Homeowners are seeking a gentler lifestyle, one that allows us to get back to enjoying Nature’s simplicity in 2023. There’s nothing about Nature that needs to be added or subtracted to improve it. We only need to create opportunities for its richness to enter our lifestyle.
If you’re looking for an approach to simplify your outdoor maintenance without compromising on style or sustainability, then there are several landscape design ideas to consider. With a few key strategies, it is possible to create a beautiful outdoor space with minimal maintenance requirements.
What’s interesting about the 2023 outdoor living trends is the resurgence of methods and practices that temporarily faded. Leading landscape outdoor trends for 2023 reveal a desire to enjoy outdoor spaces that are functional, sustainable, and rejuvenating.
The Leading Lifestyle Trend Is Enjoying Nature
A simpler landscape design requires less time and resources to maintain, which can be especially beneficial for homeowners with busy schedules or limited budgets. By focusing on function and sustainability, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that is both low maintenance and environmentally friendly.
By choosing plants that are native to your area or that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions, you can reduce the amount of water, fertilizers, and pesticides needed to keep them healthy. Choosing a limited palette of plants and using repetition and mass planting techniques can create a cohesive and visually appealing design with fewer individual plants to care for.
Incorporating hardscaping elements, such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls, can also reduce maintenance by replacing areas of grass that need regular mowing and watering. Using mulch or groundcover plants in areas between these hardscapes can further reduce the amount of maintenance required, as they suppress weeds and help retain moisture in the soil.
Serene Water Features
Water features can add a touch of tranquility to any landscape, whether it be a small backyard or a large public park. The sound of moving water can have a calming effect on the mind, making it a perfect addition to any outdoor space that is meant for relaxation and meditation.
Birds are often attracted to the sound of moving water and may even use it as a source of drinking water. Butterflies and other insects are also drawn to the water, as it provides a place for them to hydrate and cool off on warm summer days.
If you are willing to invest in more complex systems, water features can provide practical benefits to the landscape. For example, a pond can act as a natural irrigation and organic nourishment system for plants during challenging periods of drought.
Inviting Kitchen Gardens
In recent years, there has been a growing movement among high-end restaurants to grow their own produce. These on-site kitchen gardens allow restaurants to serve the freshest possible ingredients to their customers and to have complete control over the quality and variety of the produce they use in their dishes.
Kitchen gardens can provide a sense of accomplishment and connection to the natural world for the people who tend to them. Many people find that growing their own food is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that allows them to feel more connected to the earth and to the food they eat.
Many homeowners find that being able to pick the ingredients they need for their dishes helps to spark creativity and to bring a sense of seasonality to the menu. As a result, kitchen gardens can help to elevate the dining experience and to create a unique and memorable atmosphere for family and guests.
Dramatic Outdoor Lighting
The soft, yellow glow of the incandescent light bulb has made it a mainstay for decades. Unfortunately, it has become associated with high energy bills and unnecessary risks because they are hot to the touch. Many states are issuing mandates to swap out these ancient bulbs for more efficient LED light bulbs.
Leading landscaping and outdoor lighting authorities recommend using warm LED lights instead. The new LED lights offer a warm glow for ambiance, but without the costs and risk to family and guests.
Using advanced technology and innovative design to create lighting solutions that are both functional and beautiful, homeowners have the ability to highlight their landscaping, create ambiance, and add a touch of drama to their outdoor spaces. From energy-efficient LED bulbs to smart home integration, it’s now possible to create or recreate any evening environment you can imagine.
Nurturing Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is a trend in landscape architecture and interior design that seeks to incorporate elements of nature into the built environment. This can be achieved through the use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, and the incorporation of plants and other elements of the natural world into the design of the space.
The popularity of biophilic design has grown in recent years as more and more people seek to create a sense of connection to the natural world in their daily lives. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being, and incorporating elements of nature into the built environment can help to promote these benefits.
Easily Sustainable Design
As people become more aware of the impact their actions have on the environment, sustainable design is becoming increasingly important in the world of landscape design. This can include the use of native plants, which require less watering and maintenance, as well as the incorporation of features like rainwater harvesting systems and permeable paving materials.
Homeowners are looking for ways to extend their living space beyond the walls of their homes. This trend is inspiring new ideas for outdoor living spaces, such as more fully-functional kitchens, patios, and dining areas, which can be used for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors.
Intriguing Vertical Gardens
As properties become smaller, it is becoming increasingly important to utilize space in innovative ways. Vertical gardens are an excellent solution to this problem, as they allow people to make the most of their limited space while also adding aesthetic value to their surroundings. These gardens not only add a touch of greenery to small spaces, but they can also provide privacy and create a sense of separation between spaces, between indoor and outdoor spaces and spaces in the same environment.
In addition to their functional benefits, these gardens also have environmental benefits, as they help to purify the air, reduce urban heat islands, and provide habitats for birds and insects. Moreover, vertical gardens can also serve as a source of fresh produce for urban dwellers who might not have access to a traditional garden. With their numerous benefits, it’s no wonder that vertical gardens are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas around the world.
Low-Maintenance Landscaping
Nobody wants landscaping that requires excessive care, but you must accept that every landscape requires regular care. When one acknowledges this and commits to giving their landscaping the minimum necessary care on a regular basis, they will be rewarded with reduced maintenance over the long run.
To minimize the work of landscape maintenance, it is imperative to start with a solid foundation. This includes a design that organizes plants for a beautiful display while also respecting their horticultural requirements. It also demands that before those plants are installed, there is a plan to provide the cultural conditions that will allow the plants to thrive, rich soil, proper drainage, and supplemental watering.
Inviting Fireplaces and Fire Pits
Not everyone has the space or budget for a swimming pool or a reflecting water element, but nearly every backyard can accommodate a fire pit or one of its fire feature cousins. Suppose you have not considered a fire pit. In that case, you may not know the options available to suit your budget, space, frequency of use, necessary maintenance, associated outdoor living spaces, and style.
One reason for the popularity of outdoor fire pits and fireplaces is the opportunity they provide for people to gather and socialize in a warm and comfortable setting. As the weather gets cooler, many people look for ways to enjoy the outdoors without feeling chilled. A fire pit or fireplace can provide the perfect solution, allowing people to gather around the flames and share stories, laughs, and good company.
Among the most desired are sunken fire pits that magically disappear when not in use. A durable metal or similar cover conceals it after the fire is completely exhausted. The cover should be strong enough to withstand the weight of at least one person and any furniture or decorative planters used to further conceal it.
Proactive Landscaping: Helping Oklahoma Homeowners Enjoy Outdoor Living
Our top priority is creating living spaces that are right for you. We pride ourselves on working with you from concept to construction to create the right landscape for your needs. Contact us today for a free consultation to explore your next landscaping project.
