Landscape design trends are ever evolving, and as we approach 2024 homeowners, architects and landscape professionals are eager to incorporate new & innovative elements into their outdoor spaces. One of the exciting development in landscape design is the emergence of unconventional materials, developing smart technology as well as the reemergence of breeze blocks. In this blog post, we’ll explore how these elements are shaping the landscape design trends for 2024 and how you can incorporate them into your outdoor projects.
Outdoor Art Installations: Artistry In The Garden
Incorporating art into landscape design is an emerging trend for 2024. Whether it is sculptures, mosaics or murals, art adds a unique and personal touch to your outdoor environment. Art installations can serve as focal points, conversation starters or simple as aesthetically pleasing elements that enhance the beauty of the space.
Vertical Gardens & Living Walls
As outdoor spaces become more limited in urban areas, vertical gardens and living walls have emerged as a creative solution. These structures can include everything from vertical herb gardens to elaborate living walls adorned with a variety of plants. Vertical gardens not only look stunning but also provide natural insulation and improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. This trend offers a unique way to integrate nature into small or unconventional spaces, creating a beautiful and healthy environment in the process.
Images from Vertical Gardens Australia
Caring for vertical gardens is essential to maintain their vibrant and lush appearance. Regular maintenance is key, and here are some product recommendations from trusted brands like Yates, Amgrow, Brunnings, and Charlie Carp to help you keep your vertical garden in its prime.
To start, it’s crucial to provide your vertical garden with the proper nutrients. Consider using a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as Yates Thrive, to promote healthy growth and lush foliage. Amgrow’s All-Purpose Plant Food is another excellent choice for providing essential nutrients. Additionally, to prevent the buildup of pests or diseases, regularly inspect your vertical garden and employ suitable pesticides or fungicides from Brunnings or Yates as needed. Finally, a high-quality liquid seaweed solution, like Charlie Carp, can enhance your vertical garden’s resilience to environmental stresses and promote robust, natural growth. By combining these products with consistent care, you can ensure that your vertical garden thrives and remains a stunning focal point in your outdoor space.
Breeze Blocks: The Versatile Dividers
Breeze blocks, also known as screen blocks or architectural blocks are hollow blocks typically made out of concrete with decorative cut out patterns. Historically popular in mid-century modern architecture, they are making a strong comeback in 2024 as versatile and eye-catching additions to landscape designs.
These blocks offer several advantages in landscape design
Privacy: Breeze blocks can be used as decorative screens to create private areas in your garden or patio while still allowing light and air to pass through
Visual Interest: The geometric and intricate designs of breeze blocks add visual interest and a touch of nostalgia to modern outdoor spaces
Plant Support: Use breeze blocks as a unique foundation for climbing plants and vines to create a green wall effect
To incorporate breeze blocks into your landscape design, consider using them as retaining walls, decorative dividers or even as garden art. Their patterns,textures & colours can be customized to match your design preferences adding a unique touch to your outdoor space.
Images from SABdrain
Intentional Outdoor Entertaining Areas
Outdoor areas as seen on The Block. Images from The Block Shop
Pollinator Gardens
In a bid to support declining bee & butterfly populations, pollinator gardens are on the rise. These gardens feature an array of nectar-rich plants, native species and specific habitats to attract and sustain pollinators contributing to biodiversity and a healthier ecosystem
Image from Fine Gardening
Image from Architectural Digest
Creating and nurturing a pollinator garden is not only a beautiful addition to your outdoor space but also an essential contribution to biodiversity. To establish a thriving pollinator garden, consider products from respected brands like Yates and Amgrow. Start by selecting a mix of nectar-rich, native plants and flowers. Yates offers a variety of flower and herb seeds, including bee and butterfly-friendly varieties. To encourage robust growth and flowering, use a quality fertilizer like Amgrow’s All-Purpose Plant Food. Additionally, to protect your pollinators and plants from pests and diseases, employ eco-friendly pesticides and fungicides from Yates. Regular watering and mulching with organic materials can help maintain a moist, weed-free environment, providing the best conditions for your pollinators. With these products and care, your pollinator garden will flourish, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects while contributing to a healthier ecosystem.
Low Maintenance Landscaping: Beauty With Ease
In our fast paced world, many homeowners are seeking low maintenance landscaping options. This trend involves using easy to care for plants, hardscapes that require minimal upkeep and materials that resist wear & tear. Artificial turf has become a popular choice, offering the look of lush grass without the need for constant mowing and watering. Gravel as a low maintenance ground cover reduced the need for weeding and is perfect for modern and minimalist landscapes. Furthermore, low maintenance plant sections include species that require minimal watering and pruning. These choices not only save time and effort but also create a serene and welcoming outdoor environment.
Native Wildlife Habitats
Landscapes are becoming more wildlife friendly with the inclusion of birdhouses, bat boxes and insect hotels. These features attract a variety of beneficial creatures promoting natural pest control and biodiversity.
Sustainable Landscaping: A Greener Future
In 2024, sustainable landscaping practices continue to gain traction. This trend involves native plants, drought resistant species and environmentally friendly materials. Rain gardens, green roofs and xeriscaping (landscaping designed to reduce or eliminate the nee for irrigation) are becoming popular. This trend not only conserves resources but also attracts wildlife and promotes biodiversity in your outdoor space.
Rain gardens are carefully designed to capture and manage rainwater to prevent runoff and soil erosion. They not only conserve water but also attract wildlife contributing to the promotion of biodiversity in your very own backyard. Green roofs, covered in vegetation, provide insulation and help reduce energy consumption, making them both practical and visually appealing. Xeriscaping, a landscaping technique designed to minimize the need for irrigation, incorporates drought tolerant plants and materials that thrive in arid conditions. These eco conscious approaches not only conserve precious resources but also reduce maintenance efforts.
Image from nbg landscapes: Xeriscaping
Image from RAA architects
Decorative Drainage Grates
Decorative grates are emerging as a trend in landscape design. Artful & functional; the grates offer a dual purpose, combining efficient water management with aesthetic appeal. No longer mere utilitarian features, decorative grates have evolved to become statement pieces in outdoor spaces enhancing overall visual alure whilst managing water flow.
Landscape designers are integrating intricate designs and materials into their projects showcasing how decorative grates can elevate gardens, patios, walkways adding a touch of artistry to functional drainage solutions.Â
Images from SABdrain
Recycled/Reclaimed Materials
Sustainability remains a strong focus with more homeowners and designers choosing recycled and reclaimed materials for landscaping projects. This includes reclaimed wood, recycled plastic and repurposed metal which adds character to any outdoor space
Image from Beachwood
Smart Garden Technology: The Digital Green Thumb
As technology continues to advance, integrating smart garden technology is a growing trend. Automated irrigation systems, weather sensors & smartphone controlled lighting are becoming common. These technologies help manage your garden more efficiently whilst conserving resources.
Automated irrigation systems ensure plants receive the right amount of water at the right times reducing water waste and preventing overwatering. Weather sensors adjust your irrigation schedule based on real time weather conditions, further saving resources. Embracing smart garden technology not only ensures your garden management is more efficient but also brings a touch of modernity to your landscape design.
Multi Functional Furniture: Adaptable Alfresco Living
Maximizing the use of outdoor space means incorporating furniture that serves multiple purposes. In 2024, multi-functional furniture is a key trend. Examples include benches with built in storage, coffee tables that convert into dining tables and modular seating arrangements to adapt to different occasions. It practical & space saving that adds versatility to your outdoor space.
Multifunctional fire pit from Mororo
Modular Pillow Stack from Temple & Webster
Slot Drains: Sleek & Efficient
Key benefits of slot drain in landscape design:
Minimalistic Design: Slot drains feature a discrete, narrow channel that blends seamlessly into hardscapes & pavers
Improved Drainage: These drains effectively capture and redirect rainwater, preventing standing water & potential damage to your landscape
Whether you are designing a contemporary courtyard, a pool deck or a driveway, incorporating slot drains can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your landscape.
Slot Drain available from SABdrain
Edible Landscaping/Foodscaping
Homeowners are opting for landscapes that not only look good but also provide sustenance. Edible landscapes incorporate fruit, vegetables & herbs into the design offering fresh produce right from the garden.
Image from Morning Chores: Edible Landscaping
Maintaining an edible landscape, or foodscape, is not only rewarding but also practical. To ensure the health and productivity of your edible plants, consider trusted products from renowned brands like Yates, Brunnings, and Amgrow. Begin by choosing a balanced and specifically formulated fertilizer, such as Yates Thrive, to supply the necessary nutrients for your fruit and vegetable crops. To protect your edibles from pests and diseases, rely on effective pesticides and fungicides from Brunnings or Yates. Regular pruning and weeding are vital to maintain plant health, and high-quality mulch, like Amgrow’s, can help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. By using these products, you can sustain a thriving and bountiful foodscape that not only enhances your landscape’s aesthetics but also provides delicious, homegrown produce.
Colour Blocked Planting
This trend involves grouping plants with similar colours to create visually striking, monochromatic sections in the garden. It’s a bold & artistic way to infuse landscapes with vivid hues.
Image from Blooming Backyard: How to Plant a Rainbow Garden
Image from Kings: Adding Colour to Your Garden
Caring for colored flowers to ensure their vibrancy and health is essential for any garden enthusiast. To maintain the brilliance of these blooms, consider trusted products from brands like Yates, Brunnings, and Amgrow. Start by providing a balanced and appropriate fertilizer, such as Yates Thrive, to supply essential nutrients to your flowering plants. To protect your garden against pests and diseases, utilize high-quality pesticides or fungicides from Brunnings or Yates as needed. Additionally, regular pruning with sharp and clean shears is essential for promoting healthy growth and maintaining the desired shape of your colorful flowers. Finally, consider an all-purpose plant food like Amgrow’s to boost overall plant health and encourage a profusion of blossoms. With the right products and attention to detail, your colorful flowers will continue to enchant and adorn your garden with their vibrant hues.
