With spring approaching, many homeowners are gearing up for spring cleaning and refreshing their homes. If you’re thinking it might be time to create your dream landscaping too, it’s important to decide what types of landscape fit your personality and your home best.
1. Cottage Garden
Cottage gardens are exactly the dreamy landscapes they sound like. The most traditional cottage gardens originated in England, but the style has taken on a life of its own as it has spread. A cottage garden is whimsical and cozy and usually follows a few basic principles.
These types of gardens are usually full of life, quite literally. Cottage gardens fill a majority of the available land with local plant varieties. They can have edible plants, trees, and flowers of all varieties. Most have curvy paths and incorporate fences or gates, arbors, and assorted old items to add intrigue.
Benefits of a Cottage Garden
- Low Maintenance: Since wild and whimsical typify a cottage garden, plants are left to grow as they please. Pruning and mowing are rare in one of these.
- Pollinator-Friendly: One of the keys to a good cottage garden is the abundance of flowering plants for bees and other pollinators.
- Fairytale Appeal: The English countryside gave this garden style its magical feel, and dreamy aesthetic
These types of landscapes are often very cost-effective since the plants and landscaping are usually local and low-maintenance.
2. Japanese Garden
Japanese-style gardens are popular for a more philosophical approach. These gardens are meticulously designed, and the traditions of Japanese gardens date back to the 5th century CE. They typically portray a smaller version of a natural scene, incorporating waterfalls, streams, lakes, evergreen trees, and valley areas.
The goal of these gardens is to connect humans to nature. Japanese gardens harmonize architecture and nature, blurring the lines between inside and out to do so.
Benefits of a Japanese Garden
- Stress Relief: Japanese gardens are a haven for peace and tranquility. Their calm, simple design promotes thought and reflection.
- Simplicity: The modest and reserved design isn’t flashy, but the asymmetrical aspects provide interest.
- Year-Round Beauty: Modern Japanese gardens use evergreen trees, moss, and rocks so the colors and landscapes stay consistent year-round.
3. Traditional Landscaping
Traditional landscaping takes a more polished approach. These types of landscapes incorporate elements like hedges, edging, separate plant beds, trees, and fencing to create a refined look. Traditional landscapes are often symmetrical and modern. They include perennials, annuals, and shrubs, providing variety throughout the year.
Open lawns and clear divisions in space create utility and interesting design.
Benefits of Traditional Landscaping
- Curb Appeal: Traditional landscaping exemplifies urban living. It gives a modern house a classy exterior as well.
- Versatility: This style makes outdoor spaces more functional with patios, pathways, and seating areas.
- Customizable: No matter what style your house is, a traditional approach can complement your home with the plants and components you like the best.
4. Formal Garden
Formal gardens are the most structured style of landscaping. It involves a much more sophisticated and elegant design, and often takes work to keep things looking pristine. Symmetry and precision characterize these types of landscapes. Many formal landscapes will have neatly manicured gardens and structured pathways through the land.
Benefits of a Formal Garden
- Defined Structure: Working with a professional contractor will ensure you get clear definition in your landscape. These styles require detailed planning and execution.
- Timeless Design: Incorporating topiary and other greenery means your garden will look gorgeous all year round. The design is classy and the formality is timeless.
- Refined Look: When it comes to formal gardens, Neuschwanstein, Edinburgh, and Versailles should inspire you. A formal garden will have your land looking downright royal.
5. Natural Garden
Natural gardens combine the low-maintenance of a cottage garden and the class of traditional landscaping. This style of landscaping cultivates the natural, local flora to create a beautiful garden and involves elements like curbing, walkways, and rock formations. A natural garden should reflect both your taste and the environment around you. A well-planned garden will help you lower watering costs, plant care, and invite natural wildlife.
Benefits of a Natural Garden
- Eco-Friendly: Utilizing local vegetation means replenishing the ecosystem. Native plants improve the soil quality, handle pests better, and attract pollinators.
- Cost-Effective: Plants suited to your area are already prepared for the elements. This makes them hardy, requiring less water and easier winter preparation.
- Comfortable: If your garden is easy to take care of, it’s easier to enjoy. Natural gardens are customizable, so you can create a beautiful landscape all your own.
Partner with Stoeckig to Create Your Dream Landscape
Whatever your perfect landscape is, Stoekig Landscape Group can make it happen. Our team will be with you through the whole process, from initial consultation to support after the job is finished. We take the time to understand your vision, home, and budget to tailor a landscaping solution just for you.
Schedule a consultation with us today to start building your dream landscape.