The latest landscaping trends transforming outdoor spaces in New Zealand

The potential for our home's outdoor spaces has never been as abundantly clear as it is today with so many excellent landscape designs to admire and marvel at. The very best achieve success on a variety of levels whether it's blending indoor comfort with outdoor elegance, or ecological awareness with designer aesthetics. These landscaping trends demonstrate this to a tee showing exactly what is being achieved in some of the best homes across the country.

The merging of modern style with rustic charm is becoming an increasingly popular approach in landscape design. It can create a visually appealing and calming outdoor space that combines sleek, minimalist aesthetics with rustic materials and earthy elements. The inclusion of modern outdoor furniture alongside plants that have naturally wild aesthetics is just one example of this approach that aims to be both contemporary and inviting.

Technological innovations have drastically changed how we enjoy our outdoor spaces and louvred pergolas are a fantastic example of this as the favoured form of outdoor shelter in recent years. It's the versatility and convenience they've offered, with homeowners able to control the amount of light, ventilation and privacy while also protecting against the weather. Their sleek design means they can complement a variety of architectural styles, allowing them to integrate easily into an outdoor living space.

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Naturalistic planting has become a popular trend in residential landscaping due to its environmental sustainability, natural aesthetics, and mental health benefits. With a focus on native plants in New Zealand, they tend to be lower maintenance while improving the biodiversity of gardens — highly relevant factors in the face of climate change. The informal, dynamic beauty of naturalistic planting in gardens with seasonal changes offers homeowners a deep connection with the natural world and a feeling of serenity that is hard to match.

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Swimming pools, plunge pools and spas have always been popular in this country but the use of them with respect to landscape design is what has begun to change with some spectacular results. Bespoke designs that reflect a home's architecture, improve functionality and enhance outdoor styling mean these custom-built pools contribute more than just a body of water to enjoy. They add value across the board making them an incredible addition to a home.

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Planting edible plants is one of the top landscaping trends of our times thanks to its numerous benefits, encompassing sustainability, personal health, and reduced living costs. These benefits are all fairly self-evident and have been for a while but it's the fast-changing global situation concerning climate change, tough economic times and challenging health crises that have brought this to the fore. Raised garden beds and vertical planters are frequently used for this growing movement that will no doubt become an important part of all our lives.

The garden is a deeply personal space for many, reflecting one's tastes, passions and individual style. A great way to express this is through garden sculptures and art — a landscaping trend that has helped many create outdoor spaces that are captivating and unique. This trend goes beyond including one feature piece as a focal point but rather encourages a curation of pieces akin to having an art gallery in your outdoor space.

Related article: Exploring the importance of sculptures in modern New Zealand garden design

Another rising trend in outdoor living and landscape design is to create zones for different purposes — a popular one being a space for peaceful solitude. The health and well-being benefits of this are obvious, especially given the busy and sometimes chaotic lives we lead. Furthermore, you don't need to dedicate a huge amount of garden area for this to work well. With good design, a few square metres can work a treat and make a big difference to your life.

Sunken seating spaces have found a niche for themselves thanks to their unique ability to create intimate, cosy gathering spots that encourage social interaction and relaxation. These areas are architecturally interesting, offering secluded spots in outdoor living areas, which can be particularly appealing. The design naturally shelters occupants from wind, creating a mini microclimate that can be warmer than the surrounding space. When combined with a fire pit or outdoor fireplace it can really extend the outdoor living season for homeowners.

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Planting tropical plants is one of those exciting landscaping trends that embraces escapism by creating exotic, lush environments that transform gardens into private retreats. They offer tremendous sensory appeal with vibrant blooms, large and dramatic foliage and plenty of natural diversity that encapsulates a sanctuary-like atmosphere. This particular trend is one of a number on this list that appeals to the idea of creating an outdoor oasis in your home. It just helps you relax and unwind in your own backyard that much easier making it a space you'll want to spend time in.

The courtyard is a somewhat antiquated feature that is finding plenty of modern appeal in contemporary home and garden design. It makes sense when you start to look at it closely. Their multifunctional and versatile nature provides a private and often tranquil space that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. Protected from prying eyes, homeowners also get a completely secluded space for relaxing, dining and entertaining in an undeniably welcoming way. When creature comforts like luxurious seating, cosy heating, high-quality paving etc are added to the mix, you have something very special indeed.

A big trend in landscaping design is the use of bold material contrasts that create striking visual interest and dramatic impact within a space. It leverages the juxtaposition of different building and landscaping materials, such as the warmth of wood against the coolness of metal or the density of concrete against the natural layers of foliage to define spaces and add depth and definition to outdoor areas. This allows homeowners and landscape designers to express their personal and professional style in a unique way, dramatically enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a property.

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These landscaping trends are a testament to our country's love for outdoor living, offering a blend of functionality, aesthetic beauty, and environmental consciousness. From the lush, edible gardens that bring fresh produce right to your doorstep, to the serene sunken seating areas designed for intimate gatherings, these trends are redefining what it means to connect with nature in one's own backyard.