In a recent survey conducted by Bankrate, nearly half of Americans didn’t take a vacation in 2018. This is attributed to the cost of vacationing, family obligations and the inability to take time off of work. As a result, more and more individuals and families are choosing to staycation and investing more money into their landscapes – the backdrop to their staycation “getaways”. So what are this year’s staycationers and homeowners looking for in their landscaping? Here’s a peek at the top 5 landscaping trends you can expect to see emerge in 2019:
Increasing curb appeal
Not only is curb appeal beneficial for resale purposes but it also provides homeowners with a wonderful welcome when they pull up to their houses after long days at work. Meticulous front landscaping is a great way for homeowners to remind themselves that their homes are not only a practical part of their lives but also a great place to retreat from many of life’s stresses.
Going green
Homeowners are increasingly interested in ways to reduce their carbon footprint and acquire energy savings. There is also a growing interest in providing a backyard habitat for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, many of which are facing global extinction. This next year, more homeowners will opt for plants that require less water use, create designated watergardens which utilize runoff for plant nourishment and create habitats in the form of pollinator gardens.
Integrating fire features
While many variations of the traditional firepit exist, homeowners are embracing fire features. Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are the perfect spot to sneak away and recharge as well as a great place to gather with family, friends and neighbors and they offer the opportunity for extended use of outdoor spaces during cold fall and winter months.
Designating separate outdoor living spaces:
Much like the division of rooms in a house, homeowners are creating separate spaces for sitting and eating…reading and hammocking…you name it! Creating low walls and interspersing plantings, these “rooms” help maintain a multipurpose outdoor living experience.
Creating private oases
The next best thing to a romantic getaway, backyard oases offer privacy amidst relaxing water features and lush foliage – the perfect reprieve for busy couples who want to get away but are inhibited by the demands of tight schedules and even tighter budgets.
Now that you’re done dreaming of a white Christmas, start dreaming of a green summer and all the many ways you can enjoy your outdoor living space. If you’d like to talk more about your landscaping ideas for 2019, we’ve love to hear from you!