Gardening and Landscaping Ideas You’ll Want to Steal Immediately

March 20, 2018

As the temperatures start warming up, one of the top home maintenance items for homeowners is landscaping. There many benefits to creating well-designed and comfortable outdoor living spaces that extend the usable square footage of your home. Landscape designer Patrick Affourtit of Blendon Gardens shared some of his top landscaping ideas and trends, including outdoor living spaces and contemporary lines.

Color blocking

Not just a fashion trend anymore! The use of discrete blocks of color is trending in outdoor living spaces too. This particular trend is all about highlighting a specific plant or area. Add color on a wall, to frame a row of potted plants or be the artful backdrop to an outdoor sofa. A solid-color outdoor rug or porch curtains to create the effect.

Outdoor living spaces

According to Blendon Gardens, one of the hottest trends in landscape design is outdoor rooms or outdoor living. Many homeowners are creating separate spaces for different purposes (similar to interior rooms), for instance fire pit spacing or conversation pits.

They are also seeing an interest in outdoor furniture. Current design trends include using the sectional outdoor furniture, with end tables, coffee tables, and more. Patio tables are not utilized as much as they used to be.

Low maintenance

Today’s homeowner is looking for landscaping ideas that require little day-to-day maintenance. Dwarf shrubs paired with composite deck materials are the answer!

Shrubs are strong due to their low maintenance needs and dwarf summer-blooming varieties are well suited to smaller gardens. In addition, composite materials for decks imitate the look, feel and workability of wood deck boards and are roughly the same size. However, they are more durable, and they resist insects and rot requiring less upkeep.

Imperfect gardening

Have you heard of Wabi-Sabi? It is the ancient Japanese practice that appreciates imperfections in life and the ability to age gracefully. Wabi-Sabi gardens imitate nature in a way that allows one to relax and appreciate their humble and imperfect forms. Today’s homeowners are creating imperfect gardens with natural, sustainable and locally sourced organic materials. They are also turning to quality, natural materials, such as metal, stone or wood, over plastic. For inspiration, take a peek at the natural haven that Blendon Gardens created for our Mitchell Crossings neighborhood!

Textured paving

The minimalist look of large format, clean line pavers is beginning to lose appeal in 2018 in favor of smaller, textural flooring choices. There are lots of exciting new stones on the market including different variations on porphyry, limestone and granite and the finishes, shapes and sizes of these stones are changing as people find new ways to use these materials.

Adding natural accents such as flowers and shrubs, as well as carefully placed stone and water features, can create a stunning outdoor oasis that you will love for years to come!

Need more landscaping ideas? Contact our friends at Blendon Gardens to turn your outdoor living space into a natural retreat. To see how the luxury of the interior can be carried outdoors take a virtual tour of our BIA Parade of Homes model, The Lauderdale, and The Bradenton.

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The Trinity Homes Design Center Roadmap

August 25, 2025

Follow the Trinity Homes Design Center Roadmap to create your dream home. From choosing a floor plan to customizing finishes with our designer, explore each step of the homebuilding process.

Commonly Asked Questions

By MJ Marketing • August 18, 2025

Our family at Trinity Homes is made up of people just like you. Our understanding of how families want to live is incorporated into every home that we build. We understand that building a home is about so much more than just selecting a design and constructing it. We also understand that building a home is a huge life decision that comes with a lot of questions. Here are some of the most important and common questions we get to help you get started. Where does Trinity Homes build? We build all throughout the Central Ohio area, with communities in: Dublin Galena Plain City Grove City Pickerington Delaware Explore our communities here . What types of floor plans do you offer? At Trinity Homes, we have 26 customizable floor plans designed to match the needs of every stage of life and lifestyle. Whether you're growing your family, looking to downsize, or need to accommodate multiple generations under one roof, we have a layout that can be customized just for you. Do you have move-in ready homes? While we can help build your home from start to finish, we also have an inventory of quick move-in homes that are already nearing completion. View available move-in ready homes here . What amenities are included in your communities? Amenities vary by neighborhood but may include walking trails, parks, pools, and clubhouses. We'll help you find the community that best suits your lifestyle. What types of homes do you build? We specialize in building traditional single-family homes and condominiums throughout the Central Ohio area. What customization options do you offer? When building your Trinity Home, you will have the opportunity to visit our design center to make your exterior and interior selections. From siding to mailboxes to flooring, hardware, and finishes, we offer an extensive range of options, empowering our clients to build a home that truly reflects their unique style and personality. Can I use material selections outside of what Trinity offers? Of course! We’re always happy to accommodate these custom requests, ensuring every home reflects the unique style and preferences of its owner. If you have more questions, please contact a sales associate today.

Financial Benefits of Buying a Home

July 24, 2025

Buying a home in Central Ohio is a major financial decision and long-term commitment, but it also offers significant financial advantages. Whether you're selecting one of our flexible floor plans or choosing a move-in ready home , homeownership provides value that grows over time. Predictable Monthly Payments One of the most valuable financial benefits of homeownership is stability. With a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly housing payment remains consistent, helping you avoid unpredictable rent increases. This reliability makes it easier to plan ahead and stay on track financially. Build Equity and Grow Wealth Instead of paying rent without return, your monthly mortgage payments contribute to something you own. With every payment, you increase your ownership stake in the property and build equity. Over time, this equity can fund a renovation, support another investment, or contribute to long-term financial stability. Plan Ahead with Flexible Floor Plans Choosing a semi-custom home means designing your space to meet current and future needs. Trinity Homes offers open-concept layouts, adaptable bonus spaces, and smart square footage that grows with your lifestyle. Planning ahead can help reduce the need for costly renovations or future moves. Explore our flexible floor plans Long-Term Value and Home Appreciation A home is one of your most important financial assets. Properties often appreciate in value, particularly in well-planned communities with quality schools and amenities. By staying in your home long-term, you increase your chances of benefiting from home appreciation and growing your net worth. Save with Move-In Ready Options If you're looking to move quickly, a move-in ready home can be a financially smart choice. Trinity Homes often offers reduced pricing, included upgrades, or assistance with closing costs on inventory homes. Enjoy a brand-new space with modern features and minimal repair expenses. Browse move-in ready homes Frequently Asked Questions Q: What are the financial advantages of buying a home over renting? A: Homeownership lets you build equity, benefit from property appreciation, and enjoy stable monthly payments, unlike renting where payments offer no long-term return. Q: Are semi-custom homes more expensive? A: Semi-custom homes can offer more long-term value by reducing renovation costs and better meeting your family’s evolving needs. Q: How quickly can I move into a Trinity Homes property? A: Our move-in ready homes are available for quick occupancy, often with added savings or included upgrades. If you're considering buying a home, Trinity Homes offers options designed to support both your lifestyle and your long-term financial goals. Whether you choose the flexibility of a semi-custom build or the convenience of a quick move-in home , you’ll enjoy lasting value, thoughtful design, and a team committed to making your journey feel easy from day one. Ready to invest in your future? Contact us today to explore semi-custom and move-in ready homes in Central Ohio.