Modern Outdoor Plants

More About Modern Outdoor Plants

In the same manner, modern architecture is greatly enhanced by a modern landscape. The hallmark of a modern design is “less is more.” Modern style incorporates a few statement elements and has a lot of intentionally open space. When it comes down to it, modern designs are simplistic. They use straight lines, bold colors, and large swaths of plants. The landscape stays neat and tidy. The plants chosen often have dominant shapes, such as super-round clipped boxwood or a straight line of strictly vertical grasses.

We’ve compiled a list of the 10 essential elements found in many modern landscape designs.

Simple and Straightforward Planting Style

• Select plants with dominant shapes or plants that can be tightly clipped to create a dominate shape, such as boxwood
• Avoid large, free-flowing, sprawling plants
• Include the use of bold colors
• Unified design uses similar shapes, such as taller grasses as a backdrop for shorter ground cover grasses
• Grasses are a common element
• It is important to use plants that are easy to care and require little maintenance. Modern is care-free!

Clean Lines & Geometric Shapes

• Large squares and rectangles, sometimes a circle thrown in
• Small rectangular, crisply cut lawns
• Beds lined with straight lines of plants
• Trees with very straight, angular forms
• Rectangular courtyards
• Topiary, tightly clipped balls of boxwood, etc.
• Sharply edged gardens in straight lines
• Tall, straight fences separating garden areas
• Straight edges in the angles of the walls, stairs and pathways
• Walking paths have straight edges often using large concrete pavers. They are not meandering and do not use irregularly shaped stones such as flagstone
• Tightly clipped hedgerows

Hard Surfaces

• Use modern materials to create walkways, living areas and fences
• Incorporate lots of stone and metal and perhaps some unusual materials
• Select concrete rather than flagstone
• Steel is more modern than wood
• Geometric/ square/rectangular garden planters
• Garden containers made from metal or using metallic colors
• Industrial salvage rather than terracotta pots
• Consider shiny, reflective objects for garden accents
• Mix & match materials, particularly concrete pavers with gravel
• Stainless steel is popular for outdoor accessories such as grills, firepits, and seating

Bold colors

• Brightly colored seating cushions and other fabric accessories
• Include plants with bright flower or foliage colors
• Use large swaths of one type of colorful plant to create a sea of color

Low-maintenance Lawn Alternatives

• Modern landscapes tend to have very little lawn and the lawn is not a focal point
• Ornamental grasses and ground covers may be used as an alternative to turf

Lighting

• Lighting can be used to accentuate the geometric shapes
• Low voltage lights can be placed between river stones to illuminate the nighttime landscape
• Line pathways with low lights or rope lights
• Direct spotlights up into tree canopies to create vertical interest

Water Elements

• Modern landscapes almost always include a water feature
• Use water to separate formal from natural spaces
• Water features can be used to create additional architectural elements
• Place fountains near sitting areas so that the sound of moving water encourages relaxation

Creative Fencing & Barriers

• Tall, solid fencing that does not distract from the landscaping
• Use metal or copper colored materials

The modern landscape creates a soothing and relaxing environment. The clean lines and lack of clutter are rather quite meditative. The use of bold color and architecturally striking plants keeps the garden from being boring. Best of all, the modern garden is almost maintenance-free.