Landscaping trends, much like fashion, come and go. However, some trends have overstayed their welcome and can detract from the beauty of modern gardens. It’s time to refresh your outdoor spaces with new ideas that reflect current aesthetics and functionality.
Here’s a look at 27 outdated landscaping trends you might want to reconsider, along with suggestions for what to try instead.
1. Too Many Lawn Ornaments
Lawn gnomes, plastic flamingos, and excessive garden statues have become outdated, cluttering the natural beauty of your space. Instead, choose a minimalist approach.
Opt for a few selectively placed modern sculptures that complement your garden. This creates a more sophisticated and cohesive look.
2. Overgrown Hedges
While lush hedges might seem like a good idea, letting them grow unchecked isn’t wise. Overgrown hedges can make a space feel cramped and untidy. Try maintaining a regularly trimmed hedge.
Keeping hedges at a manageable size enhances both curb appeal and garden health. It allows more sunlight to filter through and creates a tidy, well-maintained appearance.
3. Artificial Turf
Although artificial turf might seem convenient, its unnatural look can detract from your garden’s appeal. The plastic sheen and uniform texture often don’t match the vibrancy of real lawns. Consider replacing artificial grass with low-maintenance, drought-tolerant natural grass or ground cover plants.
This not only enhances the environment but also contributes to biodiversity. Natural greenery provides a soft, authentic touch that is both visually pleasing and environmentally friendly.
4. Rock Gardens
Filling your garden with rocks might sound low-maintenance, but it can also look barren and lifeless. Rock gardens often lack the vibrancy that plants can offer. Instead, try incorporating native plants and varied textures.
This approach livens up the space and supports local wildlife. By choosing a diverse selection of plants, your garden can thrive with color and life, making it a more pleasant place to spend time.
5. Boxwood Overuse
Relying heavily on boxwood for structure can lead to monotony. While boxwoods are neat and easy to shape, their overuse might stifle creativity in garden design. Consider mixing in a variety of shrubs and perennials.
This adds visual interest and creates a more dynamic landscape. Diverse plantings can adapt better to changing conditions and contribute to a garden’s resilience, ensuring a flourishing and inviting space.
6. Concrete Patios
Endless stretches of concrete can leave your yard feeling cold and uninviting. Concrete patios, while durable, often lack character and warmth. Try using natural stone or wood.
These materials provide a more welcoming atmosphere and blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature. Incorporating natural elements into your patio design can transform your outdoor living area into a comforting retreat, perfect for relaxation.
7. White Gravel Paths
Bright white gravel paths can be jarring to the eyes and often clash with surrounding greenery. While gravel paths are practical, the stark whiteness can be too much.
Consider using mixed-colored stones. More natural hues blend better with the garden, offering a softer appearance. This simple switch can enhance the flow and harmony of your garden paths, making them pleasant to walk along.
8. Old-Fashioned Topiary
Topiary art, reminiscent of old-world gardens, is losing its appeal. Intricate shapes like animals or spirals can seem outdated and require significant upkeep. Opt for simpler, more modern shapes.
Clean lines and geometric forms create a contemporary aesthetic that’s less labor-intensive and more versatile. This shift can help your garden look fresh and current, reflecting a modern sensibility.
9. Water Features With Stagnant Water
Stagnant water features can quickly turn from serene to problematic. Without movement, water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and algae. Instead, incorporate a gentle flow or bubbling movement.
This adds a dynamic element and keeps the water fresh. Moving water features are not only visually appealing but also promote a healthier environment, attracting birds and other wildlife to your garden.
10. Formal Rose Gardens
Traditional rose gardens, with their rigid symmetry, can sometimes feel too formal or high-maintenance. While roses are beautiful, diversifying your planting can add interest. Try mixing roses with other flowers.
This approach softens the overall look and reduces the workload. A more relaxed garden can accommodate a wider range of blooms, providing an ever-changing landscape.
11. Overly Symmetrical Designs
Symmetry in garden design can feel predictable and rigid. Overly symmetrical layouts often lack organic flow and spontaneity. Embrace asymmetry with varied plantings.
This approach allows for creativity and a more natural appearance, making your garden feel more inviting. Asymmetrical designs can evoke a sense of discovery and wonder, transforming the space into an enjoyable retreat.
12. Single-Species Plantings
Planting only one species in a garden bed can lead to monotony and potential pest issues. Uniformity might seem neat, but it lacks excitement. Try introducing multiple species. This not only diversifies the aesthetics but also enhances resilience to pests and diseases.
A variety of plants can complement each other, fostering a thriving ecosystem and bringing a lively, dynamic feel to your garden.
13. Plastic Edging
Plastic edging might be inexpensive, but it often looks artificial and detracts from a garden’s aesthetics. Over time, it can warp and degrade. Consider using natural stone or metal.
These materials offer durability and a more refined appearance, enhancing the overall look of your landscape. By choosing quality edging, you invest in a garden design that endures and elevates your outdoor space.
14. Over-Sized Decks
A massive deck can dominate a garden, leaving little room for greenery. While decks provide outdoor living space, overly large ones can seem imposing. Opt for a smaller, integrated design. This ensures balance, allowing room for plants and enhancing the garden’s natural appeal.
A well-proportioned deck offers functionality without overshadowing the beauty of your garden environment.
15. Mulch Volcanoes
Mounding mulch like a volcano around tree bases can harm rather than help. It traps moisture and causes bark decay. Spread mulch evenly around trees instead. Proper mulching supports root health and prevents weeds without causing damage.
This method enhances the tree’s growth and contributes to a well-maintained appearance. A simple adjustment in mulching technique can significantly improve tree vitality and garden aesthetics.
16. Overgrown Ivy
Ivy creeping over houses might seem charming, but unchecked growth can cause structural issues. Overgrown ivy can damage surfaces and create a haven for pests. Keep ivy trimmed and controlled.
This maintains its aesthetic appeal without compromising the building’s integrity. Controlled growth ensures ivy enhances the architecture rather than overpowering it, offering a timeless yet manageable landscape feature.
17. Unfenced Vegetable Gardens
Open vegetable gardens often fall prey to wildlife and pests. Without barriers, your bounty can quickly become dinner for critters. Consider installing fences around your garden.
Fences provide protection and can be aesthetically pleasing with the right design. By safeguarding your plants, you ensure a more productive and visually appealing garden, allowing vegetables to thrive.
18. Excessive Mulching
While mulch is beneficial, overusing it can stifle plant growth and inhibit water penetration. Too much mulch can smother roots and create a barren look. Apply mulch sparingly and strategically.
Balanced mulching suppresses weeds while allowing plants to flourish. This technique supports healthy growth and enhances the visual appeal of your garden by showcasing your plants rather than hiding them.
19. Synthetic Planters
Bright synthetic planters can clash with the natural environment of a garden. Their artificial appearance often detracts from the organic beauty of plants. Opt for natural or ceramic planters.
These materials harmonize with garden aesthetics, providing a classic and elegant look. Choosing the right planters can complement your plantings and create a cohesive and inviting space.
20. Clunky Pergolas
Pergolas provide shade but oversized, clunky designs can seem outdated and impose on garden space. Streamlined, modern pergolas offer a fresh take. Opt for designs with clean lines and lighter materials.
This contemporary approach adds elegance without overwhelming the garden, offering a stylish retreat that complements your outdoor living area.
21. Colorful Painted Fences
Brightly colored fences can sometimes overpower a garden’s natural beauty. While colorful, these fences may clash with the surroundings. Consider using natural wood tones or neutrals.
These colors blend more seamlessly with your garden, creating a harmonious backdrop. A subtle fence color enhances plantings and ensures your garden’s focus remains on its natural charms, not competing elements.
22. Overly Decorative Trellises
Trellises add vertical interest, but overly decorative designs can feel gaudy. Complex patterns may distract from the plants themselves. Choose simpler, elegant trellis designs.
These highlight the climbing plants and integrate smoothly into your garden. Simplifying trellis designs allows for a focus on natural beauty, fostering an environment where plants can truly shine.
23. Boxed-In Raised Beds
Rigid, boxed-in raised beds can limit a garden’s potential. Their structured appearance might seem confining. Explore curved beds and varied heights.
This approach enhances visual interest and flexibility in planting. A diverse layout can accommodate a wider range of plants and garden styles, fostering a more organic and inviting landscape.
24. Wooden Pallet Projects
DIY wooden pallet projects can sometimes appear rough and unfinished. While creative, they might lack the polish needed for a cohesive look. Opt for professionally crafted garden furniture.
This provides durability and aesthetic appeal, enhancing your garden’s ambiance. Quality furniture can elevate your outdoor space, offering comfort and style that align with the overall design.
25. Imposing Water Fountains
Oversized water fountains can dominate rather than complement a garden. Their grandiosity might overwhelm a smaller space. Consider smaller, subtler water features. These create soothing sounds without overpowering the garden’s scale.
A more modest water feature can enhance tranquility, attracting wildlife and enriching the garden atmosphere with gentle movement and sound.
26. Overly Ornate Garden Gates
Ornate garden gates can feel excessive, detracting from the garden’s natural appeal. Intricate designs may seem busy and overdone. Embrace simplicity with elegant gate designs.
Sleek lines and minimalistic styles create a welcoming entrance, enhancing the garden’s overall aesthetics. A refined gate contributes to a cohesive and inviting garden environment.
27. Barren Winter Gardens
Winter can leave gardens looking barren if not planned for. Without evergreen or winter-hardy plants, the landscape may seem empty. Incorporate plants that thrive in winter.
This ensures year-round interest and structure in your garden. Evergreens and hardy plants provide texture and color even in colder months, maintaining the garden’s allure throughout the seasons.