Room with a View
Top 10 outdoor living trends

By Denis Flanagan

Courtesy Plantenance Inc.

With everyone thinking about a healthier lifestyle, modern landscapes are being designed to accommodate everything from customized furniture to exercise machines. It’s important to think of a landscape as a natural extension of the house, with the opportunity to include sunrooms or screened-in gazebo’s to create spaces that can be used year round. It makes sense that architects, designers and contractors should consult with each other during the early planning stages to make sure the elements flow together well.

Storage Solutions
To accommodate the outdoor lifestyle, many creative storage solutions are designed into a landscape. These can include customized benches to keep cushions and pillows, weatherized rooms built under decks and storage units that can double as play houses or outdoor bars. Sure, there may still be a place for the 10x10 prefab metal shed, but why spoil a customized landscape when all it takes is some extra lumber, a couple of refurbished windows and a little creativity? With city lots and condominium terraces, clever storage is not only a trend but also a necessity.

Perfect Privacy
Fencing/screening has come a long way in the last couple of years. One of the strongest design trends today is to replicate traditional patterns such as woven or wattle fencing and, in the right setting, bamboo screening. While the styles are copied, modern materials are easier to work with and withstand the elements so much better.
Surrounds for patios and hot tubs often incorporate louvres, giving homeowners flexibility with regard to filtered light and controlled air circulation. The choice of styles is endless, from formal wrought iron to funky vinyl.

Instant Shade
Homeowners want to enjoy the outside but be protected at the same time. Overhead structures, such as pergolas, arbours and gazebos all work, but need to be carefully considered at the design stage, especially if they are being constructed close to windows or patio doors; it’s important that everyone understands the shading effect it may have on the inside of the house. An alternative solution is the use of fabric sails suspended above seating areas, which can be removed for the winter season.
When it comes to planting trees, it’s a good idea to consult with a landscape designer or consultant first to determine which trees will give shade after a few seasons—without conflicting with existing structures.

Intricate Patterns
Large expanses of concrete pavers can get quite boring and give the “runway” look. Modern designs will often incorporate different styles, patterns and colors, creating not just a terrace but a piece of art.  It’s important to use computer-aided designs to allow the homeowner to really understand what the patterns will look like when installed. Although these are modern-day products, the inspiration probably comes from the marvellous tiled floors of European churches. It’s also important that the total colour scheme considered, including furniture, structures, containers and plants.

Child’s Play
As parents, we all want our kids to be inspired, active and safe. The modern backyard can certainly accommodate this; new play equipment designs allow children to have fun and at the same time interact with nature. Simple play structures can be built or purchased as a kit, making sure that the flooring is made from a rubber base (often a recycled product) or approved bark mulch material. Think about including a small raised bed in the layout to accommodate a small vegetable garden or a few plants to attract butterflies.

Exterior Kitchens
It’s not unusual for families to budget as much on an outside kitchen as they would on one inside the house: It’s that outdoor lifestyle craze. A well-designed kitchen can include a barbeque, fridge, wine cooler, pantry, wet bar and pizza oven; the ideas, appliance and gadgets really are endless. From a practical standpoint, all the services such as electricity, gas, water, drainage etc. should be planned well in advance of construction.

Drama
Every spectacular landscape needs focal points and conversation pieces. The hot favourites for 2013 are propane-powered fire pits and lanterns, simple water features such as bubbling rocks, outdoor art installations and containers with eye-catching colourful tropical plants. Today, these are not thought of as accessories but integral parts of the overall design.

The Environment
How could we discuss landscaping trends without acknowledging the number-one topic in the world? Many clients are looking for contractors that are respectful to the environment within their projects and business practices as just another sign of professionalism.

Rain Barrels
An idea as old as the rain barrel is new again! Homeowners are in the forefront of those concerned about conserving our precious water resources. Capturing rainwater from a home’s rooftop is suddenly practical, as a range of manufacturers are offering durable, attractive and easy-to-install storage systems. Be sure to install a screen on top to keep debris out and a barrier against children and pets. Not only will your clients conserve water, but they can also nourish their plants with unprocessed, soft rainwater.

Grasscycling
This trend saves energy, time and money, as it enriches the soil. Savvy homeowners are leaving grass clipping on their lawns; simply mow and walk away. The clippings provide organic nutrition to your lawn, improving its colour and health. Believe it or not, leaving the clippings on your lawn leads to a deeper, more efficient root system and increases your lawn’s resistance to disease, drought and insects. Grasscycling tips include mowing no more than a third of the grass length at one time, mowing in different directions and keeping your mower blade sharp.

For more information, visit landscapeontario.com. Browse the thousands of award-winning landscape photos in the Professional’s Gallery, or use the “Find a Company” search tool to locate a pro with the expertise you need, in your area.

After graduating from Horticulture in Surrey, England, Denis Flanagan was involved in many projects, including work for the Royal Family. Following a successful transplant to Canada, Denis continued designing award-winning gardens, including many for Canada Blooms, and has taught at several community colleges. Well known for his gardening shows on HGTV, he continues to promote the joys and benefits of horticulture through the “Green for Life” program for Landscape Ontario.