Intelligent technology is transforming our homes and how we live in them. From smart appliances to voice assistants, our houses are getting smarter every year. So why not bring that innovation outside into our outdoor living spaces? When designed well, technology can greatly enhance our landscapes and gardens while still retaining their natural beauty.
Smart irrigation systems
One major way technology is improving landscape architect is through intelligent irrigation systems. These systems monitor environmental conditions like soil moisture, temperature, rain, and evaporation then use that data to automatically adjust your sprinklers. The result is healthy plants that get watered precisely when they need it, no more and no less. This saves tremendous amounts of water compared to timers and manual watering. Some smart controllers provide additional capabilities like remote access through your phone so you can control the system from anywhere. Advanced controllers can even monitor the weather forecast and proactively adjust for upcoming conditions. Some landscape design services provide smart irrigation system tuning and adjustments as an additional service to ensure optimal efficiency.
Automated lawn maintenance
To watering, other lawn care tasks like mowing and fertilizing are automated with modern technology as well. Robotic lawnmowers use boundary wires to map out areas to trim autonomously, freeing you from this weekly chore. Some models even are controlled via smartphones to schedule mowing times. Soil sensor probes track data underwater and communicate this data wirelessly to tools like automated fertilizer systems. These systems then apply the exact nutrients that soil needs, preventing waste and runoff. While the upfront cost is more, over time the reduction in lawn care labor and resources makes these systems worthwhile investments.
Outdoor audio and entertainment
- Surround sound isn’t just for home theater rooms anymore. The advent of wireless speakers and intelligent home assistants has transformed your garden; you now fill your entire garden with music and voice services. Incorporating multiple speaker setups lets you play different songs in different parts of your landscape in synchronized audio zones. Control the experience right from your phone anywhere on the property.
- For entertaining, rock ambient party lighting and music until the early morning without annoying the neighbors. Learn your invitees’ music tastes ahead of time through Spotify integration then let algorithms pick the perfect playlist. The latest outdoor speakers are weatherproof and designed to blend into gardens. Place rock speakers in the ground, stick mini speakers in flower beds, or hide wireless speakers up in trees using camouflaged casings.
- Finally, video projectors and retractable screens bring movie theaters outside. Project nature documentaries onto large walls or set up an outdoor home theater. Technology expands entertainment possibilities dramatically without harming the ecology when installed properly.
Smart garden robot helpers
Beyond sensors, robot helpers are entering gardens to perform physical tasks autonomously. Smart lawnmowers were already covered, but other robots are being designed to prune bushes, weed vegetable gardens, and even harvest fruits and vegetables. They use computer vision, GPS navigation techniques, and robotic arms to locate and manipulate plants. While still in the early stages, this technology could eliminate some of the most tedious elements of gardening if proven effective. Robots also integrate with soil analytics to make data-driven landscaping decisions. With improving battery life and safer navigation, expect to see more robots tending to future gardens.
