With spring well under way, many of us are itching to get outside and fix up the yard. We all want to spend a little more time outside, basking in the sun after a cold winter. Update your yard this year with these five trends that are on the rise:
- Maximize Functionality: It will take a lot of planning and consideration, but maximizing your yard’s functionality will also maximize its space. Take a good look at the systems and features your yard or garden has. Can any of these systems or features multitask? Maybe you have a stone walkway through your garden – can you widen it to accommodate a patio set? Or if you have sprinklers, you can integrate a water feature into the irrigation system, doubling the function of this feature.
- Implement the Four Seasons: When you’re planning your garden this year, consider using a variety of plants that will keep it looking beautiful all year long. Bright blooms are perfect for spring and summer, but adding deciduous shrubs and trees will add a pop of colour in the fall when the flowers start to die off. Plus, you can decorate the trees with Christmas lights in winter!
- Creative Fencing: Instead of the traditional white picket fence, consider using some more scenic alternatives this year. Bamboo or trees are a creative and decorative alternative to traditional fences. Lacy-leafed leaves trees such as dogwoods or Japanese maples are big enough to create a border but don’t overwhelm. Keep in mind, however, that these foliage fences won’t do much to keep pets or children secure or keep out trespassers.
- Go Authentic: Artisanal, handcrafted products are always in style. Instead of picking up a bench from Canadian Tire, hire a local artisan instead. The result will be a beautiful, unique addition to your garden that will stand the test of time.
- Outdoor Dining: Fully equipped outdoor kitchens and dining areas have been one of the hottest trends for the past couple years. What’s different about this year is that the dining area is a bit more removed. Creating a unique alcove in the back of your yard or in the middle of your garden will create a much more intimate dining experience.
Which of these five trends will you try this year?