Tasteful touches help to establish a seamless indoor-outdoor feel.
“When it come to patterns and materials in the garden,” according to the Flower Council report, “2022 will see a surge in popularity for ceramics, coloured glass, practical plastics, textiles, raffia and granite.
It’s all about materials that can be natural, artisan and practical at the same time.”
Creating somewhere to enjoy moments of stillness in the garden is also important to boost mindfulness and mental wellbeing.
Photo: RHS/Tim Sandall
“Sustainability has never been more important than now," says acclaimed garden designer Charlotte Rowe.
"We recognise the need for irrigation in the first year or so in a new garden design to help the plants get established but after that plants should be able to stand on their own two feet, except for a bit of extra water in drought conditions.
It’s that old adage that works every time – choose the right plant in the right place.”
Talking of moods, fresh color accents can help to bring energy to your outdoor space too.
So whether you want to freshen up the look, introduce some retro blooms or go for a complete overhaul here are the key garden design trends you need to know about.
Similar to what we've seen in color trends generally for 2022, The Flower Council’s ‘bright and breezy’ trend chart consists of pastel tones such as pink, blue, mint green and pale orange, alternated with more vivid accents.
“Coral red plays a fresh and softening role, and is important for both flowers and plants.”
A combination of structural planting intermingled with softer perennial/herbaceous planting is the new go-to.
Photo: Charlotte Rowe
London-based award winning garden designer Charlotte Rowe speaks on landscape design around the world and is very much ahead of the curve when it comes to spotting the latest trends.
I think it’s about less formality and more sustainability," says Charlotte.
Great advice for anyone wondering how to start a flower garden.
"What’s trending with clients is using grasses mixed with perennials and bulbs alongside more structural planting.
Grasses are popular as they look good for a lot of the year and do not need masses of maintenance.”
Paving over front gardens is not a good idea and we always encourage good drainage, permeable ground surface and as much planting as possible in front gardens. ....
Photo: Charlotte Rowe
“Solid paths and paving is giving way to gravel, wood chip and other natural materials," says Charlotte Rowe on the latest landscaping trends.
"I’m hoping that more gravel might be used as sustainability is such a key trend now.
We designers love gravel for its permeability and flexibility.
It’s also really good for drainage and great for planting in, as well as being an affordable choice.
“People are beginning to understand that drainage is key to good sustainability, in particular in our cities where flooding is becoming increasingly common.
Paving over front gardens is not a good idea and we always encourage good drainage, permeable ground surface and as much planting as possible in front gardens.”
Silver birch, medlar trees and native hedging give the garden a leafy, natural framework.
Photo: Britt Willoughby Dyer
Tom’s Chelsea garden featured an open perennial meadow brimmed with flowering plants full of colour and texture.
Sweeping log walls divided the space, formed of carbon-rich biochar logs, charcoal being a great soil improver, and highlighting the importance of keeping carbon in the soil.
An egg-shaped oak hide provided a place to relax, unwind and observe the natural environment and visiting wildlife.
A naturalistic garden provides sanctuary for not just us, but a richness of biodiversity where a lighter hand on control is applied.
Photo: Dan Pearson Studio
Gardening lets you be part of the natural world and this connection is cemented by the planting you choose.
“Never more so than now has it been this important that we think about our connection to the natural world and not set ourselves apart from it,” says Dan.
“Gardens and gardening allow us a way in to this connection and it’s no surprise that a more naturalistic approach to making and tending our garden spaces is now so embraced and embedded.
Planting palettes should ensure there is always something new to explore and enjoy, whatever the season.
Photo: RHS/Neil Hepworth
The work of design duo of the moment and Chelsea gold medallists Harris Bugg encapsulates the design trend for gardens that have spirit of place and are in keeping with their surroundings.
One recent commission was a modern parterre design in Chiswick for Cara Delevingne, and they have also worked with the new RHS Bridgewater garden and the National Trust.
“The past eighteen months have seen a huge trend towards us all enjoying and valuing our gardens, and spending more time in them right through the year,” says one half of the duo, Hugo Bugg.
“Making spaces work harder for longer seasonal use, from fire-pits to outdoor furniture, is the current trend and that goes hand in hand with the planting and how we keep visual interest going through the seasons.”
Balcony gardens are booming when it comes to strong garden design trends.
Photo: RHS/Tim Sandall
It’s key to make small outdoor spaces practical,’ says John Wyer, whose team of expert landscape architects, designers, builders and horticulturists won a medal at the Chelsea this year.
“In our own designs we’ve been experimenting with using planters on castors, to make a space that is truly flexible to use.
Just push them out of the way when it’s party time.”
There is a growing trend for sedum roofs on balconies and small roof terraces too.
“Recently we’ve been seeing people experimenting,” says John.
“With only 12-15cm of lightweight specialist growing mix, you can grow an amazing range of grasses, herbs, perennials and even small shrubs.
And if you don’t want to do the whole balcony or roof like this, why not drop in trays of planting in between the decking or paving to create a stunning effect.”
Vertical Pocket Gardens, Successional Plantings,.Textured Stones,...
“Because so many people are now working from home, there is more emphasis on styling up and furnishing our outdoor spaces,” say the horticulture experts at the Flower Council, who have just released a 2022 garden trends report that confirms WFH is here to stay.
As within many interior design trends, where functionality is key, the garden/patio/balcony/terrace is now a multi-purpose space, often including an essential ‘gazebo office’ area as more of us transition to a hybrid style of working.