The landscape architecture for 2023 continues one of the characteristic trends of recent years: a more ecological design where artistic forms take a back seat. It is no longer enough to create complex structures with a differential aesthetic. The goal is to build sustainable works that respect the natural environment by maximising available resources.
Thus, the design aims to receive as much sunlight as possible during the day to minimise electricity dependence while implementing systems for capturing wastewater on terraces and rooftops. Vertical gardens and green roofs play an important role where, beyond appearances, plants help regulate the internal temperature of the structures, thereby reducing energy consumption.
The objective is not only to cover structures with vegetation. Green walls and roofs retain carbon dioxide in urban centres, mitigating the polluting effects of automobile traffic. Bringing green spaces to cities, beyond landscape art, is about the environmental conservation that the planet so desperately needs to remain habitable for as long as possible.
It also helps us relieve stress by creating a peaceful and relaxing environment in our homes. We can also give you a few tips on how to create an in-house space designed for you.
Let’s take a look at the styles that dominate garden design for this year.
For 2023, Asian and European styles will set the trend. The search for simple and harmonious spaces, where elements come together to create a composition that combines the natural and the urban, leads to three types of gardens that prevail when designing sustainable gardens with low energy and budget consumption.
English style
English gardens are a lasting reference in the Western world. Their “wild” touch mixes with a design where geometric shapes follow defined patterns that seek balance amid the seeming chaos of their greenery.
As an advantage, this style emphasises minimising construction and maintenance costs, as the idea is to plant species that can survive without the need for constant care. Beyond its somewhat neglected appearance (similar to the Mediterranean style), the English style stands out for meticulous planning, where each element is incorporated for a specific purpose.
Japanese garden
On the other hand, the Japanese style seeks sobriety and balance through three fundamental elements: water (ponds, fountains), stones, and small shrubs. Beyond proportions, each Japanese garden is conceived as a work of art where creativity and nature prevail to create a multipurpose area.
In 2023, artificial ponds will gain strength as a more ecological option, as well as the implementation of perennial shrubs and furniture made from recycled materials (mainly wood). Of course, lilies, chrysanthemums, and other typical species of oriental design should not be missed.
Scandinavian style
Regarding the Scandinavian garden, it reappears this year as a symbol of classical minimalism. Its main characteristic is shade-loving plants, which make the design very welcoming, with cobblestone paths and arches surrounded by species such as ivy and wildflowers.
The grass is often another common element of this style, which can be substituted with artificial options or low-budget alternatives such as moss.
Native plants are always important
Increasingly, landscape projects utilise native species or those originating from similar climates and conditions. Using these species allows for less demanding maintenance since they have similar requirements due to belonging to similar climates.
But incorporating vegetation into cities is a meticulous task that requires extensive research. The idea is to plant species that can easily adapt to environmental conditions, and in this regard, native plants are fundamental.
In addition to contributing to the preservation of plant heritage, these species allow the construction of durable parks and gardens with minimal maintenance. Similarly, when greening buildings, native plants reduce installation costs and the risk of failure when attempting to create gardens throughout residential and commercial buildings.
Furthermore, many native species enhance biodiversity by attracting pollinating insects. Without pollination, there is no life, as plants cannot fertilise and, therefore, cannot produce seeds or fruits essential for human and animal consumption. Thus, the design must consider everything to create more authentic and sustainable spaces.
Bringing vegetation closer to homes
Nature has the power to offer multiple benefits to humans, which we often forget. Sometimes, the places where we spend most of our time in our daily lives, such as our homes or even workplaces, are far from green spaces. However, we can adjust them to have natural elements that allow us to create that much-needed connection.
Stone, branches, leaves, and other natural elements blend with concrete and steel to create unique pieces of art without compromising ecological balance.
Metal incorporation
Whether it’s a side structure, artistic panels, water fountains or plant boxes, metal is increasingly being added to landscaping. This trend is an attempt to go back to patio structures and connect the outdoors with the indoors.
What we need to keep in mind is that maintenance of these outdoor spaces is essential when we are looking forward to enjoying them as long as possible. And here is the challenge where it’s good to rely on patio and outdoor cleaning specialists to help us.
Gardening to attract local wildlife
The current climate environment has caused a lot of negative impacts on wild animals’ habitats. That’s why when designing their gardens, many homeowners consider adding sources of nectar, seeds, shelter and water to attract and help local species thrive. Besides being sustainable, this also provides a unique experience as more time is spent in the garden.
Practicality, ecological and aesthetics
Contemporary landscape creations merge beauty and practicality. And nowadays we require minimal maintenance of our gardens. Thankfully new technologies make these easier, and our projects become more functional by installing intelligent irrigation systems that are environmentally friendly and implementing LED lights as well as solar-powered fixtures.
Since the theme around 2023 landscaping trends revolves around sustainability, it’s only natural to implement reclaimed wood and recycled materials as an eco-conscious gardening design. When it comes to this trend, repurposing materials can happen in many different ways when repurposing unused household items to create a unique aesthetic.
Integrating eco-friendly landscapes is what’s trendy in 2023
Let’s admit that simplicity and expressiveness are key elements in 2023 landscaping trends. Yet, at the same time, we have to think about functionality, sustainability and ecology when designing our gardens.
Of course, technology is one of our most valuable allies in creating a natural environment in our cities and households. And it’s definitely helping us work towards preventing climate change.
Still, there is a lot more to be done, but through respect for the environment, it will be more feasible for us to reduce the impact we have on nature. And, of course, improve our well-being as a whole.