Ready, set, go..........In the Midwest that is, the new landscape season is nearly upon us. The trends I experienced last year, that are carrying forward this season, are very intriguing to me. Some are a new take on an old theme, particularly propelled by millennials, others an uptick in established patterns. (actually hate the thought of following a trend, but these appeal) Let's take a look, any of these to your liking? Taking the Interiors OUT.......... Not a covered patio, fully emerged in the elements. The use of upholstered outdoor furniture up markets your space instantly. The comfort level soars. A favorite manufacturer is Lee Industries From interesting rug patterns, poufs and high fashion outdoor pillows.....enjoy decorating this extra 'room' Empty Vessels In the above image, place your thumb over the pot and notice how your eye will 'float' across the photo. When removed, your eye will focus, while encompassing the surrounding environs. With the aid of empty vessels you create instant focal points, a foil against plants, an exclamation point of interest. Could these be planted? Of course! Whether creating focal points or no maintenance accents, the typical pot leans towards the Grecian oil jar style Ornamental Grasses From no maintenance to low maintenance, people are gravitating towards the ease of these plants. Wispy and romantic to columnar and structured. Tall to short and in a variety of foliage colors, these specimens have much to offer. I noticed on our garden tour to France last year, the heavy use of grasses, not what one typically thinks of when in French gardens. Free standing Espaliers Espaliers are most often seen hugging a wall, as originally intended. In Europe when few people had land, a spot would be found or carved out against a wall, preferably south or west, to plant a fruit bearing tree for food. Today aesthetics rule the day. Pre-formed trees are most interesting to me as free-standing sentinels. They delineate a space, add massive interest, create a fence like barrier in limited spaces and yes, bear fruit. A Garden within a Garden When designing a garden, I keep in the back of my mind, the principle of creating a getaway spot for intimate conversation or as an individual retreat. In Europe, where I studied gardening, homeowners spaces are often a series of 'rooms' requiring one to explore and sit within the garden. In the US, we usually have one vantage point, say a deck or patio from which to survey our 'land'. Consider creating another space within, providing new views uses and perspectives A Clothesline I am of a certain age that remembers laundry day at my Grandmothers. My parents had a washer and dryer, Grandma had a wringer washer and a clothesline. It screamed summer to me and the clothes were oh so fresh. Unlike my Grandmother, I was endlessly fascinated. This is a movement sparked by those who have never experienced a clothes line. It 'romanticizes' wash day. A few years ago, I was working with a client creating French gardens on her expansive property. I suggested two solid lavender beds, a bit larger than a king sized sheet. After washing her sheets, they were spread over the lavender for drying.The lavender released their fragrant oils in the sun as they dried.....viola! In the aid of Bees As the below quote states, this is a serious predicament. There is welcome interest in the preservation of bees. Along the way we can create colorful borders with bee favored plantings, pick up a new hobby as a beekeeper, enjoying the tasty rewards of bottling honey, become a soap maker, craft colorful beehives...... A friend of my husbands became a passionate beekeeper, hoping his enthusiasm would rub off on him, I began to design the beehive and borders filled with lavender.......sadly, not to bee Imaginative Lighting Up lighting has long been a staple. This is still a format I employ, but ask me for help with the exterior lighting on your home and I am in heaven. Let's peek at a few other options........ Wall Washing with lighting Rope lighting along a rock border Oh yeah!!!!! It is that time again, enjoy! Debra