According to landscape experts, homeowners and business owners no longer want a lawn or garden that just looks good – they want it to have a purpose too. Multi-functional landscaping is a form of professional landscape design that blends visual appeal with functional value, and it’s a trend that is showing up in residential, commercial and public works projects all around us.
Today’s landscapes are much more than simple decorations, they are sophisticated solutions that can solve environmental issues or other space or functionality problems naturally. Everything from creating surprising spaces for work, relaxation or play to improved irrigation, privacy or enjoyment can be achieved with multifunctional landscape design.
Consulting with a local professional landscape design company like Rainscape is a great way to plan and put into action multipurpose landscape solutions. Or you can try to implement a few of the following ideas yourself.
#1 Privacy fences don’t have to be just made of wood, stone or cinderblocks. Instead, create a vertical garden for a green solution that provides privacy while also giving you a place for plants, flowers or even fruits and vegetables to enjoy.
#2 Winding paths are pretty, but you can increase their appeal by lining them with edible herbs and aromatics such as sage, lavender, basil, thyme, chives and mint that can be cut and used in your kitchen and home.
#3 You don’t need an orchard or adjacent farmland to have organic produce. Look for locations in your landscaping where fruits and vegetables can be grown within reach of your home or office. Small fruit trees, artichokes, climbing vines of peas, beans or tomatoes, strawberry pots, sunflowers, and other produce can be hidden in plain sight allowing you to enjoy fresh fruit as well as an attractive view.
#4 Use shade trees to cool your home and cut down on air conditioning costs. Additionally, shading an air conditioning unit as well can increase its efficiency by as much as 10 percent, according to the US Department of Energy.
At Rainscape, we can help you do more than create a simple landscape design; our landscape specialists can build and innovative a master plan filled with multi-functional solutions for your entire property, based on your needs and expectations. If you have questions or ideas for transforming your home or office landscape, give us a call at 559-651-2333.