Here in the Milwaukee metro area we’re not quite getting spring weather yet, but we’re getting close enough that it’s time to give some thought to planning this year’s landscaping. And while some will want to go with the tried, true, and traditional, others will want to hop on to the trends.
Fortunately, in 2018 some trends are tried, true, and traditional, offering a way for gardeners to get the best of both worlds.
Fuss-free Gardening
Time is at a premium for everyone, so it’s little wonder “maintenance-free” gardening is still at the top of the trends list this year.
Native plants remain a good bet, but Monrovia Grow Beautifully offers additional suggestions: namely, shrubs like rhododendrons, which offer big, bold pops of color without requiring much effort from gardeners.
Eco-friendly Gardening
2018 continues previous-year concerns with birds, bees, and butterflies. Water features, cat-free yards, and beautiful native blooms are the keys to supporting native wildlife. Adding nesting boxes and bird feeders helps too.
Remember, without conscious effort on your part and on the part of other landscapers, most yards are like deserts as far as local wildlife is concerned. Add insecticides and chemical herbicides to the mix and you create an environment that’s downright hazardous. The effects of habitat loss spread to other species as well, so maintaining a wildlife-friendly, organically-maintained garden is a fun way to do your part.
Meditation Stations
We all need a little mindfulness in our life. HGTV suggests the garden is where we’ll find it. They’ve suggested everything from adding small benches to investing in mirrored sculptures.
We suggest adding a tiny pergola to section off an area of your yard. Place the bench under the pergola to create a special space just for you.
Glorious Garden Dining
Previous years made outdoor kitchens with porch-side dining the big thing. But in 2018, designers have shifted the location of the dining area, moving it, instead, into the deepest reaches of the garden.
This might mean this is the year you’ll want to erect a gazebo, which is a perfect place to create an outdoor dining room. Gazebo screens can keep your meal bug-free while giving you access to warm breezes and the beauty of your own landscaping efforts. After all, you should probably get out there to enjoy the results of your hard work every now and then.
Can we help?
If a new gazebo or pergola will enhance your 2018 garden design then give us a call. We’ll give you a free estimate and we’ll get the project done right on time so you can enjoy more of your spring and summer months. Call today!
