Landscaping adds to curb appeal, which is a major factor in how homeowners pursue their investments when ready to sell. Those that plan to stay on location want a space to their liking based on a variety of elements, whether it’s replicating the feel from their childhood or, perhaps, what’s aesthetically pleasing to the eye. We can all agree that a great front/back lawn can change the dynamics of your household.
The problem is when we go against nature.
Homeowners may lean toward heavily investing in their landscaping to achieve a specific look and feel despite the difficulties caused by the geographical location.
We have seen defiance in many ways:
· Tropical trees in the Northern states
· Northern grass in the desert regions
· Desert plants in the woody South
We’re also seeing a trend in using artificial grass to give a visually pleasing design despite the geographical region being, often, completely resilient in the form.
Agree or disagree with the choices if you will but at the end of the day it’s pitting man against nature. Trying to force certain landscape designs and features into a geographical area that does not support it in the first place generally induces greater costs and maintenance.
Therefore, many people have chosen to embrace simplicity in their landscaping.
It almost feels alien in the description but there is a trend with homeowners to return to natural landscaping for their homes – where the plants and features are indigenous to the region which, in turn, leads to a natural look and lower cost for its development and maintenance.
Here are a few different ways people are using natural landscaping techniques:
· Go Wild – Those that love the outdoor typically don’t enjoy the part of pulling weeds but there are some plants that border them which make them easy to grow and maintain. An example would be to fill areas with wildflower seeds rather than sod since it will be colorful and continually grow in throughout the year (obviously depending on the area).
· Remove Disturbance – Consider part of the natural flow the land into the landscaping. For this, you would simply allow the area to grow and then adapt the landscaping to the natural paths and “clumps”.
· Reuse Natural Resources in Decor – Old tree just rotting away or a rock quarry that has a lot of interesting pieces? Consider using them for the outdoor furniture rather than purchasing it from the home improvement stores. There are plenty of project tutorials online for reusing and reclaiming wood/stone so make the best of the situation!
· Consider the Fauna – Every region will have animals that are unique to the area. Those lucky enough to live in areas where they frequent could include elements of the natural landscaping to their advantage, such as specific flowering plants for hummingbirds or diverting a portion of a stream to attract deer and other small woodland creatures.
Beneficial plants will naturally grow at a prolific rate (without much need for pesticides, fertilizer, and watering) because they have adapted to the area. Regional flora also is proficient on the end of pollination and seed production (better for animals/insects which rely on their nectar while also being able to produce fruit that’s natural to the area).
There is certainly an aesthetically pleasing element of having a household which uses the natural landscaping of the region. The home feels less like it’s going against the grain – it fits in the area – which gives it a unique appeal especially when so many neighbors may be pushing for designs and features which feel “alien” to the locale; this natural look leads to an appeal to those in the marketplace that want to fit into their newfound destination.
All-in-all, going natural in your landscaping (by allowing it to grow how it does on its own, planting flora which is common to the area, and a bit of sprucing with color and some variety) is a trend worth exploring if you’re a homeowner or expected to be. You’ll save money, help the environment, and still have a lawn that is beautiful.
