With everyone from the Society of Garden Designers to Living Etc predicting garden design trends for the coming year, I think that there are some 'trends' which run deeper and longer than just a year and should be better described as 'movements.' These movements are primarily driven by the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss and are likely to continue with an increase in public awareness of these issues.

1. Climate resilient planting

With our Summers becoming hotter and drier and our Winter's wetter, we need to be planting plant species which can withstand these extremes. As garden designers, we are ideally placed to advise clients on the most resilient species and design our planting schemes with these plants at the forefront. Betula, Ajuga, Calamagrostis, Erigeron, Euphorbia, Geraniums and Hylotelephium and Viburnums are just some of plants tolerant of both wet and dry soils.

2. Replacing the lawn

Whilst a real lawn is preferable to an artificial lawn (which is harmful to the environment when it is made and disposed of and offers no benefits to biodiversity), a lawn is still a monoculture which offers limited benefits to pollinators and requires weekly maintenance throughout most of the year. Clients are starting to consider alternatives which look better, are lower maintenance and encourage wildlife into the garden. Wildflower, chamomile or clover lawns are popular alternatives.

3. Sustainable materials

Clients are starting to consider the carbon footprint of the landscaping materials which are used and garden designers should be able to advise on which materials carry a lower footprint. Obviously working with and reusing existing materials is a key part of this but also considering local sources to cut down on transport.

4. Wildlife Gardens

More and more clients are aware of the detrimental effects on wildlife of the removal of habitats, and are looking introduce wildlife friendly plants and features into their gardens, particularly to help educate children about the important of wildlife in the garden.

5. Water wise gardens

Along with climate resilient planting, rain garden features such as water butts, swales and rain planters, along with water permeable surfaces are helping to store and manage any increased rainfall and thus prevent flooding.

So if you would like some advice on how you can make your garden more climate resilient and help with water management and increasing biodiversity, talk to a garden designer today.

Contact me to arrange a consultation.