As the year winds down, we begin to look toward what landscaping trends will shape our outdoor living spaces in 2017. 2016 has been a year of bold minimalism, with polished or metallic surfaces, and a focus on foliage. By contrast, 2017 is set to be all about a natural aesthetic and a sustainable approach to gardening that goes beyond succulents and air plants. This week, we take a look at some of the key trends you’ll see popping up next year.
Natural surfaces
One of the biggest aesthetic shifts in 2017 will be a move away from minimalist, geometric shapes and surfaces and a return to the organic. Designers are eschewing the clean, hyper modern look for something less high maintenance with a more authentic, homely feel. As a result, natural finishes like sandstone, exposed aggregate, slate, timber and brick will make a big resurgence, as will romantic garden features like swings and water features.
Sustainable gardening
The locavore movement in the food world has spread to gardening, with an increased focus on creating landscapes that work with the natural terrain and sourcing plant varieties that are native to the region. Planting endemic plants and natives has a whole host of benefits including pest and climate resistance, but it also creates a unique garden space that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world.
Dwarf shrubs
2016 was all about drought tolerant, low maintenance, small space gardening. 2017 will build on these ideas but will retire overused varieties like native grasses and succulents in favour of flowering dwarf shrubs such as hydrangea which make a vibrant statement, are well suited to smaller garden beds, and require minimal pruning.
Eclectic landscaping
Having a period theme is old hat and in 2017, tastemakers will be taking an eclectic approach to garden design by mixing styles and eras to create compelling outdoor spaces which make a unique and unexpected statement.
If you’re thinking of upgrading your garden landscaping in 2017, A Better Driveway are the people to turn to. We’re well known for our exposed aggregate driveways around Melbourne, but our decorative concrete surfacing solutions can be used for a whole range of hardscaping purposes. To learn more about our capabilities, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by calling 03 5783 4746.