Spring is upon us and with it is new growth and the promise of lazy days relaxing or celebrating in the garden. It is a perfect time to look with fresh eyes at new ideas to improve your time outside.  There is a common theme to this year’s garden trends, all circling us closer to nature and wellness. Get inspired to spend more time in your garden this year with these four garden trends.
 
1 Wellness gardens
In an increasingly high-tech world, gardens are becoming a sanctuary, a place to unplug and recharge. Consider creating in your garden a place of privacy and serenity designed just for wellness.
 
Some easy ways to start:

  • Envelope your wellness space in green plants, which calm the heart rate
  • Add plants for their scent, like lavender, chamomile or rosemary which boosts your mood. 

There is a huge connection between nature and mental health, so redesigning your garden for relaxation, reading, or gathering with family is a great way to put down your screens and reconnect. 
 
2 Naturalism 
As ecological gardening grows in popularity, gardeners are turning towards a natural aesthetic and wild restoration that embraces the less sculpted beauty of nature with native plants, wildflower meadows, and rock gardens. The emphasis is on texture and harmony with plants densely packed to mimic nature. The benefit of embracing natural design is a sustainable garden with reduced maintenance effort that benefits both the environment and wildlife. 
 
3 Living fences 
More cost effective than privacy fences, the hedge is making a comeback. In keeping with the desire for a more naturalist design, however, shrubs are layered with flowers, fruit and foliage. These living fences are a boon for the environment by providing a habitat for pollinators and birds. And for curb appeal, they offer a soft sound and privacy barrier punctuated by seasonal color.
 
4 Flowers, the new lawn
Lawns are great. We have long advocated, however, carving out some of your lawn to incorporate a greater variety of plant life, reducing maintenance time and creating a softer look. This year the trend is an emphasis is on replacing lawns with flowers, called flower-walking. 
 
The idea is to bring a mixture of groundcovers, flowering perennials, and natives that, like naturalistic design, bring more color, scent and provide habitats for pollinators. Here are more ideas on how to ditch the lawn.

Need help creating your natural landscape? Contact us. We are happy to help.