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As we move into the growing season, landscape design continues its evolution toward thoughtful, personal and artful outdoor spaces. From crisp modern surfaces to plant palettes rooted in local ecology, here are the top landscaping trends defining 2026.
Gone are the days of traditional gray and tan hardscapes dominating every yard. This year, white pavers are the material to get your hands on. Use them for driveways, walkways, patios and outdoor living spaces. Their bright, reflective surface helps cool outdoor areas while enhancing natural light. Whether paired with dark-edged borders or integrated with lush plantings, white pavers bring a fresh, modern look that feels clean and elegant.
Stamped concrete and modern basic slabs are out; custom hardscape inlays are in. Inlays use different materials, colors or patterns embedded into concrete or pavers to create visual interest. Think geometric motifs, mosaic-inspired accents, or subtle borders that define outdoor “rooms.”
This trend turns hardscape areas into works of art, making patios feel bespoke and thoughtfully designed rather than cookie-cutter.
Design Tip: Coordinate inlay shape and tones with the architecture and tones of the house or existing landscape.
This is the year of cool tones. While warm reds, oranges and golds have had their moment, homeowners are increasingly drawn to blues, lavenders, silver foliage and soft greens. These hues are calming, sophisticated, and pair beautifully with modern materials like white pavers and metal finishes. Cool colors psychologically evoke serenity, making outdoor spaces feel like true havens.
Sustainable landscapes are no longer optional; they are expected. Native plantings are a cornerstone of this movement, offering beauty and environmental benefit. Locally adapted species require less water and maintenance, support pollinators, and enhance biodiversity.
In Severna Park and the Mid-Atlantic region, popular choices include:
Planting native doesn’t mean “wild” or unkempt. Thoughtful design can make native beds feel curated and intentional.
Raised garden beds are trending this spring, and now is the perfect time to start planning if home-grown food is on your list this year.
The Hügelkultur method of installing raised beds is an ancient German technique that layers logs, branches and organic material beneath the soil, creating a rich, moisture-retaining foundation that breaks down over time and feeds your plants naturally. It improves drainage, supports beneficial soil life, and helps regulate moisture through the growing season.
KW Landscaping & Home utilizes the Hügelkultur method for installing raised beds. To learn about this and other landscaping services, go to www.kwlandscpaing.com or call 410-729-0646.
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