Last year, the big landscaping trend seemed to revolve around “outdoor living space,” with more people expanding their living environments out into their yards, patios, and gardens. Interior design elements and accessories were repurposed for outdoor use, and a notable uptick in garden parties and backyard dining helped parents enjoy their landscaping as much as the kids.  So what are the five most popular trends in landscape design right now?

Go Green with Eco-Gardening

Conscientious consumers are now scouting for eco-friendly products, such as recycled and up-cycled gardening materials. These homeowners are taking more of an interest in native plants, healthy soil—even composting, by reusing their own yard waste. Besides helping to preserve the planet, organic materials and products alleviate concerns about unpleasant chemicals that may endanger children or pets.

Think Edible

Many homeowners are showing that they want to become more food-sufficient, and are growing more edible items in their yards.  This includes everything from vegetable gardens and fruit trees to backyard chicken coops and edible flowers.  In some areas, neighbors are taking a cooperative approach to at-home harvests, by sharing whatever grows best on their respective properties.

Use Natural Products for Design

People are using more natural materials to frame their yards in 2013. These might include options like stone walls, stone steps, flagstone patios, and boulders. By incorporating native elements—like granite, for example—homeowners are helping to reduce transportation emissions, while achieving a more organic effect.

Play to the Senses

Another very popular trend is “tapping into the senses” with gardens full of flowers that produce gorgeous colors and fragrances. For an amazing olfactory effect, look for plants like lavender and lilac. For stunning visual impact, opt for textural plants—like succulents or soft, flowy grasses— combined with vivid colors from flowers like tulips, crown imperial, crinums, and purple coneflowers. 

Invest in LED Lighting

Beyond the "outdoor living" options noted above, LED lighting is also one of the five most popular trends in landscape design right now.  Not only can low LED lighting give you more time to work in your garden or your yard, but this type of lighting is also a great way to enhance your outdoor setting. Plus, LED lights save a lot of energy—always a good thing!  Some of the LED lighting products available can also be controlled via your mobile or iPad device.

So get started with one or more of these trends for your garden, today!