From fashion to food, fads come and go, and trends disappear as quickly as they arrive. The same applies to landscaping design trends. Landscaping has changed significantly over the past century as social priorities and preferences have evolved. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your MA landscape, trends of the past are a great place to start.
If you’re not sure what to do with your MA landscape, the trends of the past decades can offer inspiration. Here’s an overview of a century of landscaping.
1920s
In the Roaring 20s, people wanted to use their land to connect with nature. Green shrubs and trees were abundant, and the area was designed to attract animals. Birdbaths and bird feeders were popular, and allowed people to enjoy birdwatching from their own yard.
1930s
Roses became popular in the 30s, and many people planted extensive rose gardens. You can find heirloom roses today that are identical to the ones that existed in the 30s.
1940s
With war on everyone’s mind, many people turned to planting “victory gardens.” These gardens enabled people to grow their own fruits and vegetables, allowing more commercially produced food to be sent to the troops. These gardens also allowed people to feel they were contributing to the war in ways they could, which helped public morale.
1950s
The 50s brought an era of prosperity to the United States. Suburban landscape design reflected this societal shift. People took pride in the land they owned and reflected it by caring for it. Manicured lawns and fences around the property were typical, and colorful flowers bloomed everywhere.
1960s
The 60s brought the notion of outdoor family gatherings. This meant that large, open spaces on lawns and in garden areas were the preference. Patios were often for outdoor meals and events.
1970s
A popular trend in this decade was edible landscaping. Gardens focused on vegetables, herbs, and fruits. The full landscape design would start with a few edible plants and grow around those core ingredients.
1980s
As computer use developed in the 80s, people began using computers to create elaborate landscape designs. Patterns and how the land appears from above became essential considerations for these plans.
1990s
The DIY trend grew in the 90s with the rise of home improvement stores. This meant that landscaping became a personal project for many people, but not everyone was great at it. Yards varied widely depending on everyone’s tastes and skill levels.
2000s
From the early 2000s to today, many people have focused on environmental conservation, and landscape designs reflect this. People choose plants native to the surrounding area, and gardens serve a purpose. For example, they provide food or a place to store reusable waste, such as compost. For many people, the purpose of the garden comes before aesthetics, and each design choice is evaluated for its environmental impact.