Spring is just around the corner, and if you’ve been itching to get started on a new outdoor project, then now is a great time to get started. So what trends in garden design are on the horizon, and how can you incorporate them into your space?
2023 garden trends have a firm focus on functionality, as the previous year left us dealing with increasingly extreme weather and shifts to our lifestyles with home-working. But there are always ways to bring beauty into the mix.
Let’s dive into the trends we’re seeing for the upcoming spring season and some ideas on how you can add them to your garden design.
Growing fruits and veg
Unfortunately, food scarcity is becoming an increasing worry as droughts from other countries are causing certain fruits and vegetables to disappear from supermarket shelves. This means it’s all the more reason to invest your time and energy into eating seasonally and growing your own food.
Spring onions, spinach, beans and strawberries are good for beginners and grow relatively quickly. If you don’t have much space, opt for pot planting which works just as well as vegetable beds. Whatever you go for, have fun with it and enjoy reaping the rewards.
Vertical gardening
Vertical gardening is the answer for those looking to make the most of their space, or who don’t want functional growing to take up too much of their garden design. Vertical gardens also make a lovely feature to add some greenery to a patio area.
One way to incorporate vertical gardening is by purchasing a vertical planter or tower that can hold many different types of plants at once to maximise what you can grow in limited space.
Herb gardens
Like the fruit and vegetable-growing hype that will dominate 2023 and the coming years, herb gardens are a step below that takes less time to set up and maintain. Make sure to choose a sunny spot, as herbs need a good dose of sunlight to grow.
You can choose most herbs to grow as long as you have some good soil. Popular herbs to grow in the UK are basil, chives, mint, oregano and rosemary. Be sure to harvest your herbs regularly so they don’t go too woody and tough to cook with.
Climate-resistant plants
We’re beginning to see drier and cooler spring seasons with hotter summers, so protecting your garden from the swings in weather patterns is key. Lavender, choisya and phygelius all work well in the UK climate and add some colour and fragrance to your spring garden.
It isn’t all doom and gloom. A benefit of the changing weather pattern is that plants bloom later into the year, adding some much-needed colour to those wintry months. Getting started with planting early in the spring will encourage the blooms to last for longer.
Soft landscaping
As the price of hard landscaping materials continues to increase, the return of ‘soft landscaping’ to keep costs down and encourage more wildlife into the garden is rising. Plants and evergreens that provide structure to a garden, like myrtle and holly, will be in vogue.
You can use soft landscaping to carve out private spaces in your garden, block out noise or create a focal point in the outdoor space. Be sure to consider the mature size, shape, and growth rate of the evergreens you choose and make sure they are well-suited to your climate and soil type.
Garden ponds
As we increasingly try to reduce our impact on the environment, there are ways you can encourage wildlife into your own outdoor space – and a garden pond is a wonderful way to do it.
A garden pond can attract various wildlife, such as frogs, newts, dragonflies and birds. Provide habitat by adding rocks, logs and plants, and avoid using chemicals or pesticides that can harm wildlife.
Not to mention, a garden pond provides a lovely and tranquil environment for you and your family to relax in – what’s not to love?
Greenhouses
A greenhouse could be the answer if you’re a more seasoned gardener looking to upgrade your growing capabilities. A small greenhouse can be ideal for starting seeds or growing a few plants, while a larger greenhouse can provide space for a wider variety of plants and activities.
Nowadays, a greenhouse can blend seamlessly into your garden without compromising style. Lean-tos, freestanding and Victorian-style models are all popular and come in a range of finishes.
Hybrid living
What do we mean by this? The garden has become a firm extension of the home since the rise of hybrid and home working, so new elements of entertaining and dining are being added to the garden like never before. Think outdoor kitchens, dining areas and
Sometimes the garden even needs to double up as an office space, with custom-built sheds and structure finding space in an unused corner. If you’re thinking of doing the same, be sure to properly design the space otherwise you could risk the new garden office looking very out of place with the rest of your outdoor space.
Sensory gardens
Sensory gardens incorporate plants, features, and materials that engage the senses of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. With a sustained focus on health and wellbeing in society at the moment, your garden can be a therapeutic and relaxing experience.
Engage the five senses with water features, plants of varying textures and fragrant blooms to create your perfect spot for yoga or meditation.
Final thoughts
Whether experimenting with new hardier plant varieties, growing your own fruit and veg for the first time or incorporating sustainable practices, the options to make your outdoor space a peaceful yet productive oasis this upcoming season are limitless.
Need a helping hand with your large garden design? Our expert team are on hand to help you bring your vision to life. We can take what can be an overwhelming blank canvas and draft a gorgeous design that suits all of your needs. Get in touch today to find out more.
