Spring is in the air! Temperatures have started to warm up and we have moved our clocks forward. Have you thought about your landscaping plans? This is a great time to discuss your landscaping goals for 2019 with your landscape designer before they get too busy installing spring plantings. For those who are looking to update their homes with contemporary landscape design ideas, there are plenty of trends in 2019 that will help you achieve your goals.
Seasonal Interest
Living in the northeast we are lucky enough to experience all four seasons and with that comes the opportunity to incorporate a large range of plants that grow throughout different times of the year. In order to achieve these goals try and break it out into the seasons. For the spring season consider incorporating bulbs that will start sprouting as soon as the weather warms up. As you move into the summer choose plants that have a long bloom season and you can always add annuals for a long summer show of color that can be changed every year. When thinking of fall interest consider incorporating plants that showcase fall colors that will highlight your yard in autumn. Adding evergreen shrubs will give you a solid foundation for the winter months.
Creating a Notable First Impression
A well designed front yard not only adds curb appeal, but more importantly, it creates a sense of joy every time you come home. Landscape designers have been finding new and creative ways to fashion an impactful entrance. Some ideas to consider
for your front yard would be
Adding seasonal containers
Include scented plants along your entry pathway
Lighting to create a more dramatic and easy way to circulate people to the front door
Choose plants that complement the color of your front door
Investing in Outdoor Furniture
There are a lot of companies that sell outdoor furniture in all price ranges. After finding that you really do get what you pay for when it comes to garden furniture, we see a continued shift toward investing in weather-resistant, quality pieces that will last and can be passed on. Nothing is nicer than a classic iron bench next to a rose garden or a sturdy chaise lounge by the pool with fade resistant fabric that you can count on year after year. Always consider covering and storage for your furniture for the winter months.
Sustainability
When we talk about sustainability, we’re referring to adding elements that can promote the health and longevity of your garden without direct intervention. Not only does this help with the workload of maintaining your garden, but it can also save you some of the expense. Sustainable elements can also offer a variety of benefits to our local ecosystem. Choose a landscape design that includes natives and promotes healthy water flow or install an irrigation system. Plant flowers that will attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Many garden trends in 2019 are incorporating decorative bird baths that act as focal points as well as an area for the birds to bathe. Bird feeders also encourage wildlife to visit your garden.
