Landscaping Trends for 2021

Though 2020 came with fewer gatherings and get-togethers, it did allow for more time in the garden. Don’t let all the hard work you put into your landscaping last summer fade away! Even though the nationwide snow storms and cold temperatures may not scream “landscape planning” right now, it’s never too early to begin mapping out your plans for this upcoming season. We are here to give you inspiration and this year’s latest trends to help create your ideal landscape. 

What Trends Are We Seeing in 2021 for Yard and Landscaping Design?

It is no secret that the COVID-19 crisis gave individuals and families a new perspective on the great outdoors. This year, gardening became a newly-developed hobby for many people because it provided them with an escape from their homes, a mental break from Zoom calls, and a little fresh air and exercise. We expect the same dedication to landscaping in 2021 as well! 

Here are some of the top trends we are seeing this year:

  • Outdoor Living Spaces
  • Trendy & Useful Garden Spaces
  • Visually Appealing Landscapes
  • Social Front Yards
  • Backyard Play Spaces

See more details about each of these trends and how you can make them a reality below. 

How Can I Recreate These Trends at Home?

The first thing to ask yourself is, “Which of these trends fit within my ideal landscape design?” Determine your likes and your dislikes. Then, research, research, research! Pinterest can be an amazing asset to get some ideas about what you can envision. Additionally, our previous blog posts will provide beneficial insight!

Once you have a plan in mind, here’s how you can begin recreating these trends in your yard:

Outdoor Living Spaces

With the appeal of being able to safely social distance yourself in your yard, outdoor living spaces have become extremely popular over the last year. An outdoor living space can allow you and your family members to safely and comfortably lounge, gather, play, relax, and share a meal. 

Consider adding one or more of these options into your outdoor living space:

  • Patio – Investing in a patio is never a bad idea! A patio can be a great space for a dining table, some furniture, a swing, or even a fire pit. 
  • Firepit – Adding a firepit into your outdoor living space provides a perfect spot for entertainment, warmth, and of course, s’mores! 
  • Couches & Lounge Chairs – Make your outdoor living space extra inviting by adding some comfy couches and lounge chairs for your family and friends to enjoy. 
  • Privacy Fence – With all the extra time you’ll be spending outside, it may be nice to add a little privacy with a fence or even a row of evergreen trees. 
  • Retractable Vinyl Screens – These screens can be multi-functional by providing both privacy and warmth as temperatures become cooler. 
  • Pergolas – A pergola is a traditional wooden structure that gives an aesthetic look to your yard while also providing a bit of shade and shelter. 
  • Heating Lamp – Make your outdoor living space last all year long by adding a heating lamp for those cold winter months. 
  • Outdoor Lighting – This can be a simple yet beautiful way to illuminate your yard with lights along the trees, sidewalk, or fence. 

Trendy & Useful Garden Spaces

There are so many opportunities to turn your garden space into something both trendy and useful. 

Fruit & Vegetable Gardens – So many people are investing their time and energy into fruit and vegetable gardens. With the anxiety of entering a grocery store these days, growing your own produce is an affordable and bountiful way to bring fresh produce into your home safely.  

Pollinator-Friendly Gardens – These gardens have become all the rage this year! This type of garden creates a unique space for pollinator plants, which can provide a friendly feeding space for birds, butterflies, and other creatures. 

Vertical Gardens – If you have only a small gardening space in your yard, this may be the perfect option for you! These gardens contain a vertical structure where a variety of plants can grow upward to create a decorative focal point. 

Visually Appealing Landscapes

Another 2021 landscaping trend is a simple makeover of your existing garden. Make your yard and garden more visually appealing by implementing a few cosmetic changes. 

New Patterns – Is your current patio, driveway, or sidewalk designed with uniform and symmetrical shapes? While there is certainly nothing wrong with that, the latest style is to turn those geometric designs into more unique ones. Adding new shapes, textures, colors, or pavers to your landscape can certainly spruce up your outdoor space! 

Mix and Match – The style this year is a balance of this and that! Add a little creativity to your yard and garden by mixing it up a bit. A balance of plants, lights, stones, water features, and flowers can turn your landscape into something truly beautiful.  

Social Front Yards

The social distancing requirements of the past year have forced people to lose that friendly, neighborly feel. A social front yard is the new trend that allows for a little interaction with your family, friends, and neighbors in a safe and aesthetic way. This simply means adding more options for seating to your front yard. Swings, garden benches, and colorful lounge chairs are excellent options for your social front yard. Sit and enjoy a cold glass of lemonade and offer a friendly hello when a neighbor walks by! 

Backyard Play Spaces

Unfortunately, it seems like kids have suffered from this pandemic in more ways than one. Besides having to adjust to remote learning, some of their favorite outdoor activities at the local parks or pools have been taken away as well. That is why backyard play spaces have become extremely popular! Add some activities to your backyard that your children can enjoy safely. You can be creative by designing and building your own pieces, or you can save up and purchase a nice jungle gym or swing set. 

Some of our favorite backyard play space ideas are:

  • Pools
  • Water Tables
  • Sprinklers
  • Rope Swings
  • Rock Walls
  • Sand Boxes
  • Trampolines
  • Ball Pits
  • Obstacle Courses
  • Swing Sets
  • Jungle Gyms

What Annuals and Materials are Highlighting the Season?

Once again, depending on your design goals and needs, the materials you may need for the season will vary! Take a look at your favorite local stores or online shops for the lastest furniture pieces or supplies to perfectly fit into your outdoor living space, social front yard, or backyard play space! 

As for your gardens, that’s where we can really help.  

Take a look at our previous Landscape Planning 101 – Part 1 blog for more specifics about our wide selection of perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees, mulches, and stones. With our variety of options, you are sure to fulfill your landscape dreams with beautiful and stylish updates to your Trendy & Useful Gardens and Visually Appealing Landscapes. 

What Can I Do Now to Get a Headstart on Spring & Summer? 

The best thing you can do to get a headstart on your landscaping dreams is to begin planning! First, do a little research to determine your wants and needs for this year’s season. Then, continue the planning process by mapping out your goals, working on a budget, and reviewing some of our previous blogs for extra insight. Our Landscape Planning 101 – Part 2 is a great resource for more information about how to plan, research, and map out your ideas.    

You’ll be sure to beat the spring rush by already having a plan in place when warmer weather arrives and it is time to begin working in your yard!

For any additional assistance, feel free to give Kurtz Bros a call! 

2 Comments

  1. Taylor Hansen on August 30, 2021 at 11:08 am

    It’s interesting to learn about outdoor design living spaces. I want to update my landscape design for my backyard. I’ll find a company that has the right materials.

    • jeff stemler on August 30, 2021 at 11:27 am

      Hi Taylor, thanks for reading our blog. Please reach out if you have any questions or need additional information.

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