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!

Transforming Your Backyard Oasis: The Art of Custom Landscape Design

A well-designed landscape does wonders to create a beautiful and relaxing environment. But the true joy of landscaping is designing a space that fits your needs and reflects your preferences. It’s an opportunity to express your personality and discover what environment best serves your lifestyle. And with the tools and materials available to modern landscapers, the possibilities are endless. Let’s dive into some of the options you have at your disposal for creating a truly custom landscape design.

Softscapes

The foundation of your landscape is its living elements, including grasses, plants, and trees of all kinds. But with so many different options, it can be difficult to choose what to plant. That’s where the experts at JK Landscape Construction come in. We have extensive knowledge of plant types and will examine your property’s climate, soil, and drainage to recommend the best plants for your landscape. Then it’s up to you to choose your favorites. Some people love trees that stay green all year round, while others love to watch the leaves change. Sprawling flower beds are popular for some, while others may want more room to grow their own vegetables. You can even add flourishes to your softscape with mulch, river rock, decorative boulders, and landscape lighting.

Hardscapes

Non-living elements, including stone, concrete, wood, brick, and metal, make up your hardscape. These materials provide a great way to add more accessibility and structure to your outdoor space. Your hardscape to softscape ratio is completely up to you and depends on what purpose you want your landscape to primarily serve. If you plan on entertaining often, you may want to install a patio of permeable pavers or concrete, perhaps with a fire pit in the center. Walking paths and steps can connect points of interest on your property, such as gardens, storage sheds, and docks. You also have the opportunity to build a driveway that suits your needs and heightens your home’s curb appeal. We’ll help you choose the right colors and styles to create the aesthetic you have in mind for your custom landscape design.

Outdoor Structures

The final layer of your landscape is where individual personalities often shine through the most. How do you like to spend your time outside, and what structures help you best achieve that? What feels most like home to you? A wooden or composite deck extends the comfort of your home into the outdoors, while a more sheltered screen porch can bring the fresh air and sunshine of the outdoors in. Outdoor kitchens are also growing in popularity as more people look to make the most of warmer months. A pergola can provide a bit of shade to any area of your landscape and add a touch of elegance.

Bring Your Dream Landscape to Life

You’ve done the dreaming, the brainstorming, and the visualizing. Now it’s time to put your plan into action. Reach out to the professionals at JK Landscape Construction. We’ll listen to your ideas and leverage our expertise to make your dream a reality. And if you’re not sure what you want your landscape to look like, we’re happy to help you discover that.

Here’s a testimonial from one of our satisfied clients:

“If you want your landscape project done right, hire JK Landscape! The crew exceeded our expectations in every phase of our project which included a total makeover on a new build lake shore site. Challenging aspects of the project included boulder retaining walls around the house and a steep lakeside hill. The fire pit and paver decking are also signature parts of the project. We couldn’t be happier with our landscaping project with JK Landscape.”

– Dwight G.

Ready to begin your own landscaping project? Contact us today to get started!

How to Incorporate Concrete into Your Landscape

Hardscapes, or the non-living elements of a landscape, play an important role in providing definition and cohesion with the natural areas of your outdoor space. And although materials like stone, brick, and wood are all popular choices for patios, walkways, and fences, concrete is a versatile option that can be fashioned into nearly any structure you could imagine. Known for its strength and durability, concrete can bear heavy weight and weather harsh elements for many years. It also requires little to no maintenance. Continue reading to explore how you can incorporate concrete into your landscape.

Patios

One of the most popular uses of concrete, a patio provides a structured space to relax, dine, entertain, or keep an eye on the kids. It can be an extension of your front walkway, adjoin to the back of your house, or center around a fire ring. You may even want to build a sunken patio for an air of elegance and comfort or concrete walls to ensure privacy for your gathering space. Take advantage of stamps and stencils to add a natural stone or brick-like finish without sacrificing durability.

Walking Paths

Connect structures and distinct areas of your outdoor space with concrete walking paths. They can lead from your home to a backyard study or connect your patio to a swimming pool. Provide a path to carry tools and equipment to and from your garage and a storage shed. If you have an extensive garden, a walking path can guide you and guests through your favorite areas. And for sloped properties, concrete steps provide safety and accessibility.

Outdoor Kitchens

We love to make the most of our summers in Minnesota, and an outdoor kitchen provides a wonderful space to enjoy the warm weather. Whether you’re preparing a gourmet meal, serving appetizers, or just relaxing around the table, you’ll love having this outdoor option for nice days. Concrete is a great material for counters, walls, and flooring to help your outdoor kitchen weather the elements.

Contact JK Landscape Construction

If you’re thinking of incorporating concrete into your landscape, reach out to the professionals at JK Landscape Construction. We’ll guide you through your options and discuss whether concrete or a different material such as stone or brick is best suited to your needs. We’re also proficient in removing and replacing old or unwanted concrete structures without damaging your property. Contact us today to learn how we can help bring your dream landscape projects to life.

The Benefits of Adding Outdoor Structures to Your Landscape Projects

Landscape projects are often focused on natural elements such as trees, flowers, shrubs, rocks, and mulch. But adding outdoor structures to your landscape can bring your project to the next level, increase your property’s value, and improve your quality of life. Continue reading to explore various types of outdoor structures and the benefits they can bring to your landscape.

Outdoor Structure Options

The experts at JK Landscape Construction are experts in building and installing many types of outdoor structures. We’ll help you choose the right design and build materials for a structure that is beautiful and practical. Here are some of your options:

• Pergolas are a great way to add a bit of shade and shelter to your outdoor area while also giving your landscape an elegant, sophisticated look.
• Decks are versatile structures that can be built at varying elevations and different sizes using wood or composite materials.
• Porches bring the comfort of the indoors into the fresh air and sunshine of the outdoors.
• Boathouses keep your watercraft and other items safe from the elements when they’re not in use.
• Railings can be installed on your outdoor structures in various styles, colors, and sizes for greater accessibility and aesthetic appeal.

An Extension of Your Home

Outdoor structures like the ones mentioned above extend your living space into the outdoor areas that you’ve put so much effort into perfecting. Structures like decks and porches allow you to work, relax, eat, and gather with friends and family outside. Your home doesn’t have to be limited to your house.

Easy Way to Enjoy the Outdoors

With outdoor structures on your property, there’s no need to travel to a park or public place to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and sights and sounds of nature. Just step outside your door and relax in the privacy of your own backyard. This is especially valuable in Minnesota, where we need to take full advantage of the summer months while they last.

Add to your Property’s Aesthetic Appeal

Outdoor structures can transform your property into an elegant, inviting landscape that is sure to increase its value and curb appeal. You’ll love coming home to a beautiful landscape, and you’ll have the perfect place to entertain friends and neighbors.

A Place for Outdoor Furnishings

With a deck, porch, or pergola, you’ve never had a better place for outdoor seating and dining. Protect that outdoor couch from the elements and provide some shade for your table or grill. You may even want to install a TV or sound system for outdoor entertainment.

When you partner with JK Landscape Construction to build an outdoor structure, the possibilities and benefits are endless. We’ll meet with you to determine what best suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Whatever structure you choose, you can rest assured we’ll build it with superior craftsmanship and the highest quality.

Contact us to get started on your next outdoor project today! We can’t wait to work with you.

Outdoor Kitchen Trends for 2023

With the beginning of a new year also marks the beginning of new technology, new movies, and new trends. Trends can take form in clothing, food, and, our favorite, outdoor kitchens. From built-in storage to smart technology, your outdoor kitchen could have it all. We may still be in the colder months, but spring is on its way. This is the best time to start planning for your outdoor kitchen. Follow along as we share with you the outdoor kitchen trends of 2023.

Built-ins

There’s nothing like convenience in the year 2023. Imagine that you gathered all your ingredients and cooking utensils and are headed to your outdoor kitchen in the backyard. Oh no, you forgot an ingredient and have to walk all the way back inside. No one wants that. Built-in storage is all the rage this year; you can add cabinet drawers, a dry storage pantry, warming drawers, and so much more. Can’t decide on a built-in? Our JK Landscape professionals can help you design a stylish and functional outdoor kitchen.

The Incorporation of Smart Technology

Technology is forever developing in our world. Incorporating technology into your outdoor kitchen might be one of the smartest things you can do. Through an app on your phone, you can conveniently control your grill, fridge, and oven from the palm of your hand. Another bonus is purchasing a smart meat thermometer so you can check the temperature of what you are cooking whenever you want, right from your phone or tablet.

Outdoor Kitchen Furniture

Comfort is key when it comes to being outside. We are obsessed with oversized chairs and couches that are perfect for kicking back on a beautiful summer day. For 2023, the expression “bold and bright” comes to mind. Try out different shades, like the Pantone color of the year, Viva Magenta, don’t be afraid to expand your outdoor kitchen color palette. Here’s our list of other hot, trending outdoor furniture ideas for this year.

• Sustainable materials like bamboo
• Waterproof chairs and tables
• Curved lines
• Multi-purpose spaces
• Work-from-home outdoor space
• Mood lighting
• Outdoor grilling tables

Contact JK Landscape

The beginning of 2023 holds the key to many new trends. As the air gets warmer and the snow starts to melt, outdoor kitchen trends are ramping up. From smart technology to outdoor furniture, we want to provide you with convenience and comfort. If you are unsure how to start your outdoor kitchen project, the JK Landscape professionals are here to provide you with the correct guidance and support. Contact JK Landscape to get started on the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.