If you’re thinking about updating your yard this year, you’re in good company. Homeowners all around Brainerd and the surrounding areas are rethinking their outdoor spaces—not just to make them look better, but to make them work better, too.
Whether you’ve got a lakeside cabin, a cozy backyard, or a larger rural property, there’s no shortage of inspiration out there. Here are some of the most popular landscaping trends we’re seeing in Central Minnesota right now—and a few ideas for bringing them to life in your own yard.
1. Low-Maintenance, Easy-to-Love Yards
Let’s be honest—most of us want a yard that looks great without eating up every weekend. That’s why low-maintenance landscaping is having a major moment.
People are leaning into designs that use native plants, mulch, and natural stone to cut down on mowing, watering, and weeding. Think hearty perennials, ornamental grasses, and wide, mulched garden beds that look clean and keep weeds under control.
Bottom line: Less yard work, more time to enjoy your outdoor space.
2. Outdoor Living That Feels Like an Extension of Your Home
From patios and fire pits to cozy nooks with string lights and seating, outdoor living spaces are big right now. And it’s easy to see why—having a place to relax, cook, or entertain outside makes your yard so much more usable.
You don’t need a massive yard, either. Even a small patio with a few pavers, some comfy furniture, and a fire bowl can totally change how you use your outdoor space.
3. Native Plants and Pollinator Gardens
We’re seeing more and more folks swap out high-maintenance flowers for native plants that thrive in our local climate—and support bees, butterflies, and birds while they’re at it.
Some local favorites include:
Native plants are beautiful, tough, and great for the environment. Win-win-win.
4. Smarter Drainage with Rain Gardens
If your yard tends to get soggy after a good rain, you’re not alone. A growing number of homeowners are turning to rain gardens as a stylish and sustainable solution.
These garden beds are designed to collect rainwater and let it slowly soak into the ground. Not only do they help with drainage, but they also add color and texture with plants that love a little extra moisture.
5. Four-Season Landscaping
Here in Minnesota, we know a yard shouldn’t only look good from May to September. Homeowners are now planning their landscapes to offer visual interest all year long.
That might mean evergreens for winter color, ornamental grasses that sway in the breeze, or bark and stone accents that pop—even when the ground is frozen. A little planning can go a long way toward having a yard you actually enjoy looking at, even in the off-season.
6. Outdoor Spaces Built for Real Life
Whether you’ve got kids, pets, or a love for gardening, more people are tailoring their yards to match their lifestyles.
We’re seeing everything from built-in garden beds and fenced pet areas to wood storage setups that blend into the landscape. The goal? A space that looks great and works for the way you live.
The best landscaping projects don’t just make your yard look better—they make it more functional, more enjoyable, and easier to maintain. Whether you’re going for low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly, or just want a patio you’ll actually use, there’s a trend out there for you.
And if you’re not sure where to start, RJ3 Property Maintenance is here to help. From spring cleanups to complete landscape makeovers, we’ll help bring your vision to life—without the stress.
Reach out today and let’s chat about your next outdoor project.
