According to a recent report, nearly 80% of people say that a lawn is one of the top features they consider when buying or renting a home. It’s also one of the chief factors they evaluate when surveying someone else’s property.
People will notice your lawn. It’s up to you to decide whether it catches their eye for the right reasons! As we start 2022, there’s never been a better time to try out some on-trend landscaping ideas.
Today, we’re sharing some of the top designs that are already making waves, and how you can incorporate them into your own outdoor space.
- Indoor/Outdoor Shared Spaces
For years, we’ve headed in a decor direction that favors shared indoor/outdoor living spaces. Open-concept homes have long dominated the scene, shadowing more traditional layouts that feature separate, compartmented rooms.In 2022, look for this trend to continue, in a big way. Gone are the days when backyard patios were reduced to nothing more than a sun-worn loveseat and a charcoal grill. Now, these areas are as amenity rich as any well-appointed room, with features that include outdoor kitchens, entertainment centers, fire pits, and much more.
As such, savvy homeowners are looking for ways to incorporate their landscape design into these new hybrid areas. One way they’re doing so is through the use of hardscape features that are as beautiful as they are functional. Against neat and minimalist landscaping, stone patios, walkways, and retaining walls add a warm dimension that elevates the entire scene.
- A Rise in Pollinator-Friendly Native Plants
Pollinators include birds, bees, butterflies, and even beetles. As they travel from one flowering plant to another, they carry pollen on their bodies. This exchange enables them to transfer valuable genetic material that supports the reproductive systems of those plants.In turn, the plants provide fruits, vegetables, and nuts for us to consume, as well as oils, fibers, and raw materials for goods. They also help prevent soil erosion. In fact, research shows that one in every three bites of food you consume is the direct result of a pollinator!
This year, eco-conscious homeowners are looking for ways to attract more pollinating insects and mammals to their outdoor gardens and landscapes. This includes adding pollinator-friendly plants that are native to their local region. Interested Californians can learn more about these plants, which include California Asters, Redbuds, and Baby Blue Eyes, among others.
- Incorporating Low-Water/Low-Irrigation Plants
It’s no secret that weather can be inconsistent. Planting a ton of thirsty plants around your home can mean lugging out the water jug if you don’t receive the amount of rainfall you anticipated.For this reason, homeowners are incorporating more plants that don’t require as much water or extensive irrigation. This approach, known as xeriscaping, can save time as well as money. You can also consider gravel gardening, which eliminates the need for soil or fertilizer.
There are many different types of plants, including succulents, cacti, and ornamental grasses, that thrive in these types of environments. In a drought-prone state like California, it’s a smart move to consider.
- Adding More Garden Spaces
While a pristinely landscaped yard looks incredible, it can require a solid amount of upkeep. From mowing and fertilization to weed control and pest removal, there are plenty of different requirements to keep you busy.If you have a qualified local landscaping company to take care of the work for you, then those needs might not seem so insurmountable. However, most homeowners are looking for ways to achieve a beautiful outdoor space in a cost-effective and practical way.
For this reason, 2022 is poised to become the year of garden spaces. By swapping even a small landscaped plot for a gardening area, you can cut down on the time and work required to keep your exterior looking great. If you really want to conserve your spare time, then consider hiring a professional gardener to do weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly services!
Don’t have a ton of land to harvest your own herbs, fruits, and vegetables? No problem. Space-conscious homeowners can use container gardens, vertical gardens, and raised beds to transform their patio spaces into grow zones.
- Pet-Friendly Landscapes
In 2020, pet industry sales exceeded $100 billion for the very first time. This surge is due in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in time spent at home.While you may already be eyeing ultra-durable furniture to withstand those inevitable puppy gnaws, did you know that you can also make your exterior equally pet-friendly? For instance, you can install synthetic turf and encourage Fido to mark his territory there, saving your grassy areas from those unsightly dead spots that can occur after repeat offenses.
At the same time, adding artificial turf also help you reduce or eliminate watering and maintenance expenses. Some California homeowners may even be eligible to receive a rebate from their local water authority!
In addition to this design decision, other ways to create a lawn that your four-legged friend will love include:
- Installing a fence
- Adding a designated dog run area
- Choosing pet-friendly ground covers (e.g. smooth stones, mulch)
Your landscaping company can also help you choose pet-safe plants, shrubs, and flowers that won’t be poisonous if your furry pal ingests them. You can check out this list for more information on the best and worst plant species to pursue.
Try These Landscaping Ideas at Home
We might be in the middle of winter, but it’s never too early to start planning your lawn and patio spaces. As we round the corner into 2022, these landscaping ideas are a great way to get inspired and motivated!
Whether you want to totally transform your backyard into a pollinator oasis or you’re envisioning a water-free gravel garden, we’ve got you covered. The team at Evergreen Landscaping is well-versed in a range of different services including landscaping, gardening, hardscape, irrigation, and more.
Contact us today to learn more about the services we can provide and let’s get started!