As the last of the snow melts and the weather gets warmer, New Englanders are excited about spring.  Time to put away winter coats and enjoy your outdoor living space! As you get ready to tackle your spring clean up, we’ve got the scoop on the year’s best garden and landscaping ideas. 

Outdoor Living and Dining

Hardscaping is a major trend in 2014 – it’s a great low-maintenance solution, with options ranging from a cheerful fire pit or grill to a fully functional outdoor kitchen. Right now, the preference is for installed seating: built-in benches, ledges, and boulders. You can mix and match covered and uncovered space to add multi-season functionality.

Lighting is also high on the hot outdoor design trends list.  From twinkle lights hanging from trees to sleek, durable brass and copper fixtures that work in a variety of landscapes, creative lighting solutions make your outdoor space both more functional and more beautiful. 

Gardens and Landscaping

According to the 2014 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey, this year homeowners want more creative landscaping elements.  Water features – like fountains, waterfalls, and splash pools – are common elements. Landscaped shrub and flower gardens are popular, as are vegetable gardens.  Hiring a landscaper pays off quickly – spend your time appreciating your beautiful flowers, eating home-grown produce, and listening to the bubble of fountains rather than doing yard work!

Low-Maintenance and Eco-Friendly Landscaping Options

Landscape clients are asking for low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants and shrubs.  Native plants are naturally suited for the soil and temperature fluctuations of this climate, so gardeners are choosing those plants over expensive, high-maintenance imports and hybrids.  They’re great for the local ecology, and bring our environment closer to its natural harmony. Your landscaper can also recommend deer-resistant plants if you want to save your gardens from becoming food for these friendly visitors.

Need help making these trends work for you?  Call or email us (http://www.johnslandscape.com/contact-us/). We’ll help you make the most of your outdoor space!