2020 taught us some valuable lessons about what’s important and helped us see the gaps in our landscaping and entertaining spaces as we spent more time at home. Many people spent a lot of time improving their spaces or dreaming of their future improvements.
Here are a few trending landscaping ideas expected in 2021:
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Improved Outdoor Living Areas
With social distancing and spending more time outside many of us have turned our outdoor areas into living spaces. We’ve utilized our outdoor areas as kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, outdoor movie theaters, and play areas. Transforming underutilized lawn areas into living areas with concrete or pavers, and adding gazebos or pergolas for meditation, work, or entertainment are just a few ways we’ve seen improvements and expect to continue to see this year. What would you like to see in your space? You can add an outdoor firepit, weather-proof outdoor furniture, and outdoor kitchens. An outdoor entertainment system with a TV and audio system can improve the comfort and ambience of your outdoor space.
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Switching to Lower Maintenance Native Plants
Native plants tend to be hardier and hold up to climate change as well as our Central valley weather. They have proven they can tolerate the conditions of our area throughout history. They thrive with the weather conditions that they are used to here in the San Joaquin Valley. Native plants are no stranger to our rainfall, wind, drought and sun and have adapted to the local stresses of pests and disease. What does this mean for you? Less time spent caring for their needs and worrying about replacing unhappy plants!
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Adding Pollinator Gardens
Along with native plants we have realized over the past years how important our pollinators are and how much they help us in our environmental struggles with climate change. Designing a small space for different pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds and bees will provide for the insects that our food system relies upon. Attract them with your native plants!
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Smart Technology to the Rescue
Technology has come a long when since grandma’s garden. Many people are integrating smart technology into their landscaping especially in areas prone to drought. You can preset your maximum water flow for each garden zone, and these smart controllers with flow sensing will take the hassle out of your daily water routine. Your plants will stay properly hydrated, and your garden will be eco-friendly. If you (or your budget) are not ready to jump into high tech, you can upgrade to a smart sprinkler system that will help with efficient watering and save you money on your bill.
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Adding Natural Elements
If you’re ready to move away from the traditional landscaping style you can opt for a more natural or wild look. Instead of removing the native plants from your yard or turning your space into a prim and proper garden you can embrace what nature provided. Many are leaving certain elements of their garden untouched. The local birds, animals and insects will thank you for the plants and trees that they are used to that provide shelter. You will thank yourself as you realize ‘less is more’ and can fully embrace your low-maintenance garden.
These are just a few of the trends we are seeing this year, and next month we will share a few more trends you can keep your eye on in 2021. What are your plans for your landscape this year? We would love to help you with any questions that you might have.