As we come into the summer of 2017, it’s time to start thinking about top landscaping designs. Whether you intend on putting your home on the market or simply want to increase the curb appeal for your enjoyment and possible opportunities, this is the season to do it. Grab your gardening gloves; your landscape is about to take on a life of its own.

Gardening with a purpose
The biggest landscaping design trend of 2017 is all about gardening with a purpose. As such, many homeowners are trading in their ornamental flower beds for edible landscapes. While blooming flowers aren’t being forgotten altogether, fresh vegetable and herb gardens are taking precedence over other plants in 2017. Gardening with a purpose comes with many benefits. You can grow your fruits, vegetables and herbs organically without having to pay an increased price.

Eco-friendly and native landscapes
The world has taken a turn towards sustainable living. People no longer want to eat processed foods, drink out of plastic bottles or have any damaging substances within their garden. As such, many homeowners are implementing sustainable, eco-friendly materials for their landscape designs to extend their natural lifestyle to the exterior of their home. Additionally, homeowners want native species that control the environmental conditions. ‘Naturescaping’ is the process of growing native plants to attract local birds, garden-friendly insects and bees to enhance the overall appeal of landscaping.

Completely custom outdoor living spaces
Backyards are taking on a life of their own as homeowners extend their living space into the great outdoors in 2017. Outdoor living spaces have been a growing landscape design trend over the last couple of years. Instead of putting out some patio furniture, many are opting for fully customized areas that are equipped with all the amenities they need to relax, entertain and dine. From outdoor kitchens to Zen gardens, backyards are now an extension of the home.

Illuminated landscape designs
With the rise of outdoor living spaces, there has been a significant increase in illuminated landscapes. Now that homeowners can do everything they need to do, many are opting to install luxurious exterior lights to illuminate the functionality of their landscapes. Solar powered path lights and LED lighting fixtures are at the top of landscaping trends as they coincide with the eco-friendly efforts of 2017.

Landscapes that conserve water
Many regions in the United States have struggled with droughts in 2017. As such, the continuous changes in the environment have caused many states to impose water regulations, which directly impacts avid gardeners across the nation. Fortunately, many homeowners have found a solution. Instead of trading in their green thumb, they’re now incorporating water conservation within their landscape design. Simple changes such as using a drip irrigation system or a container of rainwater instead of a sprinkler can make a dramatic impact on your landscape when there is a drought.

There’s no denying that 2017 landscape designs are more eco-friendly than we have ever seen before. From natural materials to locally-sourced plants, native species and water conservation, outdoor living areas provide many benefits that go beyond what meets the eye.

Top Landscaping Designs of 2017 by Better Home & Garden Real Estate