Plan your summer garden

Garden designer Fiona Harrison

WE LIKE TO KEEP OUR EYE IN ON WHAT’S GOING ON IN GARDEN DESIGN as we often get pulled in to advise on a frontage, a courtyard or a small garden or find ourselves working with garden designers on larger projects.

The recent occasionally spring-like days have encouraged us to think about garden trends for summer 2023. So, here’s our overview of six trends gleaned from experts including the Royal Horticultural Society for those who are at the planning stage and six projects for those who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get down and dirty.  Have fun!

6 trends

Sustainability:  This is a no-brainer. Those in the know predict we will be seeking out sustainable methods to improve our soil, keep out weeds and minimise the amount of water we use in our gardens. Composting is also an issue: peat-bagged compost will be banned in the UK in 2024 and the RHS says that natural solutions, such as seaweed or wood-based feeds will provide an alternative.

Wildlife support:  Think wildlife meadows, of whatever size, and  enlist the help of wildlife such as wasps, slugs and aphids, in the control of your patch, and over-tall borders to encourage pollinators.

Techno-trowels? As gardeners share their findings, join on-line courses and workshops and subscribe to sites that prompt jobs that need doing, social media and the digital world is playing its part.

Natural swimming pools: they’re the sustainable and environmental option and if we have another summer like last, we predict that they’ll be on many client’s wish lists.

Climate resistance: With our increasingly warm climate, plants and seeds that are drought resistant are an obvious choice for bedding and lawns that will continue to offer colour and longevity throughout the season and require very little watering.

Patchwork lawns: Consider dividing lawns into areas that support wildlife and pollinators and allowing borders to grow long. To reduce maintenance in the drier climate, hard-landscaping can also be employed.

6 projects

Vegetable and herb gardens: Cost saving and eco-friendly the trend for growing what we can that started during lockdown is predicted to continue.  The Royal Horticultural Society reports a 600% increase in searches for herbs last winter compared to 2021.

Warm colours in the garden: We’re talking furniture here. The popularity of brass and copper internally is affecting our choice of external furniture, paintwork and landscaping.

Traditional outbuildings: As we spend more time outdoors exploring new spare time occupations, the popularity of outbuildings is on the increase. From the greenhouse to the garden shed, market trends show increased lean towards a more vintage style.

Gravel gardens and hard landscaping: Easy to plan and care for we believe this practical trend will grow in 2023. Think unusual patterns and proportion play and mixed textures or statement colours such as terracotta or dark, natural stone.

Screening: Not a new idea, but screens can create a unique space. The choice of composition grows by the day and the character and style they can introduce is limitless.

Outside in garden rooms: Picture a space in which to sit, work and relax in all weathers. This could be part of an open-plan living area, a garden building or even a weather-proofed gazebo.

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