Native Plants<\/span><\/h3>\nUsing native plants increases the sustainability of your yard and reduces maintenance. When you know your plants can thrive in your yard, you won’t have to invest in extra maintenance to keep them alive. They also help support the local ecosystem rather than introducing a plant that doesn’t belong.<\/span><\/p>\nDid you know that some insects provide benefits to your yard? When you include native plants in your landscaping, you give these creatures a place where they can thrive and do the most good. Using native plants also means you don’t have to transport them long distances, which saves you money.<\/span><\/p>\nIn Middletown, simple plant selection often includes the following options:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- The redbud grows about 30 feet tall and has a wide spread to its branches, providing ample shade. The flowers bloom with a gorgeous magenta pink.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- One of the most popular flowers in Central North America,\u00a0goldenrods can add nitrogen to your soil, improving the health of your other plants.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Resembling daisies, the purple coneflower can grow up to five feet tall, though they require specific soil conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n
- A black-eyed Susan looks like a cross between a sunflower and a daisy with its beautiful golden petals that resemble the rays of the sun. In the right conditions, it can grow to over three feet tall.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Eastern red cedar remains one of the best trees for minimalist landscape design. This conifer can grow over 60 feet tall, provides ample shade, and looks stunning on the few days Kentucky experiences snow each year.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Butterfly milkweed blooms with beautiful orange petals that can attract butterflies to your yard.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Named for its distinctive, vibrant red petals, the cardinal flower blooms for several months, including in the first year after you plant them.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Wild bergamot has subtle pink petals that won’t distract from other features but rather enhance the overall look of your landscaping.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/h3>\nGeometric Shapes<\/span><\/h3>\nModern aesthetics lean into geometric patterns, and choosing one or two stunning patterns takes your minimalist design from pleasant to absolutely stunning. Popular geometric shapes include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Winding circular paths<\/span><\/li>\n
- A rectangular pattern created from diamonds, chevrons, or triangles<\/span><\/li>\n
- Nordic elements like snowflakes and branches or Celtic knots and similar patterns<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/h3>\nSubtle Lighting<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen you incorporate subtle lighting into your minimalist landscaping you can use it as a functional space well into the night. If you want options that highlight your features, rather than distract from them, consider spotlights that shine on your favorite plants and recessed lighting along your pathways. For sitting or entertaining areas, consider stringing lights through wicker furniture or along an awning or pergola for an almost mystical feeling.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/h3>\nFocal Points<\/span><\/h3>\nWhile minimalist landscaping should remain cohesive, you can still incorporate some focal points. Some great options include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- A beautiful mature tree that provides shade year-round<\/span><\/li>\n
- A quaint gazebo amid a serene garden<\/span><\/li>\n
- A fountain or birdbath<\/span><\/li>\n
- An outdoor kitchen, fireplace, or patio<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n