3 Vintage Landscape Trends That Are Strongly Resurfacing.

Because of a post-World War II housing crisis and economic boom, it's simple to identify the most recognizable mid-century architectural and design features (think: wide-low, mass-produced homes). But what about landscaping trends from the 1950s through the 1970s?

According to Therese O'Malley, a landscaping historian, it turns out that around this time, architecture and landscape began to converge more frequently. At this point, the concept of indoor-outdoor space actually serves as the design's foundation.

There was a general sense of greater botanical awareness after Rachel Carson's 1962 book "Silent Spring" "had a huge impact on not only scientific but popular and political thought about the environment," according to O'Malley.

Its inclusion into interior decorating and community planning resulted from a resurgence of interest in gardening and botanicals. For instance, incorporating nature as a guiding design force was discussed in landscape architect Ian McHarg's 1969 book "Designing with Nature."

According to O'Malley, this time period also saw a focus on "the forces of culture in a place, as well as the forces of nature in a location." For instance, the work of architect Lawrence Halprin focused on the community, and in the 1960s, landscape architect Dan Kiley pioneered the idea of the rooftop garden, which is now "very, very prevalent" in cities, according to O'Malley.

Many modern landscaping requirements are reminiscent of those from the mid-century, with place- and people-oriented design at the forefront, including rooftop gardens, brick ovens, and a gravel-plus-succulent combination. Pro landscapers Emma Doman of BLOOM Landscape Architecture in Brisbane, Australia, and Keith Lince of Miller Landscape in Orion, Michigan, discuss three vintage landscaping themes that are resurfacing below.

1. A Look Like "Palm Springs"

Doman creates in Brisbane taking the weather into consideration. Everything outside needs to be quite bulletproof since the summers are so scorching, she says. In her designs, Doman frequently combines gravel, breezeblocks, and succulents that can withstand the heat, which is ideal for the vintage "Palm Springs" appearance that many of her clients these days are pursuing, according to Doman. "To me, that looks like it's from the mid-century era of design, where there's lots of white," Lots of cacti, succulents, and gravel texturing are present.

According to Lince, more muted color schemes are becoming increasingly prevalent. According to him, the hue of the landscape has appeared to change over time to represent the mood of the society. "Very vivid tones in the 1970s and 1980s, more neutral today."

2. Exterior Ovens

Doman claims that outdoor eating arrangements are returning in terms of the fluidity of the inside and outside spaces. When Doman was a child, fire pits, ovens, and grills were frequently bricked in, and later, "for many, many years, barbecues were on trolleys on our deck," according to Doman.

These days, according to her, people place a higher value on a backyard that is "ideal for partying, mingling, and gathering," complete with brick or stone pavers and outdoor dining arrangements.

Large stone features in a landscape, in my opinion, convey that timeless feeling and may be an excellent addition to any composition, says Lince.

3. Round Swimming Pools

Last but not least, Doman has observed that round and circular pools with retro influences are once again popular. Because she enjoys experimenting with different shapes, these pools are among her personal favorites.

Pools were once usually circular, then rectangular for a very long time, and occasionally even L-shaped. however, she claims that the round pool is making a tremendous comeback.

What, specifically, hasn't endured the test of time? The combination of red mulch, yews, and mugo pines that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s, according to Lince, was the most glaringly out-of-date style. He claims that black mulch is becoming more well-liked right now. But, he adds, "it can also just be something that's trendy for our time."