No more boring backyards

The TurfMutt Foundation, an environmental education and stewardship programme that promotes outdoor living and green space maintenance in the US, predicts the trend will expand even further this year. "Our gardens have really become one of the most important parts of our homes," says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation and its parent organisation, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). As part of this, the TurfMutt Foundation has predicted some trends for the gardening season in America.

The building industry will incorporate more outdoor space into the design of planned communities and housing developments. Walking trails, dog parks, outdoor dining, green concert venues, community gardens, playgrounds, rooftop gardens and patios and more are what the TurfMutt Foundation expects to see in communities looking to expand and revitalise.

Green spaces are increasingly becoming designed spaces. Accordingly, more and more Americans will use themes to adapt their green outdoor living spaces for specific activities, the TurffMutt Foundation predicts. Accordingly, parks and other community green spaces will also increasingly reflect a purpose-driven character.

Whether it's outfitting the garden with Greek elements and plants to mimic a Mediterranean feel, or adding high-end furniture, a fire pit, a covered outdoor kitchen or seating with heating, backyards are increasingly becoming experiential spaces designed to transport people to another world, another reality.

Wildlife watching in the garden as a hobby is gaining popularity. Families can build nesting boxes for birds or bats to include in outdoor learning for children and adults. Knowing that the garden is a habitat for insects, birds and other wildlife, the trend predicts that primarily plants, trees and shrubs that nurture and support wildlife will be chosen.

As baby boomers age and people incorporate their gardens more and more into their daily lives, having a garden that everyone can enjoy is becoming increasingly important. Raised garden beds eliminate the need to kneel down to tend or look at plants. Hardscape patios and wide paths can create level…