Revell Landscaping founder, Jenny Revell, is feeling inspired after attending the WALDA Landscape Design Conference – Influences earlier this month. Here are a few of her thoughts on the conference, as well as some upcoming trends within the landscaping industry to watch out for.
“Planting schemes and colour palettes are the biggest change I have noticed for 2016. Gone are the straight lines, hedges and repetitive planting schemes of last year.
Sustainable native plants mixed with exotics and edible plants are bringing a collective sigh to garden designers everywhere. For the trendy look of the season, we are seeing a strong emergence of casual cottage style planting layouts with the occasional formality of a clipped ball for contrast.
Planting as art
Gardenesque style gardens were introduced by Miles Baldwin; he created beautiful landscapes that exuded an almost pre-historic feel. Using large palms or beautiful evergreen trees as the backdrop combined with plants featuring large, bold foliage that artfully contrast with each other. Canna, fountain grass, silver salvias and agaves were all used by Miles in a stunning display. Re-using existing materials found on the site can keep the heritage and character of the space.
Softer colour schemes
Colour palettes are becoming softer with layers of green, soft greys, silvers and just a hint of colour. A spray of a single colour here and there in the garden (for example, in a flower, a screen or ornament) can create a delicate subtlety. White or single colour gardens will be more appreciated in this year’s landscapes. Rusty colours and soft fluffy grasses and subtle details such as a stone wall or interesting edging are key influencers for this season’s trend.
Structure feature points
Image sourced from The Garden Clinic
Covering walls with climbing vines and delicate branching patterns are an example of this year’s style. Get more out of structures by painting arbors and fences. Dark greens, blues and dark charcoals are on-trend colours for the garden. They create a vibrant backdrop for the usage of plants as a feature point.
Reclaiming lost space
We are seeing a lot of patterned driveways in designs this year. With driveways quite often covering such a large space in the garden creating patterns within these spaces makes for a much more interesting look, especially when there are no cars. Use colours and elements that are already in the building to create borders and shapes in driveways and pathways.
“Seeded” aggregate concrete is a rare sight in Perth. Using poured aggregate concrete, the concrete is then “seeded” with smooth river pebbles whilst the concrete is wet and before the aggregate is exposed. Although time consuming, this created a visually textured effect and the choice of colours can be used creatively to suit the individual landscape.
Finish with furniture
Outdoor furniture is also being used differently by designers. Being specific with colours and textures in the fabric and material of furniture can accessorise the garden and complement the garden’s colour scheme and overall feel.
Get the glow
Fire pits of all kinds are here to stay, used more as accents in the landscape. People are wanting them away from cooking areas, and we are seeing the emergence of customised designs to suit the home and individual: round, square, rectangular and/or portable. Deep seating with cushions around a fireplace are great for conversation areas in a garden that also adds a welcoming feel to the area.
Finally, it is with great delight that we are seeing more planting in gardens this year rather than hardscaping. With the focus on natives and edibles, plants are regaining their rightful place of importance in this year’s most on-trend gardens.”
