I get so excited this time of year! Meetings are scheduled with prospective clients, projects plans are set up from spring to winter, and – the best part – I have the opportunity to share with you the top landscaping trends for the year.
Engaging the senses, bring the ease of indoors… outside, and dogscaping. There seems to be a common thread with our top three contenders this year – pleasure, simplicity, and sustainability.
Landscapes that Engage the Senses
Water features will continue to be a hot item this year. Who can resist the relaxing sound of water? From the over-the-top to the moderately priced projects, people are still drawn to the Zen-like state induced by water gardens. 
What’s better than landscaping that incorporates the tranquil sounds of trickling water? A yard that also unites big beautiful blooms with intoxicating fragrances and hyper-vivid color.
Oh wait, I missed the senses of touch and taste. Let me try this again.
What’s better than landscaping that incorporates the tranquil sounds of trickling water? A yard that also unites big beautiful blooms with intoxicating fragrances, hyper-vivid color, and mouthwatering edibles.
Functional purpose landscaping design incorporates edibles with ornamentals. Edibles have such a payback. They take you from the drudgery of mowing acres of vast lawn to providing bountiful harvests of fruit, vegetables, and herbs. More often, I’m seeing design plans that integrate fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and chicken coops.
Food from your backyard. How novel!
Landscapes that Bring Out the Indoors
After being stuck indoors for the winter, Minnesotans want to get outside as soon as possible! “Nightscaping,” or strategically placing lights by plants for night ambiance, continues to be a hot ticket, as well as the creation of “backyard boldness,” where bright colors and art are merged into the design. But keep it natural; there’s still a preference to invest in quality, natural materials.
Pet-Friendly Landscaping
2016 will be the year of the “dogscaping.” To protect dogs and cats from poisonous plants and harmful chemicals, more and more homeowners are moving away from pesticides toward organic weed control and layered and sustainable landscaping.
You do what it takes to limit your family’s exposure to chemicals, right? There’s no reason to stop there. With little effort, you can take some steps to protect pets from deadly environmental factors.
Pet-friendly landscaping eliminates plants that are toxic to dogs or cats, uses organic lawn care to avoid exposure to chemicals, and ensures that pets are as safe around water and fire features.
See, didn’t I tell you this would be an exciting year! Whether it’s for installation of a complete sound and light system or the creation of a mesmerizing water feature, the staff of McDonough Landscaping will take care of all your outdoor needs.
Appointment times book quickly, so call us today and reserve a landscaping consultation date. 651.755.7901