As the first month of the new year comes to a close (how did that happen already?) we at Landcrafters feel it’s finally time to wave goodbye to the trends of yesteryear – AKA, it’s time to let go of what was hot in 2018 and get a grip on what’s going on for 2019.

In case we haven’t mentioned it, we’ve been in the landscaping biz for about two decades serving wonderful clients to the best of our abilities, meaning we take a lot of pride in knowing what’s good and what’s bad when it comes to landscaping trends.

As a commercial business in Tampa Bay, you probably already know that a landscape can make or break certain aspects of your business (trust us, it’s true!). But did you know that an updated, modern, and refreshed landscape matters, too? At Landcrafters, we believe that landscaping trends exist for a reason – they follow the ebb and flow of the consumers wants and needs, and as a business, that’s probably (at least partially) your bread and butter.

That’s why we want to enlighten you, our Tampa Bay business and commercial partners, on what you should know for the rest of 2019. It’s time to turn the page on 2018’s trends (those are so last year, right?) and tune into what’s hot in Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County, and Pinellas County businesses this year.

Check out a few of our favorite up-and-coming commercial landscaping trends for 2019!

Eco-Friendly Landscapes & and Earth-Friendly Landscaping Methods

This probably isn’t news to you, but eco-friendly is so in (it’s also wildly beneficial to the environment, of course). Whether it’s eco-friendly, green landscaping practices, earth-friendly equipment, or eco-centric features, your customers will likely go absolutely crazy when they notice you’re doing your part to take care of the earth.

This can be done in small but noticeable ways, like switching your gas-powered landscaping tools to battery-operated tools and equipment (at Landcrafters, we’re happy to oblige). This push toward eco-friendly equipment is a huge trend for 2019 as people continuously become more earth-friendly and environmentally conscious.

Another eco-friendly trend is to include landscape features that naturally give back to the earth. Think low-maintenance pollinator gardens (with flowers and plants that attract bees, butterflies, and more), hydroponic indoor gardens, and personalized, outdoor gardens that allow you to grow your own fruits and vegetables. This is a fun option as it can provide your commercial business with fresh produce for on-site restaurants or cafes, or you can propose picking opportunities to your customers, too.

Did we mention that smart, eco-friendly implementations can do more than attract customers and help the earth in obvious ways? Cleverly implemented landscape features can allow you to drastically reduce your energy bills while smart, eco-friendly technology (like smart irrigation systems) can ensure you’re doing your part to avoid wasting water.

Fun Foliage (Color is Still King)

This is a trend that will (likely) never die – color rules the roost in the kingdom of landscaping. A splash of color that pops throughout your landscape draws the eye, makes a great impression, and keeps your customers interested in the design and fluidity of your landscape. Gone are the days of boring, flat foliage – 2019 is the year for texture and color! Consider fun, Florida plants that are bright and exciting (but also durable and ready to face the tricky Florida weather) like:

 

• Firebush
• American Beautyberry
• Blanket Flowers
• Pentas
• Evolvulus
• Coreopsis
• Gerbera
• Blue Salvia
• Mexican Heather

 

 

And so much more!

Low Maintenance Landscape

Sure, complicated landscapes might seem like the ongoing hot trend, but we’ve got news for you — landscaping doesn’t actually have to be high maintenance in order to look high maintenance. Translation? As long as your landscape looks intricate and beautiful it can be as low-maintenance as possible.

So, how exactly do you accomplish this in Florida?

Try implementing both native and drought-tolerant plants – the tougher the better in our weird-weather state, right? Look to implement landscape designs that are both flashy and functional (a little razzle-dazzle is great, but don’t implement this for no reason – find function in your form, too).  Adding in function and efficiency to your landscape doesn’t mean it has to be boring it simply means that you’re working with your landscaping team to create a thought-provoking, entertaining landscape that entices without introducing functionless features that are all pizazz and no practicality.

Adding Modern Technology

Remember how we talked about introducing eco-friendly options to your landscape? A lot of that includes adding modern technology. Implementing and integrating these types of technology into your landscape will do more than just help the earth — that’s great and all, don’t get us wrong, but you’re allowed to reap other benefits, too. In fact, integrating the right technology can help keep your landscape thriving longer more independently while saving you money, too.

Consider smart irrigation, gardening apps, cell-phone controlled automated tools, computer-run equipment, and more. It’s (most of the time) better for the environment, but it also helps your landscape scheduling run smoother while accomplishing all of your commercial landscape needs.

Set-Aside Secluded Areas

An incredibly hot trend for 2019 is to include secluded spaces in your commercial landscape. By that, we mean purposely planning out sections of your landscape dedicated to seclusion, meditation, and relaxation.

Consider adding in spaces like Japanese gardens (with screened areas or natural hedges as a barrier), calming meditation gardens that allow your clients or customers to reach the right amount of Zen, or beautifully-designed rose gardens that provide a space for peace and tranquility.

Unexpected, Exciting Elements

In 2019, there’s definitely room for a little fun in your landscape. Consider adding in surprising, exciting elements to your outdoor design to entice people to enjoy your landscape further.

Spontaneous (but well-placed fountains) accomplish this goal, just as fun pops of color and texture in your floral and foliage arrangements can, too. Don’t be afraid to step outside the box and implement beauty and function in your commercial landscape!

Outdoor Art & Gathering Spaces

Adding in functional, yet entertaining outdoor landscaping features has always been a big win for commercial spaces, and we’re happy to report that it’s a trend that refuses to go anywhere in 2019.

People – consumers and customers especially – relish the idea of an outdoor space that lets them communicate, bond, enjoy nature, and get away from it all. This is especially important if you’re providing this space for employees.

Consider adding in fun outdoor art to stimulate your customers’ minds. Try out the idea of an outdoor kitchen area. Patios, firepits, and communal gathering areas are a nice treat, too.

By providing these gathering spaces for your guests, you’re providing a space and purpose to be outside enjoying the fruits of your labor (or ours, hopefully) – the rest of your beautiful landscape.What did you think of our commercial landscaping trends for 2019? We hope you loved them as much as we do. If you’re interested in chatting about how we can implement some of these trends in your Tampa Bay commercial landscape, reach out to us! We have a contact page on our site for those of who you prefer to email but know that you’re more than welcome to call us at (727)-201-3947 to chat with us right away. If you’re interested in more hot tips, helpful advice, and how-to-guides, then keep up with us on our regularly updated blog!