Top Garden Trends For Your Personalized Outdoor Landscape

Photo courtesy of Birdsall

No matter the temperature or the weather, Coloradans love their outdoor environments. Designers are following lifestyle trends with more plants; exotic-inspired, water-friendly landscapes; and pops of bright colors in garden containers

CONTAINER PLANTS

“Come the end of spring, beginning of summer, we here in Colorado are ready for some life and color to our outdoor spaces,” says Erin Robbins, owner of Petal & Pots by Erin. “The easiest and quickest way to achieve this is to pop in some vibrant greens and colorful annuals to your containers, window boxes and small garden beds. Evergreen plants and ornamental grasses are vibrant and super-low maintenance. Annuals such as begonias, petunias, dahlias, geraniums, cosmos and impatiens are some of my staples for summer containers, and all come in a variety of colors. Add a little sweet potato vine or ivy vine to trail over.”

Photo courtesy of Petal and Pots

BALCONY BLOOMS AND HANGING PLANTS

“The Chelsea Flower Show is leading the way with a balcony and container gardens,” shares Annie Huston, owner of Birdsall. “Many of the gardens highlight the benefits of immersing oneself in nature, as well as water conservation and plants that can cope with changing and challenging weather conditions, which resonates with our customers.” Huston also suggests taking inspiration from exquisite Parisian terraces and balconies, for which French doors were designed, and make the most of any exposure to sun and fresh air.

Get creative and try hanging baskets that work as privacy aides as well as additional greenery in a window or on a terrace. “Hanging plants are making a huge comeback, whether indoors or outdoors. A classic is a spider plant, with its dozens of runners or spiderettes nestled in a macramé hanger; it recalls the midcentury style in all its glory,” laughs Huston.

Photo courtesy of Petal and Pots

“I love hanging plants,” says Candice Hart, co-owner of Consciously Transforming Space, who works with clients in the Aspen and Denver areas to bring extra life into their spaces. “They are really a part of functional design, and we suggest them often. But be careful: If they are on a patio or balcony, make sure they are protected from the wind or can be put on the ground until storms pass.”

Transitional plants—those that can winter in the house and enjoy spring and summer outdoors—are becoming more available and on-trend. Notes Robbins, “Even houseplants are making a huge comeback. Keep in mind, shady outdoor areas are able to tolerate certain houseplants, too. Succulents are becoming very popular to plant in containers and are extremely low maintenance as well.”

Photo courtesy of Birdsall

WELL-INTENTIONED WATER

Even in smaller spaces such as a patio or side garden, the less watering and hassle, the better. “Clients want low maintenance,” Hart says. “That’s why we recommend grouping pots together, even if they are eclectic or two to three colors, and adding a drip system outside from the hose if possible.” Robbins agrees: “What I’m hearing more and more from clients is that they want low maintenance. The best way to achieve this with your flower containers is to have irrigation tubing installed to water them on the sprinkler cycle.” 

“Over the years, we’ve noticed homeowners drifting toward personalized landscapes, according to their unique uses, needs and wants, with a lot of reflection on what is practical, usable, eco-friendly and inspirational.”

Annie Huston, owner, Birdsall Gardens 

Huston’s clients are requesting fewer in-ground water features and instead want stand-alone fountains. “Our best sellers are fountains in all styles, from contemporary to the classic tiered ones. I would recommend paying special attention to the sound they make, from a bubble to a trickle to a loud splash, since they will create a completely different atmosphere.” A fountain can help detract from traffic noise or help mute loud neighbors. Huston adds, “Birdbath fountains are also very popular since they combine aesthetics, sounds and appeal to bird watchers.”

Photo courtesy of Petal and Pots

INTERNATIONAL INSPIRATION

Travel abroad and popular television series are igniting a desire for exotic gardens that require less water. “The Bridgerton series fueled the interest for Victorian gardens and their romantic floral displays—roses, lilacs, hydrangeas—on either side of the gravel paths. Picture rose gardens with an undergrowth of lavender around a birdbath fountain,” describes Huston. “Mediterranean gardens in the classic Greek, Italian and French styles enchant senses with their gravel sounds under a baking sun. They seem sophisticated, with stone walls, statuary, archways and columns crawling with blooming vines. [They are] the perfect environment to intersperse containers or fountains as a focal point.” 

Julie Bielenberg is a Colorado-based writer for outlets such as Cowboys & Indians, Newsweek, Family Vacationist, Rachel Ray in Season, Spoke + Blossom, USA Today and numerous others. She is always in search of field, farm, forest and forage with her three children, two pandemic pooches, and an outdoorsy husband.