4 Summer Landscaping Trends for a Beautiful Yard in 2024
At JK Landscape Construction, we always aim to help you bring your dream landscape to life. And sometimes, looking at what other people are doing with their landscapes can be a great inspiration as you brainstorm ideas. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top summer landscaping trends of 2024! Check out these popular ideas and think about how you might want to incorporate them into your own outdoor property. For questions on how to design your perfect outdoor landscape, contact us!
Outdoor Living Areas

As people look for ways to spend more time outside, many homeowners are building comfortable outdoor gathering spaces and even kitchens. Summer in Minnesota couldn’t be more beautiful, and spacious outdoor living areas are helping these families make the most of the balmy weather. How you want your outdoor living space to appear and function is up to you, however. You may want to build a screened or roofed patio for a more sheltered place to enjoy the fresh air. A simple pergola offers a bit of shade and definition to your outdoor space while still allowing plenty of sunlight to filter through. Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are also growing in popularity and are well complemented by a patio of smooth paver stones or concrete. Whatever you envision for your outdoor living space, the experts at JK Landscape Construction will help you build it.
Sustainable Landscaping

The principle behind sustainable landscaping is working in tandem with nature rather than in opposition to it. This means creating a landscape that is in harmony with the natural environment around you and is therefore much easier to sustain. Homeowners are choosing sustainable landscaping for its many benefits, including decreased maintenance, lower water consumption, and reduced environmental impact.
The easiest way to incorporate sustainable landscaping is by selecting plants native to your region of Minnesota, which can thrive with minimal care. Common milkweed is a native perennial that also attracts Monarch butterflies, for instance. If you’re looking to plant a new tree or two, American elm, basswood, and silver maple all do well in the Twin Cities region (check out this map for a full breakdown of native trees throughout the state).
Low-Maintenance Plants

Overlapping with sustainable landscaping is the trend of decorating your yard with low-maintenance plants that look beautiful with little work required on your part. Low-maintenance gardens require less watering, weeding, and overall upkeep. This could mean planting drought-tolerant plants such as little bluestem, an ornamental grass, or the pink-flowered Joe Pye weed. Ground cover plants such as sedges discourage weeds and add a natural look to your property. Considering soil type and sun exposure when choosing your plants will also mean less maintenance for you.
Pollinator Gardens

The final trend we’ll look at today is attracting pollinators to your property. Pollinators play a vital role in our ecosystems by helping plants reproduce and supporting plant diversity. Unfortunately, insect pollinators such as bees are threatened by habitat loss, parasites, and improper pesticide use. Providing for pollinators by filling your yard with plants they need to survive helps the environment and transforms your outdoor space into a more beautiful, lively place. Narrow leaf coneflower, giant hyssop, leadplant, prairie clovers, and wild bergamot are all native plants known to be “super foods” for pollinators!
Design Your Summer Landscape with the Help of JK Landscape Construction
Whether you want to follow this year’s summer landscaping trends or design something completely unique, our expert team will make it happen. Contact us to discuss your ideas, and we’ll offer our professional advice for a Minnesota landscape that will look beautiful all year round!