Landscaping trends are always evolving. Over recent years, we’ve seen a shift in the yard designs homeowners are looking for Calgarians are looking for timeless designs made modern. That means using reliable, design-forward products to build more sustainable, efficient yards. Any new addition to your yard starts with a good landscape design. So, if you’re looking for landscaping design ideas for your backyard, here are our favourite top trends in Calgary this year.
Landscaping Trend #1: Designing for Sustainability with Local Plants
A big trend that continues to grow is a shift towards sustainability by using more local and more drought-resistant plants.
Local plants are well-suited to thrive in Calgary’s climate. Choosing plants, trees and shrubs that do well in our environment will help you create a vibrant, low-maintenance yard.
When planning out the plants and trees you want for your yard, look plants like these:
- evergreen trees like Colorado Spruce or Scots Pine
- colourful trees like Toba Hawthorn or Lilac
- shrubs like Ninebark or Junipers
- perennial plants like Sea Lavendar or Yucca
Why this landscaping idea works for Calgary:
Local trees, shrubs and perennials will more easily thrive in your yard. Low maintenance and a lot of lush beauty for your home.
Landscaping Trend #2: Creating Outdoor Living Spaces with All-Season Functionality
Outdoor living rooms don’t have to be summer-only spaces. Create spaces that can be enjoyed year round, especially in Calgary’s varying climate. Firepits or fire tables, patio heaters, and covered pergolas are increasingly popular additions to make the most of your yard, year-round. False springs and second winters are no reason to interrupt time outside in your yard. An all-season space allows you to enjoy your yard no matter the weather.
Why this landscaping idea works for Calgary:
We’ve all said it: “You don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.” Calgary’s changing seasons mean we usually need to make the most of every moment outdoors. Consider the ways you want to use your outdoor space in ‘the off-season’ and plan ways to make these areas more functional year-round. Your yard is a big part of your home – make it easy to take advantage of your great outdoors every chance you get.
Landscaping Trend #3: Xeriscaping for Climate-Resistant Yards
Xeriscaping is an increasingly popular landscaping trend. It means creating a yard that’s less-reliant on water. This can be especially important during periods temporary water restrictions.
Good drought-smart landscaping is visually appealing and functional.
Incorporating more drought-tolerant plants, an efficient irrigation system, or additional hardscape elements, like permeable paver stone patios and walkways, will help you create a more water-wise yard.
Why this landscaping idea works for Calgary:
With Calgary’s hot summers and cold winters, adding xeriscaping or hardscaping can help you create a beautiful, resilient yard. These techniques help conserve resources and can also help you save time and money.
Landscaping Trend #4: Integrating Smart Yard Tech
Smart technology is making its way into the world of landscaping. Irrigation systems, and programmable landscape lighting are increasingly popular, and easy-to-use. Many systems are programmable on the device itself or even with an app on your phone.
Two popular ways to incorporate smart technology into your backyard are with:
- automated irrigation systems that can adjust based on weather conditions or
- motion-sensor lighting that keeps your yard well-lit, only when you need it.
Why this landscaping idea works for Calgary:
With Calgary’s unpredictable spring weather and hot summer seasons, having a smart irrigation system that adjusts watering schedules based on rainfall can make it a lot easier for you to be able to help keep your plants healthy and save water (which also means saving on your water bill costs!).
Landscaping Trend #5: Growing Your Own Food
Calgarians are looking for ways to add more edible gardens to their backyard. Growing your own fresh produce could include adding raised vegetable beds, fruit trees, berry plants and herb gardens. Adding more edible elements not only enhances the overall look of your yard but can also give ou a sustainable, rewarding food source.
From your yard to your table.
Why this landscaping idea works for Calgary:
There are a variety of fruiting trees and plants that do well in Alberta. Apples and berries can be enjoyed fresh seasonally or harvested to store for colder winter months. With Calgary’s short growing season, raised beds and containers are a good, relatively quick way to add edible gardening to your yard.
Start Planning How to Put These Design Ideas Into Your Yard
We hope that these trends can spark ideas to help you create a yard that works for you and your environment.
Maybe you’re drawn to the simplicity of drought-tolerant design. Or, maybe you like the elegant stability of hardscaping. Perhaps you want the practicality of edible landscaping. There are many ways you can update, upgrade or overhaul your backyard design. Summer is around the corner so now is a great time to refresh your outdoor space.
Ready to transform your backyard, Calgary?
We specialize in creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces that fit your needs and budget. Connect with us to get started creating a yard that’s your own great outdoors.
