Modern Landscape Design
Minimalist, Modern, and Bold

Bold. Clean. Dramatic. The uncluttered look of modern landscape design. This is an exciting look. The trick is creating a design that is both true to the style and interesting.

Simple shapes, lines, textures, and colors. The riot of flowers that many Western gardens aim for just isn't so important. Modern design has been described as 'minimalist'. This should not mean boring.

With modern landscape design, planning is even more important. The lines, forms, textures, and colors created are what will make or break it. Your home is also a large factor for this design -- it's a very strong look.

So, how do you create a modern landscape design? First, consider the setting. Is your house a modern style? Simple, clean lines on your house will reinforce the entire design. No shutters. Stucco and concrete are great material choices for modern homes.

If your house is not a modern style, consider modifying your garden design to fit the house better. A modern design might be softened with a bit of the English or French garden influence. I've even seen Japanese garden design blended with modern. It can work well.

A traditional French garden is very concerned with shapes -- clipped hedges and clean lines. Sometimes, the hedge shapes are filled with a single, eye-popping color. It's usually very symmetrical.

An English garden many times has perennials overflowing borders. If your modern garden design had clipped hedges with carefully selected perennial groupings, it could work.

These modifications to the modern landscape design can be tricky. Consider consulting with a garden designer.

Hardscape

Carefully consider all shapes, textures, and colors. Without all of the 'clutter' of perennials and decoration of a typical garden, each shape, texture, and color needs to stand well on it's own.

PATIOS & SIDEWALKS

Plain concrete is a classic, blank canvas for the modern garden. It casts lines and shapes without the distraction of complex textures or colors. A step up from this would be to color the concrete something neutral like charcoal.

Crushed granite can also make a neutral backdrop. The downside to this material is that it could track into your home if it's right outside the door.

Consider the texture of stones or pebbles. If they were installed in a 'tile' pattern, you could plant every other tile with a single plant (like stonecrop or blue oat grass). This would be an interesting and bold statement.

DECKS

Ideally, decks in a modern landscape design would be a flat plane. If wood were used, all you would see would be a floor of timbers -- no railing, no framing.

If you need a rail for a modern deck, think outside the box. A smooth wall would work great. A transparent panel with a metal or smooth wooden hand rail would be a great alternative.

Take time to consider the railing. There is little distraction. Every item needs to work well.

Textures in hardscapes for this style are often a feature -- done once or twice and done boldly.

ARTWORK

Because of the minimalist design, artwork really stands out in a modern garden. Choose one or two pieces that you love and place them well.

Container gardens are another way to get an artistic, modern flair to your garden. Choose a container that has the same clean, strong shapes.

WATER

A reflecting pool works well in a modern garden, but you're not limited to that. Just think with simple shapes and gestures. If you want a fountain, keep the shape simple.

Plants

Plants often have a bold texture or a strong form. One or two colors can also be introduced, but don't overdo it. Too many textures or colors can be less effective. Plant in large groups for maximum effect.

The planted areas could be raised planters. Concrete or wood timbers would work well. They also wouldn't have to be all the same height. Plan the shape of these planters well. Choose one or two plants with an interesting texture to fill them.

TIP

Remember that a few, well-chosen plants make a big statement for this bold style.

Hedges are an interesting way to create spaces, lines, and shapes. They also define planted areas really well, keeping everything neat. Evergreen hedges are a good way to get a clean look year round.

Here's a list for you -- plants that work well for modern landscape design. The shapes may need trimming. All of these plants have been listed as Zone 4. If you live in the Eau Claire, WI area -- that's you!