Top Landscaping Trends in California

Whether you’ve just purchased a new home that could use a little TLC or you’re ready to update your tired, old landscaping, choosing a style can be a challenge! There are plenty of options out there – from the formal English garden to the rugged desert blooms of the southwest. But if you’re in the Bay area, you’ll want something that blends in well with your neighborhood and is appropriate for the climate and soil. Here are some of the most popular trends right now.

LOW MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPING

For some, working in the garden can be a source of peace, a fun hobby, or a way to blow off steam. For the rest of us, we’d rather be doing just about anything else with our free time. If this sounds more like you, a low maintenance landscape design might be just perfect. You’ll be able to keep a well-groomed lawn and garden with little effort. And this option is better for the environment too since it won’t waste a lot of water or require special soil treatments.

A low maintenance landscape design means different things for different parts of the world. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, you’re going to want plants that can really handle drought since we only get an average of 19 inches of rainfall per year. Native plants will be happiest with our climate and soil conditions as they’re already perfectly adapted. If you don’t want to worry about pruning, dwarf varieties are a great option because they won’t grow as large as their full-size cousins. And perennials are the best flower options since you won’t have to replant them each year.

MULTI-PURPOSE PLANTING

For those who don’t mind tending to their landscaping and want to get something in return, multi-purpose planting may be the way to go. A multipurpose landscape design means your plants are more than just decoration. They also serve some actual function or purpose beyond the typical shrubs and flowers.

This may mean edible plants like fruits, berries, and herbs that also function as a hedge for screening, shade trees, or groundcover. Another way to landscape could be to incorporate beautiful plants that both improve the appearance of your home and attract birds and wildlife to your property. And for some people, plants that actually serve as a wildlife habitat are the way to go. These are both attractive and environmentally friendly as they welcome bees, birds, reptiles, and other native species to your property.

OUTDOOR OASIS LANDSCAPING

The third trend in Bay area landscaping is the outdoor oasis. This is a great option for people who like to spend time outdoors, enjoying the beautiful weather this region has to offer. When you’re relaxing in your outdoor space, you’re going to want landscaping that adds to the feeling of home and comfort. There are plenty of ways to accomplish this, no matter what size your oasis may be.

The oasis landscaping that immediately comes to mind is options that provide a retreat from the sun. Shade trees, a pergola with climbing vines, and other options make your outdoor time more comfortable and safer for your skin. Next, you may want to incorporate an outdoor kitchen or dining area. For many, an oasis is just not complete without the sounds of trickling water – we recommend a recycling water fountain. Others may prefer a water feature they can really get into. A jacuzzi or custom pool may be the best option to cool off on a warm sunny day. Finally, you’ll want a variety of fragrant blooms to bring a pop of color and a delightful aroma to your yard or garden.

No matter which of these trends you choose to incorporate into your landscape design, you can’t go wrong when you consult the experts at Koch & Associates. From the consulting and planning phase through construction of the backyard of your dreams, we’re here to help. Contact us today to get started on your perfect landscape construction project.