What Landscape Design Trends Should You Follow This Summer in Harrisburg and Mechanicsburg, PA Area?

What landscape design trends should you follow this summer in Harrisburg and Mechanicsburg, PA? A few stand out. There’s not much of a slowdown in landscaping after the rush of 2020 when shelter-in-place orders shifted homeowners’ focus to their landscapes. Several important trends emerged, and we believe that these trends will continue to drive landscaping choices.  

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1. Smaller Lawns, More Native Plants

Native plants are perfectly adapted to your location, which means less work for you, less water waste, less stress when extreme weather hits, and amazing rewards in the form of seasonal color, fragrance, and fruits. Native plants also support local wildlife and pollinators. By contrast, lawns provide very little food or habitat for our wild friends and take a lot of work. If you don’t have kids or pets that need room to run and play, reducing the size of your lawn makes your landscape more eco-friendly - and gives you back your weekends. 

2. Smart Technology

Technology simplifies landscape care and creates a more pleasing ambience in your outdoor living areas. 

Smart irrigation systems manage water according to precipitation, and flow sensors address the specific needs of each zone of your landscape. They take the hassle out of the daily watering routine while keeping your landscape healthy.  

A zoned approach to outdoor lighting and audio means exactly the right amount of illumination and music where you want it, thanks to wireless speakers, a broad range of energy-efficient fixtures, and bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.

3. Expanded Yet More Intimate Outdoor Living Areas

Since most lawns are underutilized yet take up so many resources, it makes sense to expand the spaces we actually use. To let everyone enjoy fresh air how they want, outdoor living spaces are growing in size, replacing parts of the lawn, and becoming designed in activity zones. And, they are closer to natural landscaping instead of being separated from it with a sea of lawn. 

Pergolas and pavilions create a welcoming shelter, further adding to the outdoor living room feel. Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces create a cozy atmosphere and extend the outdoor season nearly year-round. 

4. Outdoor Kitchens with Style

Outdoor kitchens are essential for a great outdoor experience but they are no longer a simple grill station as homeowners want indoor amenities in a weatherproof package. Amenities like wood-fired pizza ovens and outdoor-rated appliances like dishwashers are transforming these spaces into the hub of outdoor living.

5. Eco-Conscious Design

Eco-conscious designs incorporate wild areas to support pollinators and local wildlife; edible gardens; vertical gardens; and xeriscaping. While visually much more interesting than a lawn, eco-conscious landscapes are also easier to care for.

6. Permeable Hardscapes

Permeable pavers for driveways, walkways, and patios help return water to the aquifer rather than causing runoff. The pavers themselves aren’t permeable, but the joints between them allow water to seep through to a special substrate that evenly disperses water into the ground. The result is a drier surface; and since these pavers are compatible with driveway heating systems, you’ll never have to shovel or plow again.

7. Secluded Spaces

Everyone deserves a secluded haven where they can unplug. Transform an underutilized side yard into a cozy retreat with tall privacy fencing, a pergola for shade, a petite paver patio to minimize mud, a comfortable lounge or hammock, a small water feature to mask noises, and soft string lighting. Don’t stop there: create two of these spaces: one for adults, and one just for teens.

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