Top 4 Landscape Design Trends for Summer 2023: Sustainable Landscaping, Outdoor Living Spaces, Natural Materials, and Garden Style.
As a design and build company specializing in residential landscapes, we are always keeping up with the latest trends in landscape design. Here are the top 4 trends we predict will be most popular for summer 2023:
Sustainable Landscaping
People are becoming more aware of the impact their landscapes have on the environment. We anticipate an increase in demand for sustainable landscaping that uses eco-friendly materials and techniques. This can include:
Native plantings that require less water and maintenance. Check out more information here about the topic from our friends at UC Master Gardeners in Napa Valley
Rain gardens to capture and filter stormwater. Here is more information for the Napa area on swales and rain gardens in our area by the Napa County Resource Conservation District.
Permeable paving to allow water to infiltrate the soil
Drought-resistant turf alternatives. Check out our latest blog on this topic here.
Composting and other organic practices
Courtesy of Homes & Gardens
Outdoor Living Spaces
As we spend more time at home, people are looking to expand their living spaces outdoors. Since the pandemic, people often want to feel like they’re on vacation when relaxing in their own backyard. We expect to see an increase in requests for functional outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining, such as:
Outdoor kitchens and dining areas
Fire pits and fireplaces. For more ideas check out this article from Forbes.
Garden rooms and covered porches. We love this inspiration from Southern Living
Water features for ambiance and relaxation. Outdoor Fountain Pros are full of ideas.
Lighting for evening use. Check out Rejuvenation for outdoor lighting inspiration.
Natural Materials
Homeowners are gravitating towards natural materials that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. In summer 2023, we predict the use of natural stone, wood, and other materials will continue to grow in popularity. These materials age beautifully and can be used in a variety of ways, such as:
Garden Style
Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in the US, and we expect to see continued interest in incorporating lush plantings into landscapes. However, we anticipate a shift towards more informal and naturalistic planting styles that mimic the beauty of nature. This can include:
Meadow plantings with tall grasses and wildflowers
Native pollinator gardens
Vegetable gardens integrated into the landscape. Here is a link to local courses that teach adults about small scale farming.
Cottage gardens with a mix of annuals and perennials
Decorative grasses for texture and movement. Check out our latest blog on our top choices for drought tolerant ornamental grasses here.
Final Thoughts
Sustainable landscaping, outdoor living spaces, natural materials, and naturalistic planting style will dominate landscape design trends this summer. Homeowners should embrace these trends and work with professionals to create beautiful and functional landscapes that meet their unique needs and preferences.
