Top 10 Landscape Trends in Savannah!

Are you interested in learning about landscaping styles and trends in Savannah?

The current Savannah Landscaping trends infuse a mix of classical, contemporary landscaping with modern elements and designs. From flowing ornamental grasses to coastal palms, the Savannah, GA region is known for its rich history and the popular coastal oak trees with Spanish Moss. A nicely landscaped yard in Savannah means you have curb appeal and outdoor scenery that you won’t want to leave.

Today, we will help you with the current landsacping trends for your front yard and outdoor living with these top landscape ideas near a beach (or another coastal area)!

Ready to design your dream yard?

We don’t expect you to be a garden design or landscape professional, so we are here to help! In addition to this guide, Coastal Hardscapes of Savannah provides landscape design and installation services. From knowing where to plant new plants to including hardscape features like walkways, hiring the help of a professional for garden design ensures you plan for the future. Remember, landscaping helps with your real estate values and gives your home curb appeal!

Now, look at the current landscaping trends in Savannah/surrounding coastal and low-country areas!

10 Landscaping Trends in Savannah & Coastal Areas:

Similar to decorating the inside of your home, designing and following Savannah’s latest landscaping trends can be challenging. However, once you formulate a few ideas, you can see your green thumb and vision come to life! Below are trends and ideas worth considering as you optimize your landscaping!

1. The Style Spectrum

How should you approach landscaping your home’s yard? Visualizing the “Style Spectrum” can be tricky, especially if you are new to landscaping. Most people want a modern look that is easy to maintain and grows with their home and family.

The key elements of landscape design include unity, balance, variety, and simplicity. You should consider everything from designing your beds with curved and straight lines to arranging items according to the “Ruled of Three.”

Typically, we help our landscaping clients in Savannah with their designs by following this simple process:

1. Bed size and design
2. Scale, the relation of plants and heights to each other and surrounding spaces
3. Color and variety of landscaping and plant selection
4. Infusion – helping add walkways and hardscape features to enhance landscaping

2. Mixing & Matching

As a professional landscape designer, mixing and matching different landscaping styles can lead to truly unique and dynamic outdoor spaces. Each style carries its charm, from the structured elegance of formal gardens to the relaxed, organic feel of cottage gardens or the sleek lines of modern designs. In the Savannah area, mixing and matching is a common landscape trend because of many homes’ rich history and contemporary design. For instance, incorporating a formal pathway surrounded by wildflower beds can evoke a sense of structure while maintaining a touch of whimsy.

When embarking on a new landscape design project that involves mixing styles, we emphasize the importance of cohesion through color, texture, and plant selection. Certain plants can bridge differing styles, while consistent hardscape materials—like stone, wood, or metal—can create a seamless flow across various zones in the landscape.

Pay attention to the overall design principles, ensuring a balance between the rigid elements of formal styles and the free-spirited nature of more casual approaches. Ultimately, we believe that blending landscaping styles enhances the space’s beauty and allows for greater creativity, it just has to be done correctly (you don’t want a palm tree next to an evergreen tree for example).

Planting and Garden Styles

Most of your landscaping ideas will depend on your specific planting and garden styles. Some homeowners combine elements of coastal landscaping with more traditional styles, while others stick to uniformity.

Another factor is upkeep and maintenance. How long will you commit to maintaining your landscaping once it is complete? Below are current landscape trends based on planting styles!

3. Tropical Landscaping Style

As a professional in landscape design, I’ve noticed an exciting shift towards tropical landscapes that bring vibrant aesthetics to outdoor spaces and embrace sustainability in coastal areas. This trend reflects a growing appreciation for nature’s beauty, characterized by lush foliage, bold colors, and a “Beach Feel.” Incorporating tropical elements into landscaping creates a unique visual appeal and environment that reminds you to relax and enjoy. Whether it’s the integration of native plants like palms, water features, or the clever use of outdoor structures, creating a tropical oasis boosts the overall vibe of residential and commercial spaces.

In my experience, the rise of tropical landscape trends is also driven by a desire for more dynamic outdoor environments. Homeowners and businesses alike are increasingly looking to create spaces promoting relaxation and well-being, and tropical designs are ideal. By utilizing a variety of textures, from feathery ferns to broad-leaved palms, we craft landscapes that serve as retreats from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Additionally, with a focus on sustainability, I’ve observed a rise in the use of drought-resistant tropical plants that thrive in Savannah’s humid climate, significantly reducing water consumption.

4. Coastal Landscape Styles

Many low-country and coastal South Carolina/Georgia homeowners opt for native plants well-adapted to local conditions. This approach conserves water, reduces maintenance, and supports local wildlife, creating a harmonious balance between our living spaces and the natural environment. Think ornamental grasses, palms, salt-tolerant shrubs, and flowering perennials that thrive in sandy soil—these elements beautify a landscape and provide essential habitats for birds and pollinators.

Additionally, the coastal aesthetic leans more towards a minimalist design that emphasizes clean lines and open spaces. Instead of overgrown gardens filled with contrasting elements, many opt for streamlined layouts that enhance the coastline’s natural beauty. Hardscaping features like driftwood pathways, stone fire pits, and wooden decks offer functional elements while maintaining a connection to the surrounding landscape. Incorporating outdoor living spaces that take advantage of ocean views—or simulate one—has become increasingly popular in designing your outdoor oasis.

5. Transitional Style Landscaping

Transitional landscaping styles beautifully bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary design. This style is about blending the old with the new, creating cohesive outdoor spaces that maintain a sense of timelessness while embracing modern elements, which fits Savannah!

Savannah is known for its rich history, charm, and popular landscaping styles. We often work with homeowners to incorporate transitional landscaping by prioritizing the harmony of both hardscapes and softscapes. This means utilizing classic materials like natural stone or brick alongside sleek, minimalist fixtures made of metal and glass. The result is an inviting, familiar, fresh, and innovative space.

To effectively achieve a transitional landscape, it’s essential to consider the balance of colors, textures, and shapes. We often recommend incorporating soft, organic forms through planting design and seating arrangements, paired with structured pathways and clean lines in the hardscaping. I can create an environment that feels alive and dynamic by carefully selecting plants that offer year-round interest—such as evergreens, ornamental grasses, and seasonal blooms.

Additionally, integrating functional elements like outdoor kitchens and fire pits can enhance the usability of the space while adhering to transitional aesthetics. Ultimately, my goal is to craft landscapes that reflect the unique tastes of my clients while ensuring they are coherent, functional, and visually striking.

6. Formal Traditional

The formal landscaping style in Savannah, GA, fits the area nicely with a beautiful reflection of the city’s rich history and Southern charm. Characterized by symmetry, geometric patterns, and a sophisticated palette, it aligns perfectly with Savannah’s distinct architectural heritage and historical significance. The city’s well-preserved squares and parks, with their lush greenery and neatly trimmed hedges, serve as perfect canvases for this elegant style. It’s as if the planted arrangements tell a story that intertwines the past with the present – which we encourage climates to mimic!

Visit a square in Savannah to gather ideas and take in the natural surroundings. The meticulously manicured gardens, featuring classic elements like boxwoods, azaleas, and magnolias, contrast beautifully with the natural beauty of old oak trees and Spanish moss that dominate the landscape.

7. Standard Traditional

Standard traditional landscaping style is characterized by its orderly design, emphasis on symmetry, and a harmonious blend of nature with architectural elements. Evoking a sense of nostalgia by drawing upon classical influences that date back centuries. You’ll often see elements such as neatly trimmed hedges, well-defined garden beds, and carefully arranged pathways that guide your eye and create a sense of balance throughout the space.

In a traditional landscape, you can expect to find a variety of beautiful plants that complement each other in terms of color and texture. Flowers like roses, peonies, and lavender are common choices, often planted in symmetrical patterns that reflect the overall design ethos of the garden. The use of natural stone, brick, and wood can usually be seen in pathways, patios, and retaining walls, further enhancing the classic feel of the landscape. One of the rewarding aspects of working with this style is the opportunity to create spaces that are not just visually appealing but also promote tranquility and a deep connection to nature. Whether it’s a charming English cottage garden or a stately estate, standard traditional landscaping has an enduring charm that inspires homeowners and landscape professionals alike.

8. Cottage Garden

Cottage-style landscaping is one of my favorite styles, as it embodies a sense of charm that feels welcoming and rejuvenating and emphasizes a more informal layout where plants grow naturally rather than in tightly controlled arrangements. One of the defining features of cottage gardens is their lush abundance—think vibrant flower beds bursting with color, intermingled with fragrant herbs and trailing vines, from traditional perennials like daisies and foxgloves to seasonal blooms that add layers of interest throughout the year. This results in a garden that is visually appealing and alive with sensory experiences.

Another captivating aspect of cottage-style landscaping is contrasting materials and textures, which can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. When designing a cottage garden, we often incorporate rustic elements such as stone pathways, wooden trellises, and charming garden furniture that add character to the space. Seasonal touches, like terracotta pots filled with vibrant annuals or decorative birdhouses, create a sense of enchantment. Furthermore, including native plants enhances the garden’s beauty and supports local wildlife, adding another layer of ecological benefit.

9. Mediterranean

Originating from the sun-drenched coastlines of Southern Europe, this design ethos embraces aesthetic appeal and considers the region’s often challenging climate. Characterized by its use of drought-resistant plants, warm, earthy colors, and natural materials, Mediterranean landscaping offers a harmonious balance between nature and structure that can fit well in coastal areas.

One of the key elements of Mediterranean landscaping is its focus on outdoor living. These spaces are commonly designed to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, often featuring spacious patios, pergolas, and built-in seating areas – perfect for Savannah’s coastal climate! This encourages a lifestyle centered around family gatherings and leisurely moments soaking in the sunshine. The strategic planting of trees and shrubs provides shade and adds a sense of tranquility with their gentle rustling in the breeze.

10. Modern Farmhouse

As you may know, modern farmhouse landscaping styles have become increasingly popular. Farmhouse landscaping design beautifully marries timeless elegance with contemporary simplicity, creating outdoor spaces that are both functional and inviting. The modern farmhouse approach often features clean lines, rustic materials, and a mix of traditional and contemporary elements. When you think about my ideal outdoor space, visualize a setting that effortlessly complements the home’s architecture while embracing the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

One of the hallmarks of modern farmhouse landscaping is its emphasis on practicality without sacrificing style. I love how this style often incorporates native plants, which thrive in local climates and promote biodiversity in the Savannah area! Hardy perennial flowers, ornamental grasses, and drought-resistant shrubs create lush greenery with minimal maintenance. Elements like gravel pathways, wooden garden beds, and metal accents can enhance the rustic charm.

Designing a landscape tailored to your style!

Ultimately, what type of shrub, tree, plant, or garden you decide to go with is up to you! Landscape design is, in many ways, a feel thing. You want to ensure you have a variety of plants for proper depth and height and the right amount of color, and consider maintenance efforts!

A few last-minute tips we recommend here at Coastal Hardscaping of Savannah include:

1. Sketch or draw your design and leave room for plant growth at maturity
2. Set a budget that you are comfortable with
3. Be mindful of planting trees that will become large near your home’s foundation or in front of a window
4. Familiarize yourself with the local Georgia and South Carolina climate when picking out plants
5. Be sure to factor in mulch, maintenance, and future upkeep
6. Add landscape lighting to help add flare to your landscaping
7. Consider adding hardscapes, river rocks, or small retaining walls to create layers and highlight specific areas
8. Consider having a landscape design company help you with your ideas.

For landscaping help in the Savannah area, contact Coastal Hardscapes below. We can help you design that perfect yard! Custom landscaping and hardscaping is not a DIY project; we are here to help!