The number one trend we predict in gardening this year is more gardening! With the hectic nature of modern life, more and more people are turning to peaceful pastimes to de-stress from the daily grind. As a result, the popularity of gardening is on the rise. Statistics Canada tells us that today more than 80% of adult Canadians garden.

Whether gardening for you is watering a few planters, or tending to an expansive backyard, the sentiment is the same. There’s something innately relaxing and rewarding about nurturing a plant into full bloom.

With spring in full swing and summer right around the corner, here are our favourite garden trends for you to try this year:

Outdoor Living 

Good weather has finally arrived! It’s the perfect time to take advantage of your outdoor space. Whether you create an open-air living room or a spot to dine alfresco, utilizing your garden space is more popular than ever. Outdoor living is a great way to extend your space while enjoying some fresh air.

Decks that Disappear 

The classic deck stands out from the yard. Traditionally, a deck has resembled a floating square of wood. Now, the trend is moving towards decks that appear more natural and blend seamlessly in with their environment. This way you can enjoy the outdoors without distraction.

Shrubs 

Shrubs are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they can provide accent and structure to a garden depending on their placement and how you style them. A slow-growing shrub from Korea, the euonymus oxyphyllus, is particularly popular with garden designers this year for its elegant shape and richly coloured green leaves.

Meditation Gardens 

A meditation garden can be as simple as a quiet corner with a stone bench. These types of gardens can also be incredibly elaborate with ponds, stone structures, and bonsai. Regardless of how it looks, the idea behind a meditation garden is the same: it’s a place to stop and reflect, if only for a moment.

Woodpile Art 

A woodpile can be a thing of beauty, and many people are using woodpiles as a form of art in their backyard. Wood piles can be converted into boundary walls, simple low-lying fences, or even add a sculptural element to your yard. Undoubtedly, there’s something warm and welcoming about the presence and texture of wood in a garden.

If you would like a hand creating the perfect garden this year, get in touch with our team of landscaping experts at 613-692-7051 or email us at info@neighborscape.ca. We are happy to answer any questions you may have!