs of your garden and they can help a backyard feel truly lived in. They’ll make some incredible meals too!
Along the same lines of reducing the size of the lawn and inviting native plants to flourish, consider plants that attract essential pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Check your local nursery to find out which pollinator-friendly plants can fit into your landscape.
If you’re low on space or you’ve got a big blank wall you want to cover, consider building a vertical garden. So many plants will be happy to climb a vertical surface with the right frame installed. You can even continue to grow food, such as delicious herbs right against your home or along a privacy wall.
Smart Irrigation
Technology now makes gardening smarter, not harder. Smart irrigation systems can be calibrated and timed for each planting zone. Along with rain sensors that prevent under- and over-watering, you’ll enjoy a thriving landscape with far less work (and guessing) than hauling the sprinkler out every couple of days.
Composting Food and Garden Waste
Composting has proven to be an incredibly beneficial practice for both businesses and homeowners. It’s a practice that can greatly improve the quality of your soil. Setting up a composting drum is fairly inexpensive and incredibly easy to maintain. Best of all, your food scraps will make their way back into your ecosystem.
Your Own Personal Oasis
Creating a secluded space within your landscape has incredible value for your wellbeing. As the world seems to get busier and more hurried, you’ll feel increasingly attached to the quiet spaces in your landscape. Build an oasis with a relaxing chair and surround it with some plants. Add a quiet water feature to drown out the surrounding noise and a privacy wall and this could become your favorite summer sanctuary.
