2024's Top Backyard Landscaping Design Trends

Embracing the Future: Top Landscape Design Trends for 2024 in the Pacific Northwest

As we look forward to 2024, the landscape design industry is buzzing with anticipation. The Pacific Northwest, with its unique climate and diverse ecosystems, is a hotbed for innovative trends in landscape and backyard design. From hardscaping to native plant selection, let’s explore some of the top trends that are set to shape our outdoor spaces in the coming year.

Hortifuturism: The Future is Green

Hortifuturism is a trend that combines bold, bright colors with elements that seem straight out of a science fiction movie. This trend is all about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a garden, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also sustainable and forward-thinking.

Low Carbon Landscaping: Sustainability at its Best

Low carbon landscaping is another trend that’s gaining traction. This approach focuses on using local plant varieties and investing time and effort into growing herbs, veggies, and fruit in your own garden to reduce carbon footprint. It’s all about creating landscapes that are not only beautiful but also kind to our planet.

Backyard Retreats: Your Personal Oasis

The concept of the backyard as a personal retreat is becoming more popular. This trend involves transforming your backyard into a luxurious oasis, complete with comfortable seating areas, outdoor kitchens, and even water features. It’s about creating a space where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

Incorporating Metals: A Touch of Modernity

Incorporating metals into landscape design is a trend we’re seeing more of. Whether it’s in shade structures, artistic panels, water features, or planter boxes, metal elements add a modern touch to any landscape.

Native Plants: Embracing Local Flora

The use of native plants is a trend that’s particularly relevant to the Pacific Northwest. Native plants not only add natural diversity to your garden but are also beneficial for local wildlife. Some great options for the Pacific Northwest include Douglas fir, sword fern, salmonberry, Oregon grape, and red flowering currant.

Hanging Gardens: Maximizing Vertical Space

Hanging gardens are growing in popularity. They maximize vertical space, add beauty, grow food and create privacy. Plants with draping forms often require less maintenance due to increased airflow, preventing rotting. It also allows plants to naturally spill and trail as their vines grow.

Edible Gardens: A Feast for the Eyes and the Table

Edible gardens are becoming increasingly popular as people seek to combine functionality with aesthetics. Mixing edible plants with the rest of your landscape rather than containing them in raised beds adds an element of surprise and practicality to your garden.

As we move into 2024, these trends offer exciting opportunities to transform our landscapes into spaces that are not only visually stunning but also sustainable and in harmony with our local environment. Whether you’re planning a complete landscape overhaul or just looking to make a few updates, these trends provide plenty of inspiration.