Exploring the Eco-Friendly Trends of New York Landscape Design
The New York landscape design of today focuses more on the growing concern to stay environmentally conscious, current, and capture as many moments of relaxation as possible. "Green" landscaping and eco-chic gardens are spreading throughout New York, especially in the New York City region.
With a growing interest to lead a healthy lifestyle, New York landscapes are seeing an increase in vegetable gardening and fruit trees. However, you won't find what many call a 'typical garden setting.'
Outdoor lighting
and the presence of water inside of gardens add intriguing elements to the once-commonplace rectangular patch of produce. Gardens in New York are displaying more of a curvy shape and in some of the more elaborate designs tiered combinations of stone, creativity, and greenery.
The bulk of popular New York landscape design trends aim to harness a balance in nature, while staying trendy at the same time. A few ideas include:
Upscale homeowners in Scarsdale, White Plains, Manhattan Island and South Hampton are spending less time inside and more time embracing the concept of
outdoor living.
The purchase of outdoor furniture,
grills,
and accessories have increased, as homeowners wish to concentrate on decorating the exterior of their home.
Privacy is also of importance, as a metal pergola can effectively shield an outdoor space. An example of this is found at a year-round garden on the Upper East Side, where built-in limestone benches and a gas fireplace creates a usable setting for any season. Other upscale features include:
Sun beds with waterproof mattresses that present a slightly futuristic look.
Eye-catching, elaborate designs of Amish Country gazebos.
The clean look of Zen gardens and fountains.
We're also seeing more gardeners varying textures (foliage, flowers, and succulents) to increase interest in potted d้cor.
Big plants, large containers, and striking color without falling victim to overkill are now taking over the setting of many landscaping projects in New York. Stylish color trends to pair with earthy neutrals include teal and lime; red and blue; orange and chartreuse yellow; and gold.
Today, outdoor landscaping projects are considered the 2nd most popular home improvement adventure to consider for your personal space. The demand for upscale landscaping has skyrocketed with New York landscape design, as more people wish to explore their outdoor surroundings.
Decorative decks, pools, gazebos, outdoor eating spaces,
and patios
are on the rise. About 1 million households have already outfitted their backyard with upscale outdoor kitchens creating the perfect outlet for entertaining family and friends.
Luxury apartment complexes and condominiums are commonplace in the hustle and bustle of New York City, but that doesnt mean residents must forego the beauty of a garden. Rooftop terrace gardens range from the use of edible dwarf fruit trees, crops, and herbs to wildflowers spread across a sloped roof. Some terraces in Manhattan have been converted into outdoor garden lounges. Even Rockefeller Center possesses its own rooftop garden.
Communities have also embraced the idea of transforming courtyards, alleyways, and empty lots into lush public gardens. A common technique is to infuse spaces with bold effects and follow the current trend of corresponding color combinations (60% main color; 30% second complementary color; 10% accent color).
Exploring the Climate of New York
Humid continental conditions offer a broad representation of the New York State climate. However, the geographical positioning of the state greatly affects the weather, as air masses and the maritime influences of large bodies of water can easily shift temperatures in the region. The average yearly mean temperature of New York ranges from 40 degrees in the Adirondacks to 55 degrees in New York City.
The summertime climate is rather cool in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and regions with higher elevations. New York City and lower portions of the Hudson Valley enjoy warm summers by comparison, with occasional bursts of humidity.
The rest of New York State receives pleasantly warm summers with brief encounters of extreme heat. Most of the state sees summer daytime temperatures between the upper 70s and mid-80s.
During the winter season, the climate brings abundant snowfall with heavy snow belts found near Lake Erie and Ontario (as well as in the plateau regions of eastern and northern New York).
All in all, the overall climate conditions in the state are quite favorable for New York landscape design that includes the growing of grapes, potatoes, cauliflower, sugar maple trees, apples and other fruit trees.
We're also seeing more gardeners varying textures (foliage, flowers, and succulents) to increase interest in potted d้cor. 
