Keeping Up With The Landscaping Trends of 2014

Photo Courtesy of Landscaping of America

Like clothing and apparel fashion, landscaping also has its share of constantly upgrading trends. As with any areas of expertise, professional fields, or industries, landscaping company owners recognize the advantages of keeping up with the trends because by doing so, they will be able to keep up with the changes and satisfy the tastes of their customers.

Landscaping of America is a landscaping contractor in Baltimore that doesn't want you to get left behind. Here they discuss the factors that could get you IN or OUT with the 2014 landscaping trends.

The Location

Latest trends tends to dictate more on the economic and practical needs of the project rather than the "happy go lucky" manner that was prevalent in the past.

As explained by Stacy Zimmerman, the communications director of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers or APLD in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, "Landscape design trends tend to be regionally based most of the time. What works in the Northeast usually is not the trend in the Southwest." The South tends to lean more on native plantings and xeriscape concepts to deal with the rising drought problems. The Northeast, on the other hand, has to focus more on drainage corrections, tree replacement, garden renovations, etc. in order for them to prosper in a flood-prone climate.

Age Range of Homeowners

The shifting demographics of homeowners also affect landscaping trends. While before it used to be the Baby Boomers and Yuppies, nowadays, the Gen Ys (earning women and men with no kids) are setting the trends. With this data, it seems like over-the-top and showy landscape designs are the least preferred. This has been replaced with "better quality, less bling" design concepts.

The Reign of the Masculine Sex

With women spending more time in the workplace, it has somehow brought back the choosing power to their marital counterparts. Now, it's all about bold statements and more on the simplistic aspect of design. There is a trend toward outdoor barbecue/hangout setups, "man caves," and infusion of techno-entertainment options. There is also a lot more preference towards waterproof roofing structures, outdoor patios, and covered work spaces.

The Color Theme Selection

With dads making the decisions, powder pinks, soft yellows, and seductive reds are now a thing of the past. Landscaping companies are now given thumbs up to use deep purples, strong blues, tropic oranges, etc. Color choices also affect the preference of plants. Among the most popular are colorful edibles like grapes, eggplants, and orange peppers. When it comes to gardening, blue pansies, bright daisies and purple violas are the current rage.

When it comes to geometrics, circular plantings are back. But the most interesting comeback is by those plants that carry flowers on the end, technically called umbelliferous-shaped flowers.

Landscaping trends are indeed fast-changing. But across all the factors that is affecting today's trends, the idea of sustainability is given the most importance. Today, it's about low-maintenance landscapes, highly-efficient home irrigation systems, nature-inspired planting designs, drought-tolerant meadows, etc. For more information about these latest landscaping trends, ask your friendly landscaping contractor here in Baltimore today.

Article by: Bree Olson