Like every year, 2023’s landscape designs are shaped by the needs of the current times. As we aim to preserve the planet, sustainability is emerging as a popular practice. Simultaneously, some trends have evolved from the stay-at-home orders during the pandemic, and help us pamper ourselves within the sanctuary we call home. Others have a more aesthetic origin.
Whether you’re moving into a new house or aim to spruce up your current outdoor area, there are plenty of landscaping design trends to take inspiration from. Keep reading as we share what we believe are the top 10 landscape design trends for 2023 — and for the years to come!
1) Vertical Gardening
With many of us having small gardens, leveraging a compact space is an emerging landscape design trend. The trick to making the most of a small garden is using vertical space. So, growing plants vertically (on a trellis or similar support system) is becoming incredibly popular. Because of its space efficiency, vertical gardening is one of the top small garden design ideas.
Tip: Make a plan for the structure of your vertical garden and the positioning of plants beforehand, as switching things later can be difficult. If you’re struggling with how to get started, you can always consult one of our Landscape Design Gurus!
2) Incorporating a Water Feature — or Two
Adding a water feature, such as a pond, to your outdoor area, is becoming popular because of the peaceful environment it creates — perfect for unwinding. It also attracts wildlife, including birds, frogs, and insects. Plus, ponds are a great way to make your landscape unique!
3) Eco-Friendly Practices
As we begin to realise we’re not the only ones living on this planet, we’re becoming increasingly conscious of our choices — including our landscaping decisions. Eco-friendly practices encompass:
Composting instead of wasting food
Creating a pollinator-friendly garden for bees and butterflies
Collecting rainwater in rain barrels for outdoor use
Installing bird feeders
4) Balcony Gardens
With urbanisation sprawling across cities, many of us are moving into condos and flats, but still want to maintain our connection with Mother Nature. One way to do so is by gardening on your balcony. Choosing the right plants and growing vertically are two steps to creating a balcony garden.
5) Companion Planting
Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants very close to each other. It is becoming a common landscape trend due to its suitability for small gardens as well as its multiple benefits. Companion planting boosts plant growth, enhances fruit and vegetable flavour, and prevents pest attacks.
6. Inconspicuous Lighting
Credit: Lighting for Gardens
Inconspicuous lighting sources are becoming popular as they don’t take away from the natural ambience of your garden (something clearly visible artificial fixtures might do) while also allowing you to enjoy your landscape even during the night. So, the trick is using fixtures that are hidden. For example, spotlights embedded into the walls next to stairs or LED light channels under walkways. Bonus points if you opt for solar-powered options!
7) Food-Growing
Food-growing is emerging as a popular trend because of its many benefits, both for the grower and the environment. Apart from the evident health benefit of growing and harvesting your own food, edible efforts help save money and are an environmentally-friendly practice. Plus, tasting the fruit — or vegetable — of your own labour makes gardening all the more worthwhile.
8) Outdoor Living
The increased amount of time spent at home during the pandemic eventually paved the way for outdoor living areas. People now seek to refresh their outdoor living area as a natural haven they can escape to while staying within the premises of their homes. So, ideas like creating a lounging area in a pergola or setting up an outdoor kitchen are exponentially rising in popularity. This also includes opting for garden decor and furniture ideas that align with your style while providing a comfortable living space.
9) Outdoor Heating
Credit: Garden Trends
An integral part of outdoor living is regulating the temperature of the area — especially around your seating space. An optimal solution is incorporating a fireplace. It keeps you warm on chilly nights, creates a cosy, beautiful ambience, and forms the focal point for entertaining. If you’re willing to make a unique statement, consider a firepit table.
Worth mentioning that while outdoor heating helps considerably with extending your living space outdoors, it may not be the most sustainable practice.
10) Opting for Drought-Resistant Plant Varieties
With climate change rearing its head and natural resources, such as water, becoming scarce, making environmental choices is becoming a popular landscape design trend. This includes opting for plant varieties that are drought-resistant, or in other words, require less water. This is especially important if you reside in areas that receive little amounts of rain. Examples of drought-resistant varieties include the coneflower (shown in the image above) and fig plants.
Final Words
Outdoor areas are always evolving — and landscape design trends are constantly upgrading according to the needs of the moment. The above-mentioned landscape design trends are the top picks for 2023; use them for inspiration, and be sure to consider your personal goals and choose trends that suit your lifestyle needs and preferences.
Need some help with creating an outdoor space that you love? Get in touch with one of our Landscape Design Gurus — they will have a look at your garden over video chat and provide expert advice tailored to your needs!