4 Trends That Landscapers Near Me Predict for 2021 in Middleton WI
Outdoor living has come a long way from a poured concrete patio or wood deck that featured little more than a grill and some patio furniture. Today, homeowners are looking to create a sophisticated retreat that echoes the way they live indoors. Outdoor spaces are more elaborate than ever, marrying beauty and function, preserving nature, and offering exactly what the homeowner wants, from private retreats to grand entertaining spaces. Here are 4 trends that landscapers near me predict for 2021 in Middleton, WI.
Related: How Landscapers Near Me Incorporate Environmentally Friendly Practices in Middleton, WI, Projects
A Quiet Space
More than ever, people need a quiet space where they can unplug from their worries. And it’s hard to do that in a busy backyard where the whole family gathers. A quiet space can be a brilliant solution to make use of an otherwise unused side yard or a corner of the yard furthest from the house.
The primary considerations here are privacy and comfort. Start with deciding whether you want to relax on a lounge chair or swing lazily in a hammock. Then, add a concrete paver or natural stone patio to keep your zen space free from mud, and some monochromatic plants to add to the serene atmosphere. Ornamental grasses are ideal for this type of retreat, as it’s soothing to watch them sway in the breeze. Finally, add a small fountain to mask sounds of traffic, a pergola for shade if there are not many trees nearby, and of course a tall privacy fence for a sense of seclusion.
If you have older kids who need some time away from their parents, you could create another retreat like this on the other side of the house, if the space is available. The kids will love it, and they’ll still be in earshot.
Eco-Friendly Design
Low impact, environmentally friendly design involves choosing native plants over thirsty, fussy, and chemical-intensive lawns and exotics. Do your local pollinators, birds, and small wildlife a favor by dedicating a portion of your landscape to them. They’ll delight you with their antics and help preserve the local ecosystem. You will also be rewarded with the beauty of native plants that are low-maintenance, water-wise, and hardier than their exotic cousins.
The less lawn and more native plants you have, the more carefree and interesting your landscape will become. A low-impact design is a very refreshing change from cookie-cutter yards that surround most suburban homes.
Make your patio and driveway more eco-friendly too, by using permeable pavers. Permeable pavers aren’t permeable themselves; they are installed with slightly wider joints between individual pavers to allow water to seep into the ground below. If you’ve ever seen sheets of water cascading down an asphalt driveway, you can see that a lot of water doesn’t end up in the landscape, where it can do some good, but in the municipal storm system, if there is one, or in any low-lying area. Permeable pavers allow water to seep into the aquifer at a slower pace, helping to prevent pooling and flooding. Permeable pavers are available in a wide array of beautiful styles to suit your design theme while reducing your environmental impact. It’s a true win-win all around!
Modern Lighting
Today’s landscape lighting is a far cry from a harsh, high-wattage bulb mounted on the house. It’s a wonderful synergy of artistry and engineering that carefully chooses fixtures and locations to create zones within the landscape and give the right amount and type of lighting needed in each zone. You can truly work magic with lighting! Many modern landscape light fixtures are unobtrusive during the day; you can even mount them in trees or in a retaining wall. At night, they create a magical atmosphere without the bug-attracting harsh glare and strong shadows of old school lighting.
A Gathering Spot
No outdoor feature is as important as the cooking space to bring people together. Whether you want a simple grill station, a full gourmet kitchen, or a hybrid of the two, be sure to take your time considering the appliances you will actually use, and if budget allows, add a few extras such as a mini-fridge and a wood-fired pizza oven. Your outdoor cooking space will become “the” place to hang out all summer!
Related: 3 Tips For Creating The Perfect Outdoor Space On A Budget
About the Author
With over two decades in business and maintaining an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau the entire time, Proscapes LLC is a leading landscape company in the Madison, WI, area. As a Unilock Authorized Contractor, we are recognized as the best-of-the-best in our craft—earning numerous awards along the way.