Landscaping Trends of 2018
When it comes to landscaping and outdoor living the trends are continually changing. In 2018 we are seeing a ton of low maintenance options with personalized decoration. Each year brings exciting new products, and technology. Here are what we are seeing as the emerging trends of 2018.
High-Quality Outdoor Furniture
Patio furniture to match the landscape
These days, homeowners are treating their backyards like an extension of the home increasing enjoyability and functionality. Gone are the days of ugly and uncomfortable lawn chairs. People are choosing patio furniture in the same way they would choose indoor furniture.
The price of outdoor furniture is lower than ever, is comfortable, durable and easy to take care of. A larger initial investment into your patio furniture will pay for itself in the long run.
A trip to any hardware centre will be adorned with lots of colours, styles and sizes. With online shopping, friends and family sales, and lots of competition, now is a great time to up your patio furniture game, just in time for Canada Day.
Low Maintenance Design
Interlock is a great way to keep maintenance low
Our design experts cater to what you want out of your yard. This year our customers are asking for hardscapes that don’t require hours of endless mowing, raking, and watering. In 2018 people are more environmentally conscious than ever. Low maintenance designs are popular since they reduce mowing time, and water usage. By including features like interlocking pavers, artificial turf and heat tolerant plants you will spend way more time enjoying your yard and less time perfecting it.
Colourful Fabric
Add colourful fabrics to your landscape design
People are seeking out fabrics, colours and designs that express their personality and style. Some of our customers have custom pillows, and cushions made. They source waterproof fabrics, with vibrant colours and bold patterns and have local sewers do the upholstering. With retailers like Wayfair, Etsy and Home Sense it is easier than ever to add amazing decor to your outdoor space.
In 2018 good style doesn’t have to break the bank, you can often find stylish yet cheaply made pillows, and cushions… just don’t expect to get more than 2 years of use. But hey, there has to be some kind of trade-off for the price.
Non-traditional Gardens
Fruit, vegetable and flower gardens will always be a staple of Ottawa landscape design. However, we are getting an increasing number of requests for us to design more tranquil spaces. Zen gardens are very trendy to create an oasis away from your busy world. These modern gardens often include pergolas, water features, and take inspiration from other Asian influences. Whatever your taste is A&Z can help customize a space that matches your style and budget.
Fire Pits & Accessories
Fires are a 4 season features that provide a relaxing space to enjoy great conversation and a glass of wine. If you want the addition that fire will bring to your backyard you have 2 options.
1. Built-in fire pits
Are planned in the designing and planning phase. These are usually made from bricks similar to the ones we use for interlock and retaining walls. They create stunning focal points and will take your yard to the next level.
2. Pre-fabricated propane fires
These fires come like a piece of furniture and are connected to a propane tank (like on your BBQ). They offer a quick and easy solution if you want to the ambience that a fireplace gives, but they aren’t very good at producing much warmth.
A built-in fire pit will provide much more functionality and 4 season use but it is much more expensive to install. If you are just looking to make a romantic setting than the propane fires work quite well.
No matter your style we are here to help you choose how to design your landscape to make it stand out. We will help you choose the plants that match your watering needs, recommend features like zen gardens and fire pits and make sure you end up with a place that is exactly what you envisioned.