There are many parts of the world of landscape design that tend to follow trends over periods of years and even decades, and various forms of architecture design are a great example. What do we mean by landscape architecture, and which major trends are notable today in this sector?

At Aeroscape, our team of landscape designers offers the very best services in everything from basic design to landscape installation and more, including all forms of landscape architecture you might be interested in – from hardscape designs to water features and many others. Here’s a primer on what landscape architecture refers to, plus some of the latest major trends here and how to consider them for your own landscape design.

What is Landscape Architecture?

When you hear the term “landscape architecture,” what comes to mind? For some, it may conjure images of grand parks and sprawling gardens. Others might think of more modern designs that incorporate sustainable elements like green roofs or rainwater harvesting systems.

Put simply, landscape architecture is the design and planning of outdoor spaces, with a focus on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing environments. This can include everything from public parks and urban plazas to residential gardens and commercial campuses.

Landscape architects use a combination of design principles, plants, hardscape materials, water features, lighting, and other elements to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. They often consider factors such as sustainability, accessibility, and safety when designing a space.

Let’s look at some of the major trends that mark the world of landscape architecture today. 

Importance of Functionality

One of the single largest trends in landscape architecture today is the increased focus on functionality. This means creating outdoor spaces that are not only visually appealing but also serve a purpose and provide practical benefits.

For example, more and more people are turning to edible gardens for both aesthetic appeal and sustainable food production. Urban gardens, rooftop green spaces, and community gardens are all becoming increasingly popular as people seek to connect with nature and reduce their environmental footprint.

Other functional elements such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement also fall under this trend of creating landscapes that not only look beautiful but also serve a purpose in managing stormwater runoff and reducing erosion. 

Sustainability is Key

Sustainability has been a growing trend in landscape architecture for many years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With the increasing concerns about climate change and environmental impact, designing sustainable outdoor spaces has become a top priority for many landscape architects.

Incorporating native plants, using eco-friendly materials, installing efficient irrigation systems, and creating spaces that promote biodiversity are just a few ways that landscape architects are incorporating sustainability into their designs.

Additionally, more and more clients are requesting low-maintenance landscapes that require less water and chemical use. This not only benefits the environment but also reduces maintenance costs for the property owner.

Bringing the Indoors Out

In recent years, a trend has emerged to create outdoor spaces that feel like an extension of the indoors. This could include creating outdoor living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas with comfortable seating and high-end appliances.

The goal is to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces and create a seamless transition between the two. This trend not only adds value to a property but also allows for more enjoyment of outdoor spaces throughout the year.

Technology Integration

Another major trend in landscape architecture is incorporating technology into designs. From smart irrigation systems that adjust watering schedules based on weather patterns to outdoor lighting systems that can be controlled remotely, technology is changing the way we design and use outdoor spaces.

Some landscape architects are also using virtual reality technology to give clients a more realistic view of their designs before any physical work begins. This allows for better communication and ensures that clients are fully satisfied with the final result.

Pet Friendliness

Due to improvements in both technology and design, more and more people are able to work remotely or bring their pets to work with them. As a result, landscape architects are incorporating pet-friendly features into their designs such as dog parks, designated play areas, and even pet-friendly water features.

For instance, some landscape designs include dog-specific water fountains or shallow pools for pets to cool off in on hot days. These pet-friendly features not only create a more enjoyable outdoor space for pets, but also add value for pet owners.

Landscape architecture is an ever-evolving field that combines both functionality and aesthetics to create beautiful and sustainable outdoor spaces. Whether you are looking to incorporate the latest trends or create a unique design of your own, our team at Aeroscape can help bring your vision to life. Let us help you transform your outdoor space into a functional and visually stunning environment that reflects your personal style and values, whether you’re in SLC, South Jordan, Draper, Sandy or any nearby area!

One of the most important parts of any new garden landscaping project is the initial design phase, and there are several things to consider here. The world of garden landscaping is full of trends that ebb and flow, but is also marked by certain constants that professionals in the field will recommend.

At Aeroscape, we’re here to help with all this and more. We offer the very best garden landscape design and other landscape design and installation services around Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Draper and Sandy, with landscaping professionals who are always abreast of the latest trends – but also know which tried-and-true methods to stick to. Here’s a primer on how to approach garden landscape design in particular, from some general tips our pros have provided to some trends that have been notable in the last few years.

Initial Planning Tips

If you’re just starting out on your garden landscaping journey, here are a few initial planning tips to keep in mind:

• Consider the size and layout of your yard: This is important because it will determine what kind of plants and features can fit comfortably in your space.

• Think about functionality: While aesthetics are important, you also want to design a garden that serves a purpose. Will it be used for recreation, relaxation or as a space for growing fresh produce?

• Take into account maintenance: How much time do you have to spend on maintaining your garden? Be realistic about this as it will impact the type of plants and features you choose.

Design and Installation Trends

• Sustainable gardening: With climate change becoming a major concern, many gardeners are turning to sustainable practices in their designs. This includes using drought-resistant plants, collecting rainwater for irrigation, and incorporating native species.

• Edible gardens: Growing your own food has become increasingly popular in recent years. Incorporating vegetable patches or fruit trees into your garden design not only adds a practical element, but can also enhance the overall aesthetic.

• Low-maintenance landscapes: As people become busier and more conscious of water usage, low-maintenance landscaping trends have emerged. These designs typically feature hardy plants that require minimal watering and upkeep.

• Outdoor living spaces: With the rise of outdoor entertaining, many garden designs now include features like patios, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens. These spaces not only add functionality but also create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living areas.

Specific Approaches to Consider

Let’s take some of the above points a bit further, and go over a few specific kinds of garden landscaping features or design ideas that have become popular in recent years:

• Food forests: More and more people have begun to realize the potential of food forests – gardens that incorporate trees, shrubs, and other plants to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that produces food. This approach is not only practical but also environmentally friendly.

• Vertical gardening: With limited space becoming an issue for many homeowners, vertical gardening has become quite popular. This involves growing plants on walls or trellises to maximize space and add visual interest.

• Rain gardens: As mentioned earlier, sustainable practices are gaining traction in garden design. Rain gardens are designed to collect and filter rainwater from roofs or paved areas, reducing runoff and promoting the growth of native species.

• Sensory gardens: Down related lines, sensory gardens are designed to stimulate all five senses. These gardens typically include plants with unique textures, fragrances, and colors, as well as features like wind chimes or water fountains.

• Ornamental grass: As a low-maintenance option, ornamental grasses have become increasingly popular in garden design. Their unique colors and textures add visual interest to any space.

• Pollinator gardens: With concerns about the decline of pollinators like bees and butterflies, many gardeners are incorporating plants that attract and support these important creatures. This not only helps the environment but also adds beauty to the garden.

• Xeriscaping: Depending on your location, xeriscaping may be a practical and eco-friendly approach to garden design. It involves using plants that are well-suited to the local climate and require minimal irrigation.

As you can see, there are many different approaches to garden landscape design – from sustainability and functionality to aesthetics and practicality. At Aeroscape, our team of professionals can help you navigate these options and create a beautiful and functional garden that meets all your needs, whether you’re in SLC, South Jordan, Draper, Sandy or any nearby area. Let’s work together to design the perfect outdoor space for you! Contact us to speak with a landscape contractor at your convenience!