With the summer in full swing, people are inspired to get out in the garden and start thinking about landscaping touchups. Here are some trends that this year is all about:

Blue is cool: Landscape designers await the announcement of the color of the year by Pantone and this year the color is Classic Blue. Homeowners are bringing in blue plants like delphinium, globe thistle, blue fortune, and other touches of the cool color. 

More sustainable garden: Low-maintenance gardens, drought-tolerant plants, and less turf grass have become the norm in landscape design. Homeowners now assume that sustainable design will be a major part of the plan, both for economic and environmental reasons.

Fountains and pools: Including a water feature to the landscape design such as a pool, or a fountain, or a lotus pond will always be classic landscaping for your home. It is similar to bringing nature home and listening to the soothing sound of moving water.

Edibles, front and center: Blended gardens that incorporate edibles and ornamentals do double duty, giving gardeners a bountiful harvest of fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Enjoy the taste and contentment of homegrown food on your plate.

Barbecue mode on!: Get your barbecue grill out for a change and you wouldn’t want to go back in again.

Inside out: The furniture available now has been adapted to urban requirements and designs making it waterproof and fade-resistant. Homeowners can now move their living spaces outdoors. An outdoor living space for pleasant spring evenings makes for a refreshing experience.

Gravel pits: Permeable gravel pits allow rainwater to percolate, into the ground. It is a great way to keep your garden alive and healthy while saving water and harvesting rainwater.

Living, green walls: Living green walls are panels of plants, grown vertically using hydroponics, on structures that can be either free-standing or attached to walls. Living green walls are also referred to as vertical gardens, green walls, living walls or eco walls.

Old is gold: Vintage items like old bird cages, picture frames, shutters and seedboxes are always stylish. Hit thrift stores and yard sales to find items like antique coffee cans or water jugs, crates or cloches that make for unique containers or a quirky design in your garden. You can also upcycle your old furniture for a cozy rustic finish.