Landscaping & Hardscaping 2024 Trends | Interview with Tanya Olsen

We’re diving into the world of landscape planning with Tanya Olsen, third-generation owner of Royal City Nursery, the holder of a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) from the University of Guelph, and a frequent gardening celebrity on CTV news with an encyclopedic knowledge of plants and landscape design. 

Top Tip: Consider your indoor space when planning your outdoor space!

When planning your outdoor space, Tanya emphasizes the importance of considering your indoor space first, as it should be an extension of your indoor living space. This involves thinking about how you move from indoor to outdoors, such as through entrances, exits, and patio doors. For the front yard, consider your driveway space, ensure it’s welcoming and reflects your personality since it’s the first entry point into your home. The backyard or patio deck should be an extension of your indoor living areas, such as the living or dining room. For example, it might make sense to put your dining area outside your kitchen doors to make it easier to serve food.  For a more in-depth discussion on these topics, Tanya dives deeper in our video interview below.

Tanya Olsen, landscape designer, discusses landscape and hardscape trends for 2024. If you’re a DIYer or need professional landscape architects or landscape designers, Tanya always has some great takeaways.

When planning your landscape, it’s crucial to create a space that reflects your lifestyle and personality, ensuring longevity and growth. While considering these personal elements, there are also trends that can inspire your design. 

• Cutting gardens are very popular. What is it? Planting flower gardens with tulips, daffodils, sedum, coneflower and other flowers that can be cut and brought inside is a 2024 gardening trend on the rise. 
• Creating habitats for beneficial insects and pollinators is both environmentally friendly and a trend that will endure. 
• Incorporating edibles into your landscape is another “trend” that Tanya highly recommends. What is it? Plant vegetables in the main sections of your garden or in pots and containers on your balcony. Edibles  such as tomatoes and blueberries are fantastic options that bring colour and texture diversity. Watch the video to listen more about the beauty of blueberries in your garden. 
• Edible trees. Consider planting fruit trees instead of ornamental trees. For example, serviceberries, a beautiful native tree option that will give you three seasons of colour and interest. 
• For people with smaller spaces or balcony gardens, Tanya suggests focusing on scale by using planters and containers. Mix up varieties of edible plants and herbs to add variety to your garden. Adding edible nasturtiums and pansies with the structure of a tomato plant shows well and tastes even better. 

When it comes to hardscaping (which includes anything that’s not a plant), like pots, trellises, furniture, paths, and water features, these elements can transform your yard space and make it feel more like you! Whether you’re planning a complete landscape overhaul or looking to make a few updates, Tanya’s tips are sure to inspire your outdoor space planning for the upcoming season. We have many experts at Royal City Nursery. Have questions? Pop-in and ask or email us at landscapeservices@royalcitynursery.com

Learn more about our landscaping solutions at Royal City Nursery or book your landscape consultation today! 

About Tanya Olsen:

Tanya is a third-generation garden centre owner and landscape designer.

Teaches Horticulture Apprenticeship at Humber College in Ontario, Canada.

Has a weekly segment on CTV news.

Has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.

YWCA Woman of Distinction.

About Royal City Nursery:

Guelph, Ontario’s only third-generation, full-service garden centre! We specialize in creating custom outdoor living spaces and unique solutions for all your garden, landscape, and seasonal decorating needs! At our new greenhouse, located between Guelph and Cambridge, we are the garden centre of choice for discerning homeowners, landscapers, and designers. royalcitynursery.com