The weather is finally warming up and so is the itch to get outside and enjoy the sun! If you’re like us, you’ve already taken advantage of the warmer days to start prepping your yard and garden.

Here’s a list of upcoming garden and backyard trends to get your creative juices flowing!

Climate-Ready Structures

With the weather becoming more unpredictable during the seasons, we don’t want to let it hinder our summer, or our fun. Multi-use structures, such as a pergola with an adjustable awning underneath, help to balance nature and nurture. Rain or shine, your outdoor space can still be used and enjoyed.

Alfresco Living

Outdoor entertaining and kitchen areas are perfect for those of us who lack space in our indoor kitchens or dining rooms. Set the perfect entertaining mood by completing the area with comfortable furniture, mood lighting, a fire pit, a barbecue or a pizza oven.

Water Management & Conservation

A buzzword for years – sustainability is becoming more than a trend. Eco-friendly integration with watering practices include the use of plants native to a region – which generally use less water, planning a landscape to use low-water plants, and smarter irrigation technology such as rain barrels to collect rainfall.

Grow your own

With veganism becoming a growing lifestyle movement around the world and food prices rising, a new appreciation of self-sufficient gardening is being seen. If you have outdoor space and would like to grow fruits and vegetables year round, a greenhouse may be of interest. If space isn’t on your side, legumes (beans and peas), squashes and pumpkins can be grown in a vertical space. If you’re looking for staples that you can alternate indoor and outdoor, try salad leaves, herbs and tomatoes that can be grown in boxes on a balcony/patio or indoors.

Mindfulness

The ancient Buddhist tradition of immersing yourself in the present moment – has become a strong influence over how we design and appreciate our gardens. Incorporating elements that stimulate the senses – like accents of calming blues and energizing yellows have become quite popular along with pots of strongly-scented therapeutic lavender, or a water feature to create a relaxing ambience.

 

If you would like more tips for preparing your home for Summer – or have questions about buying or selling, call us at (613) 288-2455, email us here, or book an appointment.