Landscaping Trends That Are On Their Way Out – And How To Create
Every outdoor enthusiast, from the new camper to the seasoned homesteader, understands the value of a functional and harmonious living space. This extends beyond your tent or RV setup right into your backyard, especially if you’re building a base for your adventures or embracing a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
You want an outdoor area that not only looks good but actively supports your connection to nature and reduces your workload. But keeping up with fleeting design fads can be counterproductive to these goals.
This article will help you identify the landscaping trends that are on their way out, offering practical insights into why they’re fading and what sustainable, low-maintenance alternatives you can embrace instead. We’ll guide you toward creating a more resilient, nature-friendly, and truly functional outdoor space that serves your adventurous spirit.
Let’s explore how to design a landscape that works harder for you, not the other way around.
Table of Contents
High-Maintenance Lawns and Monocultures
For decades, the perfectly manicured, emerald-green lawn has been the quintessential symbol of American homeownership. But maintaining these sprawling monocultures requires an immense amount of resources and effort, often clashing with the self-sufficiency and sustainability goals of OutwardLab readers.
The upkeep involves frequent mowing, excessive watering, and often, chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This approach is not only time-consuming but also detrimental to local ecosystems.
It drains water resources, pollutes waterways, and offers little to no habitat for beneficial insects or local wildlife. For those aiming for a more resilient lifestyle, these lawns are simply unsustainable.
The Environmental and Time Cost of Traditional Grass
Think about the hours spent pushing a lawnmower or the constant battle against weeds. Each gallon of water used to keep turf green could be supporting an edible garden or native plant species that thrive in your local climate.
The carbon footprint of lawn care equipment, from gas mowers to leaf blowers, also adds up. Furthermore, the lack of biodiversity in a single-species lawn makes it vulnerable to pests and diseases, necessitating more chemical intervention.
This cycle is far from the self-reliant, nature-connected ethos we champion.
Sustainable Alternatives to Consider
Instead of battling nature, work with it. Consider transforming parts of your lawn into more beneficial landscapes.
- Native Plant Gardens: These plants are adapted to your local climate, requiring less water and no fertilizers. They provide crucial food and shelter for local wildlife, supporting biodiversity.
- Clover Lawns: A low-maintenance alternative, clover fixes nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for fertilizer. It stays green with less water and can withstand foot traffic.
- Wildflower Meadows: Perfect for larger areas, a wildflower meadow is a riot of color that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to ecological health.
- Edible Landscaping: Integrate fruit trees, berry bushes, and raised garden beds for vegetables. Your landscape becomes a food source, aligning perfectly with homesteading principles.
Transitioning away from a purely ornamental lawn frees up your time and resources for more adventurous pursuits or developing other self-sufficiency skills.
Excessive Hardscaping and Paved Surfaces
While patios and pathways are essential for outdoor living, the trend of overdoing hardscaping is another one of the landscaping trends that are on their way out. Large expanses of concrete, asphalt, or even tightly mortared pavers can create heat islands, prevent water absorption, and offer no ecological benefit.
These hard, impervious surfaces contribute to stormwater runoff, which can lead to erosion and pollution as it picks up contaminants before entering natural water systems. From a survivalist or homesteader perspective, they are resource-intensive to install and maintain, and they don’t support food production or habitat creation.
The Downside of Too Much Pavement
Imagine a scorching summer day. Large paved areas absorb and radiate heat, making your outdoor space less comfortable and potentially increasing cooling costs for nearby structures. This phenomenon, known as the urban heat island effect, is something we actively try to mitigate in sustainable design.
Furthermore, without proper drainage solutions, excessive hardscaping can direct water away from your landscape, depriving plants of vital moisture. It also limits permeable surfaces where rainwater can naturally filter into the ground, recharging local aquifers.
Permeable and Natural Hardscaping Solutions
When planning your pathways and patios, prioritize materials that allow water to penetrate or are more environmentally friendly.
- Gravel or Decomposed Granite Paths: These materials are permeable, allowing rainwater to soak into the ground. They are also cost-effective and create a natural aesthetic.
- Pavers with Gaps: Lay pavers with small gaps between them, filled with sand or even low-growing ground cover. This creates a semi-permeable surface.
- Wooden Decks or Boardwalks: Sustainable timber or composite decking can be a good choice, especially when elevated to allow for water flow beneath.
- Rain Gardens: Designate specific areas to collect and absorb stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces. These often feature native, water-loving plants.
By thoughtfully integrating hardscaping, you can create functional outdoor rooms without sacrificing ecological benefits or contributing to water management issues.
Overly Formal, Symmetrical, and Themed Gardens
The appeal of highly structured, symmetrical gardens with perfectly clipped hedges and rigid geometric patterns is fading. While beautiful in their own right, these designs often demand constant attention to maintain their precise form.
They can feel disconnected from the natural world, especially for those who seek to immerse themselves in wilder landscapes. For the OutwardLab community, which values resilience and self-sufficiency, these gardens often represent a high-input, low-output approach that isn’t practical or sustainable.
Similarly, heavily themed gardens (think a miniature Tuscan villa or a rigid Zen garden requiring specific, non-native elements) can feel artificial and out of place in many natural settings.
The Maintenance Trap of Formal Designs
Maintaining formal gardens requires meticulous pruning, shaping, and often, specialized tools. Every plant out of place, every hedge slightly uneven, demands immediate correction. This level of maintenance is time-consuming and can detract from the joy of simply being in your outdoor space.
It also often relies on non-native plant species that require specific soil amendments, watering schedules, and pest control, further increasing the environmental footprint and effort.
Embracing Naturalistic and Functional Designs
Shift towards designs that mimic nature’s inherent beauty and efficiency. This means embracing a more relaxed, organic aesthetic.
- Naturalistic Planting: Let plants grow in drifts and layers, much like they would in a forest or meadow. Focus on textures, varying heights, and seasonal interest.
- Permaculture Principles: Design your landscape to be a self-sustaining ecosystem. Think about water harvesting, soil building, edible plants, and attracting beneficial wildlife.
- Edible Forest Gardens: Combine fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs, and groundcovers in a multi-layered system that provides food and habitat with minimal intervention once established.
- Biodiversity Focus: Prioritize plants that support local pollinators and wildlife. A healthy ecosystem is a resilient one, requiring less human intervention.
A naturalistic garden feels more authentic and provides a richer experience, connecting you more deeply with the environment around your home or base camp.
Exotic, Non-Native Plant Species and Invasive Plants
One of the most significant landscaping trends that are on their way out is the widespread use of exotic, non-native plant species, especially those that become invasive. While a plant might be beautiful, if it’s not native to your region, it often requires more resources to thrive and can pose a serious threat to local ecosystems.
Invasive species can outcompete native plants for resources, destroy wildlife habitats, and disrupt the delicate balance of local food webs. For anyone serious about living outdoors smarter and sustainably, understanding the impact of your plant choices is crucial.
The Hidden Dangers of Non-Natives
Many popular ornamental plants were introduced from other continents. While some are benign, others escape cultivation and wreak havoc. They might seem harmless in your garden, but their seeds can be carried by wind or birds to natural areas where they can spread rapidly.
Once established, invasive species are incredibly difficult and expensive to remove, often requiring chemical treatments or extensive manual labor. This goes against the grain of self-sufficiency and responsible land stewardship.
They also don’t provide the right food or shelter for local insects and animals, essentially creating “green deserts” from an ecological perspective.
Prioritizing Native Plants and Local Ecosystems
Embrace plants that naturally belong in your region. This choice offers a multitude of benefits:
- Low Maintenance: Native plants are adapted to your local climate, soil, and rainfall patterns. They require less watering, fertilizing, and pest control.
- Wildlife Support: They provide essential food (nectar, pollen, seeds, berries) and shelter for local birds, insects, and other wildlife, supporting a healthy ecosystem.
- Water Conservation: Once established, most native plants can thrive on natural rainfall, reducing your reliance on irrigation systems.
- Erosion Control: Many native plants have deep root systems that help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes.
- Sense of Place: A native landscape connects your outdoor space to the broader regional ecosystem, fostering a stronger sense of place and belonging.
Before buying plants, always research their origin and check with local nurseries or extension offices for native alternatives. This small step makes a huge difference in creating a resilient and responsible landscape.
Artificial Turf and Synthetic Materials (When Overused)
Artificial turf gained popularity for its promise of a perpetually green, low-maintenance lawn. However, the shine is wearing off as people become more aware of its environmental drawbacks and practical limitations. While it might have niche applications, its widespread use as a replacement for natural landscapes is certainly one of the landscaping trends that are on their way out.
Similarly, the overuse of other synthetic materials like plastic edging or faux rocks often detracts from the natural beauty and ecological function of an outdoor space. For those seeking authenticity and sustainability, these materials fall short.
The Environmental Cost of “Fake” Green
Artificial turf is typically made from petroleum-based plastics. Its production is energy-intensive, and it contributes to plastic waste once it needs replacing (often after 10-15 years).
Unlike natural grass, it doesn’t absorb carbon dioxide, support soil microbes, or provide habitat. It can also get extremely hot in direct sunlight, making it uncomfortable for pets and children. Furthermore, microplastics can leach into the environment over time, and cleaning often requires water, negating some of the perceived water savings.
Choosing Natural and Sustainable Materials
When selecting materials for your landscape, lean towards natural, durable, and locally sourced options.
- Natural Stone: For pathways, retaining walls, or accents, natural stone (local if possible) is beautiful, durable, and blends seamlessly with the environment.
- Wood: Responsibly sourced timber or reclaimed wood can be used for raised beds, benches, or decorative elements.
- Compost and Mulch: These organic materials improve soil health, retain moisture, and suppress weeds, reducing the need for synthetic solutions.
- Living Plants: The ultimate sustainable material! Choose plants appropriate for your climate and design goals.
Embracing natural materials not only creates a more aesthetically pleasing and authentic outdoor space but also supports healthier ecosystems and reduces your environmental footprint.
The Shift Towards Smart, Sustainable Outdoor Living
The fading of these older landscaping trends signifies a broader shift towards more thoughtful, sustainable, and functional outdoor living. As adventurers, solo travelers, homesteaders, and off-grid explorers, we understand the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and living in harmony with nature.
Your outdoor space, whether it’s a small urban patio or a sprawling rural acreage, can be an extension of these values. It can be a place to grow food, support local wildlife, conserve water, and provide a peaceful, low-maintenance retreat after your latest expedition.
Key Principles for a Modern, Resilient Landscape
- Water Conservation: Implement drip irrigation, rain barrels, and choose drought-tolerant native plants (xeriscaping).
- Soil Health: Focus on building healthy soil with compost and mulch. Healthy soil supports healthy plants and retains water better.
- Biodiversity: Plant a variety of native species to support pollinators and local wildlife. Create habitats.
- Edible Landscapes: Integrate food production into your ornamental beds. Every plant can serve multiple purposes.
- Low Maintenance: Design for ease of care. Choose plants that thrive with minimal intervention.
- Fire-Wise Landscaping: Especially crucial for those in wildland-urban interface areas, choose fire-resistant plants and maintain defensible space.
- Outdoor Living Zones: Create functional areas for relaxation, dining, gardening, and storage, using natural materials.
By moving beyond outdated fads, you’re not just updating your yard; you’re investing in a lifestyle that values sustainability, self-reliance, and a deeper connection to the natural world. This approach empowers you to live outdoors smarter and explore confidently, knowing your home base is a resilient sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping Trends That Are On Their Way Out
How can I start transitioning my high-maintenance lawn to a more sustainable landscape?
Start small! You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Begin by converting a section of your lawn into a native plant garden, a pollinator bed, or a small edible garden. Sheet mulching (layering cardboard, compost, and mulch) is an effective way to suppress grass and prepare the bed without chemicals. Observe what grows well in your area and plan accordingly.
Are there any resources to help me find native plants for my region?
Absolutely! Your local university extension office is an excellent resource, often providing lists of native plants suitable for your specific growing zone. Native plant societies, local botanical gardens, and reputable nurseries specializing in natives can also offer expert advice and plant selections. Online resources like the National Wildlife Federation’s native plant finder are also very helpful.
What are some low-cost ways to implement permeable hardscaping?
Gravel or decomposed granite are very affordable options for pathways and patios. You can also use salvaged materials like reclaimed bricks or flagstones, laid with wide gaps filled with sand or a low-growing groundcover like creeping thyme. Creating stepping stone paths with natural pavers and allowing grass or moss to grow between them is another cost-effective and permeable solution.
How can I make my landscape more fire-resistant if I live in a high-risk area?
Fire-wise landscaping focuses on creating defensible space around your home. This includes choosing fire-resistant plants (often those with high water content and low resin), maintaining proper spacing between plants, removing dead vegetation, and keeping trees pruned away from structures. Always consult local fire department guidelines and resources specific to your region for the most effective strategies.
Is it possible to have an attractive landscape that also produces food?
Definitely! This is called “edible landscaping” or “foodscaping.” You can integrate fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs, and vegetables directly into your ornamental beds. Many edible plants, like kale, Swiss chard, blueberries, and even some varieties of peppers, are quite beautiful and can add texture and color to your design. It’s about designing with purpose and maximizing the utility of every plant.
Embrace the Future of Outdoor Living
Steering clear of landscaping trends that are on their way out isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making smart, sustainable choices that align with a life of adventure and self-reliance. By embracing native plants, conserving water, building healthy soil, and designing for functionality, you create an outdoor space that truly supports your values.
Your landscape can be a resilient ecosystem, a source of food, and a beautiful, low-maintenance haven that allows you more time to explore the wild world beyond your backyard. Make choices that benefit both you and the planet.
Stay curious, stay prepared, and live outdoors smarter!
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