5 Must-Know 2023 Landscaping Trends

5 Must-Know 2023 Landscaping Trends

As the outdoor living trend grows, homeowners want their patios and backyards to feel like home. They’re installing multi-functional spaces that offer a variety of activities. Another big trend is environmental sustainability, with many homeowners replacing their lawns with clover or re-wilding their yards with native and climate-adapted plants. The result is a lush landscape that’s low-water and drought-resistant.

Naturalistic Landscaping

Whether it’s a backyard sanctuary or a lush garden, people want to connect with nature in 2023. Naturalistic landscaping is about creating a space that looks like it belongs in the natural world, with native plants and a focus on habitat creation. This trend is popular among homeowners interested in supporting pollinators and other wildlife. Plants native to a specific region are more drought-tolerant and low-maintenance than exotic species, and they help promote a healthy ecosystem. A landscape designer can help you select a native plant that fits your backyard and climate. Adding a water feature is another way to create a naturalistic outdoor space carved from the land.

Vertical Gardens

A 2023 landscaping trend that’s gaining popularity is vertical gardens. This is an excellent option for those with limited space who want to create an immersive backyard. It involves building a garden wall or fence and filling it with greenery, including flowers and edibles. Another popular trend is tropical-inspired landscaping. This includes palm trees, exotic ferns, bamboo fencing, and illuminating tiki torches. These custom landscape designs give off a rainforest or jungle ambiance, making them perfect for those who crave a relaxing vacation-like oasis in their backyard. In 2023, homeowners will focus on functional outdoor spaces that can be used for different purposes, such as dining, entertaining, or lounging. They’ll also include more sustainable practices like permeable hardscapes and intelligent technology.

Backyard Art

Backyard art is a trend that a landscaper predicts will continue to gain popularity. A well-chosen piece can add a focal point, create conversation, and transform the backyard into an engaging space. The look translates to soft, natural hardscapes — like the crunch of gravel underfoot on a pathway or interlocking stone pavers defining an outdoor patio. Using recycled materials is also popular. From wall gardens made from reclaimed wood to lawn edging made of repurposed bricks, eco-conscious landscaping is in high demand. One example of this is a natural swimming pond that doesn’t require chlorine and is chemical-free.

Immersive Outdoor Spaces

To maximize outdoor space, homeowners are reworking their yards into more functional, defined spaces. Think patios that convert from daytime snack stations to evening cocktail bars or cozy fireside lounge areas after the sun goes down. In a nod to environmental concerns, sustainable landscaping is also trending. Homeowners opt to replace their lawns with edible gardens or low-water xeriscapes that reduce water usage and eliminate the need for fertilizers and pesticides. This year, expect backyards dotted with plants encouraging pollinators like bees. With so many of our pollinator friends struggling, this is a great way to help them out and create a gorgeous landscape. Consider incorporating lavender, hummingbird bushes, and other flowers that attract these critters to your outdoor space.

Water Features

Adding water features to the backyard is another landscaping trend that homeowners are adopting. From ponds and waterfalls to fountains and small pools, this is an easy way to add eye-catching visual appeal and calming ambiance to a yard. Native plants are experiencing a PR glow-up as they move from weeds to pillars of the ecological landscaping movement. As a result, many people are turning their lawns and garden beds into pollinator-friendly havens by planting flowers like daisies, honeysuckles, and lilacs that attract bees and other pollinators. In addition, retaining walls are being used to create outdoor “rooms” for dining, entertaining, lounging, and working. Using natural materials in the design, such as sandstone pavers, enhances continuity and increases the organic aesthetic of the space.

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