The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) just released it annual trend list for 2018, including some of their top ideas for what will be hot in the upcoming year.

The NALP article explains a total of five trends, but here are the three that make the most sense for our Michigan climate.

  1. A total landscaping and hardscaping experience.

    This trend is somewhat of a carryover from years past, but it’s no surprise that we find it atop the list. Also known as “experiential landscape design,” it’s the concept that the entire design is planned for users to experience the space with multiple senses. This includes more than just the typical space that is visually and physically appealing. We see this showing up with the inside-out trend of moving living space outside with outdoor kitchens and patios utilizing heaters, lighting, water features, fireplaces and firepits as well as audio and visual units to enhance the whole experience.

  2. Climate-cognizant landscaping.

    If one lives in Michigan, it’s well understood that our weather changes frequently. Not only do we have factors like lake effect weather, but we also anticipate that all four seasons will have extreme highs and lows. Greenbud can help recommend the best products to use to upgrade your landscape environment and enhancements that withstand extreme conditions and allow spaces to be enjoyed on unseasonably cool or warm days. One product we’re excited about in 2018 is Unilock’s new U-Cara multi-face wall system. It provides multiple options for design, color, texture as well as pillars and step options that provide flexibility using quality products.

  3. Plants in playful colors and patterns.

    After Pantone (a leading provider of color systems and an influencer on interior and exterior design) named “ultra violet” the Color of the Year, we will probably see an increased use of violets, verbena, clematis, iris and other purple flowers into landscapes. “Patterned” plants such as those with striped leaves or brightly colored veins are also expected to stage a comeback in 2018, as the detailing in these plants is highly appealing to the eye.

We also plan to see more use of innovate products like permeable pavers make a splash by helping homeowners with their outdoor spaces. These handy systems allowing rainwater to absorb into the hardscape and not create runoff or washout areas. Water management and reclamation techniques like these will help make your new space functional and fun.

What do your 2018 outdoor landscaping and hardscaping goals include? Maybe some of the following:

  • Driveway
  • Walkway
  • Retaining wall
  • Pool deck
  • Patio
  • Firepit
  • Fireplace
  • Outdoor kitchen

We’ve done it all, and can help you choose the best products for the application. Greenbud will order all the necessary paver and patio materials for you, taking the headache out of calculations and brand shopping to find the right product. It’s cheaper and more convenient, too. If you’re uncertain about what would be the best fit for your space, give us a call to come out to consult.

We’d love to get you started on planning a great outdoor space that you can enjoy once the spring thaw comes and sunny weather is upon us.