With much of the past year spent in isolation, more and more people are turning their attention to projects close to home. 2020 was a huge year for gardeners, both experienced and those new to the hobby, to make long-desired changes to their landscape or finally start their dream garden. As you look forward to this year’s planting season, use these landscaping trends to inspire your next great project of 2021.

Growing Food

In recent years, there has been a consumer-driven shift toward healthier eating, from seeking locally-grown produce to switching to plant based-diets. Consumers want food that’s good for their bodies and grown in a way that’s good for the environment; naturally, interest has sparked in home-grown food.

If you’ve always wanted to start your own vegetable garden, 2021 is the year to take the plunge. Many people are incorporating edible plants into their ornamental landscape; planting lettuce and violas together, for example, which creates a bright color contrast.

However, you don’t need a massive plot of land to get started with your own garden. Growing vegetables in raised beds, containers, or hanging planters is an excellent way to make use of the space you have. For beginners, peppers, lettuce mixes, basil, and green beans are great starter crops which don’t require intensive care.

Sustainable Practices

With environmental-consciousness at the forefront of many people’s minds, sustainable landscaping will be popular in 2021. While traditional landscaping aims mainly for aesthetic value, the goal of sustainable landscaping is to support the environment while still creating a yard that’s pleasing to the eye.

Incorporate sustainable practices into your landscape or garden by making your own compost, collecting rain to water plants, and reducing or removing the use of pesticides to improve soil health. You can also keep Mother Nature in mind when planting by choosing native plants, which require little care once established, and drought-tolerant plants, which will conserve water. Don’t forget to include some pollinator-attracting flowers, so the bees have a reason to visit!

Hardscaped Living Spaces

With the importance of social distancing in 2020 came the desire for outdoor living spaces to relax and entertain. Garden spaces and multi-season entertaining areas are becoming important selling points for houses, improving curb appeal and providing a home-away-from-home getaway.

Secluded backyard spaces, especially those with water features, are popular. Hedges, ivy walls, or retaining walls are a good way to section off a private area. Hardscaped elements like stone-patterned walkways or patios not only offer a place to relax on outdoor furniture, but they also help conserve water.

With the rise of hardscaping, landscape lighting solutions are also growing in popularity because they allow you to utilize your outdoor space even after the sun goes down. Line your walkways with solar-powered lights, or hide them behind rocks for a more subtle display. If you’re looking for a little extra warmth on those chilly nights, consider an outdoor fireplace.

While more people are delving into landscaping as a hobby, the hustle and bustle of everyday life can get in the way, and yard maintenance is often one of the first things to fall by the wayside. If you’re struggling to find time to take care of your lawn, let the pros at Land Concepts keep your landscape looking healthy all year long.