The less said about 2020 the better.
But bring on 2021 because the garden design trends coming this year are all about celebrating the outdoor lifestyle.
Victorians were stuck inside for most of 2020, so it makes sense the landscaping trends set to dominate 2021 are a mixture of design and practical changes that make the outdoors a more enjoyable and relaxing space.
As the pandemic made it difficult to move between state borders and travel was restricted, more and more people have been focusing on their outdoor living and entertaining spaces.
The result? An explosion of creative gardens, all-weather entertainment, socialising spaces, and low maintenance yards that can host a party (but don’t require 4 hours of work every Sunday afternoon to keep organised).
Mornington Peninsula gardens are forever evolving and changing (part of why we love working in this stunning part of Australia) and in 2021 these are the garden design trends set to take over.
Undercover spaces for all-weather entertaining
The Mornington Peninsula isn’t immune from Melbourne’s famous ‘Four seasons in a day’ weather cycle.
While a burst of unexpected rain is great for the plants, it can ruin a family event or backyard barbecue quicker than you can say “someone get the sausages out of the rain”.
To counter the challenges of the ever-changing conditions, 2021 will see a push towards all-weather entertainment spaces that work in the summer as well as the cooler, rainy months.
The most common additions to facilitate this lifestyle include:
- Pergolas: Expect treated timber to handle the rain as well as aluminium and PVC
- Alfresco Areas: Expect slip-resistant tiling and stone pavers
- Outdoor Kitchens: Expect non-porous stone that’s easy to clean as well as durable granite
This landscaping trend isn’t just about style either - but adding value to your property too.
Pergolas, alfresco entertainment areas and outdoor kitchens help elevate Mornington Peninsula properties so whether there’s a plan to sell down the track, or transform a family home into a more welcoming space, this garden design trend offers both form and function.
The outdoors as an extension of indoors
If you’re not using your outdoor space regularly, what value does it have?
That’s the question that’s driving Mornington Peninsula homeowners to transform underutilised lawns into highly liveable outdoor areas set-up to entertain, socialise or just relax (and after the events of 2020, you’re entitled to a bit of that).
Victorians have always embraced outdoor living and this cultural appreciation for the sun and sky has led to garden design trends like:
- Replacing lawn areas with paving
- Pathways through garden beds
- Raised garden beds with built-in seats
- Built-in seating constructed of concrete or timber with internal storage
This 2021 design trend has been driven by Victoria’s lockdowns with families realising that time spent at home needs to be practical and enjoyable. With an increased value placed on the outdoors, we’re seeing a growth in outdoor lighting as families look to enjoy their space outside of daylight hours.
It’s worth pointing out these lighting options aren’t a standard LED globe like you might find inside the home. Using uplights around backyard features, accent lighting to create depth, or outdoor lanterns by backyard dining tables, the average outdoor space is blending with the indoor space more than ever.
Wondering how to use outdoor lighting to elevate your space? Discover 6 ‘bright’ ideas here
Low maintenance gardens
You live a busy life, so it makes sense you’d rather spend your free time relaxing in the garden, not working in it.
It’s this goal in mind that’s driving low maintenance gardens that don’t require hours of hard work, but retain the feeling of your own private oasis. The most common expression of this trend is the contemporary, minimalist style of hardscapes (think paving and decking) that turn any outdoor space into a ready-made entertainment area.
Pairing this with built-in level changes allows for natural seating options and raised garden beds watered through irrigation systems (another time-saving measure).
With the traditional lawn no longer a necessity, pools and spas are becoming more common. Designed with entertaining spaces around them, rather than plants and foliage that need attention, there’s less lawn care required but more ways for you and your family to relax.
As a bonus, if you’re missing a splash of greenery, try adding oversized pots to complement stone pavers for a flash of nature among your modern, sleek backyard.
Firepits
Fire pits are 2021’s hottest garden trend(sorry, we had to make the pun) thanks to their all-purpose nature.
Whether it’s a family event, a party with friends and family, or using your own fire pit to stay warm and enjoy the long nights through June, July and August; outdoor fire pits will only become more desirable throughout 2021.
Staying on the theme of making the home more livable, don’t expect to see a random fire pit placed anywhere on a patch of gravel or cleared lawn space. Mornington Peninsula homeowners are getting creative with design choices like:
- Outdoor fire pits with built-in concrete seating to reduce damage and encourage year-round use
- Outdoor fire pit area with built-in timber storage seats to match the aesthetic of the outdoor space
- Sunken fire pits to create backyard focal points that attract the eye
BONUS TIP: Don’t think your fire has to provide all the light. With a little low-level ambient lighting you can add extra atmosphere and romance for those special date nights at home.
More garden and less lawn
Removing grass from the garden doesn’t mean eliminating the greenery entirely.
2021 is set to usher in a desire for raised garden beds that offer food, veggie and flowers while still allowing for paved outdoor spaces that are perfect for entertaining. Instead of choosing one or the other, Mornington Peninsula homes are bringing traditional garden beds off the ground, and finding new ways to unlock livable spaces with chairs and tables for outdoor dining.
Raised garden beds are ideal for growing veggies, herbs and other foods that can be plucked from the ground and added to meals being served in the very same space.
In short, 10 years ago there was a demand for large lawns covered in grass. But in 2021 Victorians are saying “I want to make the most of my outdoor space without sacrificing my favourite plants or gardening hobbies” - and raised garden beds are doing just that.
Which landscaping trend inspires you?
The best part about your own garden is that it’s yours to sculpt and design any way you like.
After a year like no other, Mornington Peninsula homes are becoming more relaxing and enjoyable spaces. But whether you follow the trends and add your own fire pit, create a functional outdoor space for year-round entertaining, or find a landscape design team to implement your custom vision, your garden is what you make of it.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a balcony or a backyard, there’s freedom in creating your dream outdoor space - and 2021 is the perfect time to do it.
Looking for help to create your dream outdoor space? Call us for expert advice today
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