For a landscape design to be considered modern, it does not have to strictly display straight lines, exhibit minimalism, or require the use of concrete, granite, and mass plantings. According to experts, modern landscape garden designing combines different approaches, elements, materials, and techniques. These aspects may not be present in an outdoor space all at the same time, but in a truly modern garden, most of them will be utilised.
Here is a list of characteristics that will help you understand what a modern garden is:
Hard ground
The ground must be walkable, look good, and drought-tolerant year-round. It helps to keep weeds out and fills gaps in slabs and stepping stones.
Spaces filled with hardscape
The portions of the landscape people mostly use are the spaces shaped and defined patios and paths.
Mixed and matched hardscape materials
In a single space, natural stone, decomposed granite, concrete, and more may be used. Mixing them allows a space to exhibit a high hardscape to softscape transition without making the design dull.
Water-control
When using stone, pavers, and concrete, drainage issues may occur sending rainwater flowing into the sewer system. With modern landscape garden designs, dry wells, rain gardens, and many more are utilised to capture water, holding it to be naturally absorbed by the dry ground.
LED lighting
Using LED bulbs is cost-effective. They are more efficient when used for landscape lighting fixtures that can last for a long time.
Wood is present
Wood acts as a contrasting element to stone or concrete. When used in walkways, it adds a natural touch to the garden.
Plants are strategically grouped
Planting a variety of plants together may lower the need for maintenance as it allows you to care for plants in an area. Separating plants that are drought-tolerant from others keeps them from being over watered.
Outside design must complement the inside
The outdoor space must flow easily with the indoor space that coming in and out of the spaces is as easy and comfortable as possible. You may need to make renovations in your decks, landings, steps, etc.
Structure over materials
Using steel or decking does not make a space modern. Given that material options vary over time, with some getting behind the trend while others shoot to popularity, obsessing over them does not result in a modern garden. Getting the structure of a garden correct is what matters most.
The characteristics that define the modern landscape garden listed above may change over time, but it should be clear that it is more than just an aesthetic or a style. A modern garden can be a combination of different styles.