Our slogan at Himmel’s is Get Outside – and we live in a great place for it! As the weather warms and schedules become crammed with sports activities, concerts, picnics and other school and social events, it’s natural to long for some quiet space to relax and unwind. That space could be in your own backyard!
Check out the latest outdoor living trends for 2024 and gather inspiration for creating the tranquil backyard oasis of your dreams.
Outstanding outdoor gathering spaces are designed for comfort, convenience, and entertainment. Start with a patio large enough to accommodate seating for family and friends. Patio trends this year include large format pavers in monochromatic colors, porcelain pavers, permeable pavers, and bluestone. Do you enjoy cooking outdoors? Consider a grill nook with a few built-in stone planters for handy access to fresh herbs and veggies, or go bold with a complete outdoor kitchen and bar area beneath a custom pergola.
Carefully designed seating areas bring the comfort of indoor living to the outdoors, whether it’s a book and coffee nook for two, an outdoor bar for a few, or a bench and firepit combo for your whole crew! Trends in outdoor seating include bold sitting boulders that double as accents, and cozy Adirondack chairs with pillows situated close to the firepit for long nights hanging out with family, friends, and neighbors.
Fire features are trending more than ever, and are available in a wide range of sizes and finishes to suit your unique style. Oversized firepits and fire tables are very popular for those who love entertaining larger groups. Want to try something different?
Consider a cauldron style firepit that doubles as a grill.
The soothing sound of splashing water adds a touch of Zen-like tranquility to your outdoor space. Trends in water features include small scale fountains, bubblers, reflecting pools, and tiny ponds that incorporate interesting materials.
Don’t forget lighting! Color-changing LED lights controlled with an app on your smartphone are the latest in landscape lighting, and can transform your yard with fun and festive seasonal color!
Formal Gardens with Classically Inspired Architectural Elements
Carefully manicured landscapes in cool shades of green and white can bring a sense of peace and elegance to your surroundings, separating your space from the hectic outside world. Crisp hedges create privacy, while a few well-placed topiaries or carefully pruned trees add a three-dimensional quality that draws the eye. Stone paths and thoughtfully selected statuary add architectural interest. Columns, pillars, and urns in marble tones are timeless elements! The whole effect is enhanced by a few touches of whimsy – either with pops of perennial color in shades of purple and pink, a small water feature, or an ornate mirror or sundial as a focal point. Even the smallest spaces can benefit from the classic elements of a formal garden.
Native Plants to Attract Pollinators
The native trend is no longer a trend… It’s here to stay! Native plants benefit the environment by creating food and habitat for beautiful birds, precious pollinators, and local wildlife. The many varieties of native trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials create 4-season interest, featuring outstanding flowers and fragrance, evergreen interest, edible berries, gorgeous fall color, and more! Even a small patio planter full of flowering native perennials can benefit bees and butterflies. Enhance your outdoor space with a few native selections and draw nature into your oasis!
Make it Happen
Wherever your daydreams take you… let the friendly experts at Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center help you transform your yard into a uniquely beautiful habitat.
Contact landscaping@himmelsgardencenter.com or call 410-255-7730 to schedule a free consultation.
