6 Inspirational Landscape Design Ideas to Elevate Your Landscaping in Wheaton, IL
With the first crocuses peeking out of the snow, you and thousands of other homeowners in the area are getting excited about spring landscaping projects. Whether your landscape needs a minor spruce-up or a major remodel, here are 6 inspirational landscape design ideas to elevate your landscaping in Wheaton, IL.
1. Keep It Local
There is a growing trend away from high-maintenance, thirsty lawns to more sustainable landscaping that is just as attractive as a landscape made with exotic imported plants.
Native plants, ranging from ground covers to deciduous and evergreen trees, are the best choices for a water-wise landscape that rarely needs supplemental irrigation or fertilization. Natives are also much more resistant to local varieties of pests. This strategy of reducing the size of your lawn and introducing more native plants will reduce your water bill, puts fewer chemicals on your landscape, and allows you to spend more time with your family and friends.
During lockdowns, more people than ever discovered the restorative effect of nature. Today, there is a growing emphasis on “rewilding” or creating natural landscaping that provides havens for birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. These habitats center around native plants and include sources of fresh water, as well as shelter.
2. Outdoor Living Perfectly Designed for You
Many homes feature a concrete slab outside the kitchen, just big enough for a grill and a few lounge chairs. If you felt cramped on your patio last summer with the lockdowns, this year is the perfect time to add to the space and make it more usable.
Whether you opt for a new paver patio that’s one main area that comfortably fits an outdoor cooking space, dining area, and relaxing area - or create a series of interconnected outdoor “rooms” that extend out into the landscape - either way, you will have plenty of space for comfortable outdoor living.
Even if your backyard is small, your landscape designer can create an amazing outdoor experience that uses every inch of the backyard while still maintaining a gorgeous natural feel.
If your patio is adequate but you want to add a few amenities such as a fire pit or pergola, even these relatively minor changes will give it a fresh feel.
3. Smart Technology
Nearly everything in your home can now be controlled via your smartphone, and the landscape is no different. Lighting, irrigation, water features, and of course entertainment can be adjusted at the touch of a button. No more over- or under-lit areas; no more over- or under-watered lawns; no more blasting your music to have it heard in the farthest corner of your landscape (like lighting, outdoor audio systems can be zoned).
4. Neutral, Natural Colors
Part of the back-to-nature theme is toning down the brightness and boldness of hardscape materials and accessories and choosing soothing neutrals.
5. Multi-Level Living
Multi-level outdoor living is a staple on sloped lots; however, a pancake-flat landscape can be made so much more interesting by creating multiple levels. Even just one step up or down helps to create visual interest and define spaces and allow for creative expression using different materials.
6. Luxurious Simplicity
Less really is more. Narrowing down the list of amenities and features to ones that actually bring joy and get used, means you can allocate your landscape renovation resources to better materials.
