We’ve researched the market’s latest predictions to bring you the landscaping, gardening, and outdoor living trends Nashville residents can expect to see much more of in 2023.

Here are the top trends in landscaping, gardening, and outdoor living in 2023:

Sustainable Landscaping:

One of the biggest landscaping trends in 2023 is sustainable landscaping. With more and more people concerned about the environment, property owners are turning to eco-friendly landscaping options. This includes the use of native plants, xeriscapes, rainwater harvesting systems, composting, and organic fertilizers.

Sustainable landscaping is not only good for the environment, but it can also save property owners money on water and maintenance costs. Beyond financial motivations, many homeowners feel that incorporating sustainable landscaping into their property’s design aligns with their environmental values.

Low-maintenance Nashville rooftop garden — Sustainable rooftop garden utilizing xeriscape ornamental grass and perennial plantings with minimal watering needs.

Outdoor Living Spaces:

Outdoor living spaces have been a popular trend for many years, and they're not going anywhere in 2023. From outdoor kitchens and fire pits to covered porches and pergolas, property owners are looking to create comfortable and stylish outdoor spaces to enjoy with family and friends.

Beyond entertainment, outdoor living spaces allow homeowners to utilize and transform every inch of their properties into usable living spaces. As we head further into 2023, the housing market and interest rates are motivating more homeowners than ever to renovate and customize their current property, rather than purchase a new home. This all contributes to outdoor living spaces becoming a top trend for landscaping in 2023.

Garden Rooms:

Garden rooms are a new trend that's gaining popularity in 2023. These outdoor spaces are designed to be an extension of the home, providing a cozy and intimate place to relax and unwind. Garden rooms can be created using hedges, arbors, or even outdoor curtains to create a sense of privacy and seclusion. Retaining walls made of stone or concrete define outdoor spaces and visually create a sense of outdoor living “rooms”, while also contributing to privacy and functional drainage + erosion needs.

Concrete hardscaping create the perimeters of outdoor living “rooms” and define each space by its use.

Water Features:

Water features such as fountains, ponds, and waterfalls will continue to be a popular landscaping and gardening trend in 2023. They provide a calming and relaxing ambiance to any outdoor space and with more and more homeowners residing in crowded urban neighborhoods, they can even help to mask noise pollution from nearby roads or neighbors.

Low-Maintenance Landscaping:

Another trend in 2023 is low-maintenance landscaping. With busy schedules, property owners are looking for landscaping designs that require maximum enjoyment and minimal upkeep. This includes the use of low-maintenance plants, hardscaping, and automated irrigation systems that allow homeowners to focus on enjoyment and relaxation rather than additional tasks.

Vertical Gardens:

Vertical gardens are a unique and stylish trend that's gaining popularity in 2023. They're a great way to add greenery and interest to small spaces or blank walls. Property owners can create a vertical garden using a variety of materials, such as hanging baskets, trellises, or living walls to address both aesthetic and privacy needs.

Native Plants:

Using native plants in landscape design is a trend that's been around for a while and is expected to continue in 2023. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil, making them easier to maintain and more resistant to pests and diseases. Plus, they provide important habitats for local wildlife.

Incorporating native plants and contributing to local wildlife and ecosystem health allows homeowners to feel their property is contributing to the environment, which is a value trend predicted to continuously grow as our climate continues to change.

Native Nashville Plants — Native Black-Eyed Susans and Coneflowers

Monochromatic Color Schemes:

Monochromatic color schemes are definitely a 2023 garden and landscape design trend that's all about using one color in varying shades and textures. This creates a cohesive and calming effect in outdoor spaces, making them feel more relaxed and elegant. Incorporating only white blooms with green foliage is a popular calming color scheme in 2023.

Monochromatic garden design — White foliage and green shrubs and grasses create this monochromatic garden.

Outdoor Lighting:

Outdoor lighting is a trend that's not only functional but also adds an element of beauty and ambiance to any outdoor space. From string lights and lanterns to spotlights and pathway lighting, there are many options available to create the perfect outdoor lighting design. Proper lighting allows a garden or landscape to be enjoyed day into night, allowing homeowners to enjoy their outdoor spaces long after sunset.

Drought-Tolerant Landscaping:

Drought-tolerant landscaping is a trend that's becoming more popular in residential landscape design as property owners look for ways to conserve water. This includes using plants that require less water and designing landscapes that are more water-efficient.

Drought-tolerant plants are also hardy and tolerant to extreme weather events. After the flash freeze in middle Tennessee on December 22, 2022, many homeowners are choosing to replace their damaged shrubs and perennials with xeriscape-style plantings that are more likely to survive extreme weather events in the future. Perfect for flash freeze protection, xeriscape plants are suited for desert climates, with hot dry temperatures during the day and cold-to-freezing temperatures at night.

Xeriscape Nashville front yard — Xeriscaping allows for minimal maintenance and maximum color and texture.

Homeowners can expect to see a continuation of current landscaping trends in 2023, with an emphasis on sustainability, functional outdoor spaces, and a blend of traditional and modern design elements. Whether you're looking to revamp your existing landscape or start from scratch, incorporating these trends can help enhance your property's beauty and value.

If you’re looking to update your space and incorporate the newest trends within your property, connect with us and see what we can achieve together. We’d love to help you bring your landscape and garden visions to life! Please feel welcome to reach out to us and tell us about your project.

The Top Landscaping, Gardening, and Outdoor Living Trends in 2023