Health and well-being, savings, sustainability and climate change are everything.
Planet-friendly gardening is set for 2023, when gardeners will remove weeds, plant alternative lawns and encourage wildlife in their beds using sustainable techniques to improve their soil and conserve water.
Restorative gardens will take center stage at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023 as designers offer insights into how gardening can make a positive contribution to our health and the environment. It will also be a great support to the gardening community.
Check out some of the garden trends predicted for 2023.
Wild plant
"As environmental concerns grow, particularly among young people, by 2023 we will see more animal-friendly gardening using peat-free or home-recycled products, organic fertilizers and compost," said Chris, head of organic gardening at Charity Garden Organic. Collins predicts. garden organic matter). ). . org.uk).
“I think more gardeners will follow the lead of some communities and create more animal-friendly gardens to attract insect pollinators.
"The garden can also experiment with companion planting and reconsider its attitude to 'weeds', becoming more relaxed and accepting of their important role as a source of pollen."
environment and climate change
"Climate change will force gardeners to rethink the crops they grow to better suit the country's climate," advises Collins.
Plants resistant to heat and drought will be purchased, water efficiency and use of water density will be increased, planting techniques will be changed to make plants resistant to strong winds and floods.
Sarah Squire, chairman of Squire's Garden Centers (squiresgardencentres.co.uk), predicts: “Customers may want to invest in drought tolerant and warm plants that can cope with the rising temperatures we are experiencing and can take care of themselves.
"Many of them provide lasting color in the garden. Inspiration can be drawn from Mediterranean garden styles that successfully combine drought-resistant plants with beautiful colors. Lavender, rosemary, thyme and a number of other herbs are suitable."
New heights for indoor plants
The RHS predicts that the trend in the popularity of houseplants will continue, with more exotic plants such as cymbidium and dendrobium orchids and fragrant foliage species doing better in cooler homes.
More compost
In August, the government announced that the sale of peat for private garden use would be banned in the UK from 2024 in a bid to protect Britain's already severely degraded soil.
The RHS advises that people will look for environmentally friendly alternatives to wood-based compost rather than peat-based compost.
Forage and biofuels can be used to supplement these alternatives, while turnips and peas can be grown as organic manures to fix nitrogen and other nutrients in the soil and provide habitat and food for wildlife.
"More and more gardeners will try to make their own compost," Collins said.
"Gardeners facing a housing crunch will look for ways to save money and compost piles that recycle fruit and vegetable peels, garden waste and paper/cardboard waste, and save money and reduce environmental damage by digging and hauling peat and compost bags. . and produce. Excellent soil protector."
tighter costs
"Environmental concerns and tight wallets will discourage gardeners from using chemicals to control common garden pests," predicts Collins.
"Instead of buying expensive bug sprays, there will be moves to use more barriers and traps, use companion planting to deter insects, but also allow some natural predators to reproduce because they provide food for pollinators. It's important," Collins said.
Squire added: "I think people will make economical choices and look for quality plants that are proven to give good results. This is where the Royal Horticultural Society's (AGM) award scheme comes into play. works well. That's why AGM plants are a good and reliable choice."
Change the grass
The RHS predicts that gardeners will save time by leaving some of their lawns to pollinators and other wildlife in the garden, growing tall hedges or looking for lawns that require less water and maintenance.
These include tapestry grasses made of plants interspersed with lower flowers such as yarrow. Many growers focus on drought-tolerant varieties for lawns, including tall fescue and microalfalfa, meaning these grasses will stay green even in very dry areas without irrigation.
Go for stronger greens
Perennial vegetables such as Collins, Jerusalem artichoke, Daubenton cabbage and perennial Nine Star broccoli are increasingly grown for their hardiness and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.
fashion style
"The colors for 2023 are terracotta and earth tones such as sage, beige and cream. They evoke warmth, joy and happiness," says BBC Gardeners' World presenter, designer and Stannah Mark Lane (stannah.co.uk). horticulturist.
“There was a clear tendency towards all things Greek, with white walls and stone, statues, arches and tall trees with touches of agapanthus and cyclamen. Handmade items and furniture will be used to create the romantic beauty of Greece."
"One trend that's never left us is the look of a garden cleverly planted with flowers, herbs and fruit – not just a nod to the past, but also a clever way of gardening," says Squire.
“Many garden plants are great for encouraging wildlife. The more flower forms you plant, the more species of bees and butterflies will be attracted to your garden. And they keep coming back year after year, making them a smart choice for you."
Lane notes that it all comes together nostalgically as the 1970s models are reformatted for life in 2023.
gravel garden
According to Lane, Gravel Park will get a big boost. 80% less maintenance required after installation.
“As more of us become more water conscious, drought and heat tolerant plants that grow happily in gravel gardens will be everywhere.
“Your skill will limit the colors and plants to create this peaceful oasis. Blue with a Greek flavor will be accepted as an accent color, whether it's on upholstery, plants, or exterior paint."
Urban chic
“The new collection of seeds and plants will be aimed at small urban gardens as well as larger outdoor spaces. Soft pastel shades are combined with bright and bold colors – soft pinks, blues and mint green interspersed with bright accents from bright orange to deep red,” said Lanze.
planting trees
The Queen's Green Canopy initiative has been extended until March 2023, which could continue the trend of planting trees in parks and the wider community, Squire predicts.
By taking advantage of the state's official growing season from October to March, even the smallest gardens can become part of the national program.
holiday style
Calm and serene spaces will continue to be key themes next year, with soothing colors and comfortable textiles, says Lane. "Natural colors that are on trend will both blend with nature and fade. All this is about a real connection with nature."
“Boutique style garden furniture will look like soft flooring, but will still be in neutral colours. To get the right look, think about what furniture you like inside and find similar pieces for outside," she says.
"Patterned open tiles will be on trend, with symmetrical designs taking center stage and adding a strong design element."
Technological gardening
The RHS says apps and social media are becoming increasingly important as gardeners share what's happening in their beds, attend classes and workshops digitally and are encouraged to engage with applications in planning and farming.
