The Prettiest Landscaping Trends of 2018

With the summer fast approaching, it’s time to get outdoors and start thinking about what changes you might want to make to your landscape. Just like interiors, some outdoor trends have had their day and so it’s time to leave them in the past where they belong.

Whether you’re looking to sell your property or just want to ensure you stay on top of market demands, jumping on these trends now can help maximize your property value and save you a lot of time down the road. To determine what you should be focusing on, we asked the co-founder and creative director of Landart Landscapes Matt Leacy. Being in the business, he knows what’s hot and what’s not.

Here, he predicts the top five landscaping trends for 2018 — as well as what’s on the way out.

Trend 1: Textured Paving

The minimalist look of large format, clean line pavers will gradually start to lose its mass appeal in 2018 as smaller, textural flooring choices take center stage.

“We expect to see different stones being used for flagging and cobbles to break up large areas,” says Leacy. “There are lots of exciting new stones on the market, including different variations on porphyry, limestone, and granite.”

The finishes, shapes and sizes of these stones are also changing as people utilize these materials in new ways. “Cobblestones will be used in interesting ways, mixing linear lines with rounded shapes and the like.”

(Photo Credit: Jason Busch)

Trend 2: Fire Pits

With backyards now considered to be another room of the house, fire pits have become increasingly popular so lives can still be lived outdoors during the cooler months.

“Traditionally, fire pits weren’t used by many people, however, they’re increasingly being seen by homeowners as an essential and an expectation,” explains Leacy, who adds the varying price points only adds to their mass appeal. He predicts 2018 will be the biggest year yet for fire pits, so we strongly recommend you get on board now before they become uncool again.

Not just great at keeping you warm and adding ambience, some fire pits also double as a coffee table, making them useful even in the summer.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Trend 3: Outdoor Rooms

If you thought outdoor rooms were popular before, then brace yourself because every neighbor will be inviting you over to check out their latest living extension. These spaces mirror the functionality of indoor spaces, with the trend picking up steam as more and more of us want to live outside in the fresh air. “Outdoor kitchens, daybeds, outdoor showers, sunken lounges, comfy outdoor furniture — they’ve all become an expectation rather than a luxury,” says Leacy.

(Photo Credit: Jason Busch)

Trend 4: Strip Lighting

In order to spend time more hours outdoors, there needs to be adequate brightness that lights the way. Gone are the days of the unflattering, blinking fluorescents and a single light near the back door as we make way for solar LEDs, which are not only energy efficient, but help to create a welcoming ambience.

“Strip lighting under steps, seats, and bench tops creates an amazing feel and is becoming increasingly popular,” says Leacy. “This will become even more trendy in 2018 as a complement to outdoor room elements.”

(Photo Credit: Jason Busch)

Trend 5: Planting Varieties

The right plants will make all the difference to your property’s value, with popular varieties remaining just that. However, forgotten classics are making a comeback. Choose wisely for maximum return.

“Interesting succulents and cactus plants will continue to be really popular both indoors and outdoors; the architectural structure they can provide to any garden is impressive,” explains Leacy. However it’s the return of forgotten oldies such as cloud and sphere-pruned topiary plants that will really give your garden a lift. These suit many styles of landscapes so there will be many which are right for your space.

When it comes to more impressive plants, Leacy warns that finding a signature plant might take a little extra work and foresight, as they are becoming harder to come by. “Some of the larger varieties, like agave americana and blue cactus, are becoming really difficult to find in nurseries, so if you’re planning to renovate or sell, it is smart to plan the garden really early on so can take the time to find what you need.”

So, what’s out?

“Metal imitating timber,” says Leacy. “The main offenders are front boundary fences where metal slats or pickets are used. Metal is metal and timber is timber; it never works when you try to pass one off as the other.”