Georgia Mountain Laurel

Landscape Trends 2010

Trends in landscape design have evolved as much as home design has over the past few years. The most recent changes we’ve seen are movements toward spaces that connect to each other and utilize natural materials. Important elements to customers today are hard surfaced areas such as patios, steps and pathways, water elements, garden architecture, a wide mix of color and texture in plant material and most importantly functionality of the space. Customers are no longer satisfied with just looking at their outdoor spaces, now they want to participate in them. And they want the ability to move between those spaces easily.
Architectural entrances help to welcome the visitor to the outdoor space both visually and psychologically. Arbors appear to be experiencing a resurgence in popularity, as are gates and trellises. They can be constructed of a wide range of materials, although many that we incorporate are built of Mountain Laurel, Poplar saplings or vines, all by client request.
Patios and pathway systems are important to successful design in leading the visitor through the landscape and helping with division of space. We often position patio areas at an intersection of pathways as a stopping off point to relax or as a destination. There has been an increase in the requests for in-ground fire pits as well as free-standing braziers as a part of patio areas.

Pathways often wind between planted border beds and specimen type shrubbery and trees and can be as simple as mulch laid in a pleasing pattern or as intricate as stone set in mortar. Many of the pathway systems we build are a combination of materials. Stone laid pathways are often filled with plant material and tend to be more grounding in their appearance. Mulched pathways are often requested for less formal woodland settings.
Water elements are often incorporated into the overall design. Meandering streambeds with, or without water falls are popular and pondless features seem to have preference over those with ponds. The size of the water feature is not as important as the type of sound it produces. Often the real challenge in incorporating a water element is to achieve the result of it being naturally occurring not man made. And correct placement in the landscape is crucial to whether the feature fits into the overall scheme.
Gardening areas are definitely on the rise in popularity. Many clients are requesting cutting flower gardens, as well as herb and vegetable gardens as a place to harvest items for the flower vase or dinner table. Many of these plant types are prime food for deer and rabbits and we strongly suggest fencing as the most secure method of enclosing a garden space. Fencing need not be strictly utilitarian or built of wire. Enclosures can be built from a variety of aesthetically pleasing materials which also provide a backdrop to the plants in the garden area.
The incorporation of art work into the landscape completes the overall design and appeal. Whether it’s birdhouses, bird feeders or a plethora of yard art, there’s a wide range of items available to suit anyone’s taste in art.

by Jon Groth

Groth Gardeners is a locally owned and operated landscape and gardening company in Rabun County, Georgia. They design, build and maintain outdoor spaces to meet each client’s individual needs, specializing in utilization of indigenous and native materials, striving for creative solutions with every project, whether you’re in search of rejuvenation, relaxation or recreation. A sampling of their work can be seen at www.grothgardeners.com or they can be reached by calling 706.982.9551. Let Groth Gardeners build your special outdoor space!