Like the past few years, 2022 has been a year dedicated to various home projects, including those in the yard. Everyone is after the perfect space, with beautiful landscaping, but deciding how to get that desired look can be difficult.
Landscaping isn't something you want to rush, or it can look like a haphazard mess. Take the time to make plans for your landscaping projects for 2023, so you can do them right. To help get the ideas flowing, here are some great ideas to consider that can work for virtually anyone:
1. Use Plants Native to Your Area
In the past, when it came to choosing plants for landscaping, many preferred non-native plants. Non-native plants are beautiful, but they will struggle to thrive in an unfamiliar climate. Native-based plants are becoming the preferred choice. They offer the same beauty in a form that will thrive in the given climate, since they've already acclimated to the weather.
2. Create a Garden Pond
When you want your landscaping design to stand out from the rest, one possibility is to add a small pond. It can be a beautiful feature with many benefits, including adding to the overall value of your home. Ponds also create a tranquil space where you can relax after a long day of work.
3. Incorporate Smart Technology
Smart technology may not sound like something that could count as landscaping design, but you shouldn't disregard it too quickly. Technology, like smart irrigation systems that control water flow in different zones, can be instrumental in maintaining lush landscaping, especially during droughts, without wasting water.
4. Build a Retaining Wall
Retaining walls are crucial when your yard has a slope that goes towards your home. Without one, your home can be at risk of damage from stormwater: soil erosion, foundation issues, mudslides, and more. Retaining walls are primarily functional, but it doesn't mean you can't put thought into the design and create something that acts like a design feature for your landscaping.
5. Add Details to Your Design
Large yards create a big canvas for landscaping design, leaving you with countless possibilities. To make the space special, focus on adding detail to your design rather than keeping things simple. Geometric patterns, different colors and textures, and mixing materials are all ways to add details to create a unique space.
6. Gravel Garden
When you think of gardens, you might think of lush green grass filled with vibrant bushes and flowers. That is what you typically find, but it is not the only style of garden you can have–nor is it the best option for certain climates. A gravel garden is the perfect alternative in drier areas prone to droughts, or even for homeowners who want to avoid excessive upkeep in their landscaping. These gardens consist of a bed of crushed stone, and plants like perennials, ornamental grasses, and herbs to add color. They are easier to maintain and, when done right, can be breathtaking, becoming the focal point of your landscaping design.
7. Water Collection
Sustainability has become increasingly important to homeowners, and more environmentally-conscious forms of landscaping are becoming more common. One way to incorporate this into your design in a beneficial way is to collect rainwater. Collecting rainwater can significantly cut your water use and save you a great deal of money. You can use rainwater to water your lawn, wash cars, fill a swimming pool, and much more.
8. Artificial Grass
Artificial grass is a popular landscape design trend because it requires less maintenance than natural grass, is more durable, and can be used in a variety of settings. Additionally, it can be used in areas where natural grass may not be able to grow and can also provide an aesthetically pleasing green area all year round. It also can be a cost-effective solution for people who want to have a lawn but don't want to pay for the water and maintenance required for a real lawn. In a recent interview we had with, Richard Callahan, a landscape architect with El Paso Artificial Grass & Turf, he mentioned that "homeowners can save up to 55 gallons for water per square foot per year according to the Synthetic Turf Council."
9. Slot Drain
You can create a beautiful, eco-conscious landscaping design, but it won't matter if you don't keep it all safe. If you collect rainwater, there will still be water runoff that collects on the ground, and if it has nowhere to go, it will become standing water, which can cause a great deal of damage. A drainage system like Slot Drain is critical to prevent standing water; the 7,000 Series system is made for landscaping and features a durable stainless-steel design that blends seamlessly with the surrounding pavers or concrete. It does not require a drain cover and is easy to maintain, with the option of a Flush Flo system for easy cleaning. Slot Drain will ensure your landscaping–and home–stay safe from water damage.
Create Your Dream Landscaping
Landscape design is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging every year. As you prepare for 2023, take the time to carefully plan what you want to add or change with your yard, so your dream design can come to life. Consider incorporating some of the trends shown in this article to make an impact and create an eco-conscious design that will thrive no matter what climate it has to face. With these trends, you can't go wrong, and your yard will become the focal point of your property.
