We all know, no doubt, what modern garden ideas in the UK look like: narrow borders filled with flower beds, garden ideas with a small patio or balcony, the best garden furniture and lots of grass freshly cut.
In the summer, there's probably a lazily spinning laundry conveyor belt somewhere in plain sight, unless the grill is on. However, despite these new additions, it still looks very simple in design - all straight lines, shaped battlements and right angles. It's all about functionality… and dare I say, familiarity.
If it works for you, great. But if you want something different when it comes to creating a unique modern garden - these expert-approved modern garden ideas are guaranteed to transform your outdoor space into something extraordinary.
We spoke to some garden design experts to find out what's new in today's garden trends to enhance your outdoor space. Combined with our collective experience in the field of perfect homes (100 years and more…), we have collected the best modern garden ideas to steal your garden.
1. Choose dark colored panels
Add some "stimulation and intrigue" to your garden by shading your hedges, training them for vines and creating deep borders at the front, advises garden designer Matthew Childs. This, he says, "allows borders to disappear visually."
Learning how to paint a fence is easy, but make sure you do the prep work so you don't have to repaint your fence every summer.
2. Reduce the lawn area to plant more trees
It's great to have a long list of garden ideas, but if you want to add a little more color to your modern garden ideas, Matt recommends keeping the lawn small and the flower beds large because "dense planting they will be more attractive all year round. Structure, shape, color and form." texture and flavor."
If you're not sure what to plant in your flower bed, Matt suggests "limit the number of plant varieties" and "arrange them in piles or piles and repeat them around the garden."
3. Try new materials
If you want to create a mist in your modern garden, research the plants and materials you use.
"You can design an area with a bold steel water can that will rust over time," says garden designer Jackie Felix Mitchell. This will give your outdoor space a sense of urgency."
4. Play with shapes
It's easy to assume that modern garden ideas mean they stay the same - they don't. In fact, one of the easiest ways to attract attention and create a truly wonderful outdoor space is to make sure you mix plants and accessories of different sizes into your garden layout.
"Use large planters for dramatic effect," suggests Jackie. "You could try using some trees to measure height and scale."
5. Tell
Mirror garden ideas are still popular and it's not hard to see why - they're a great way to add depth, dimension and personality to your garden. In fact, a well-placed mirror can be the "wow factor" your garden needs to "help create mood and atmosphere," says Matt.
And better? Mirrors reflect and reflect light around darker and darker areas, helping to brighten them up, not to mention giving the illusion of more space in small gardens.
6. Invest in a garden statue
There's no easier way to add drama to your modern garden than to install a statue, but make sure you push it off to the side rather than taking center stage. Kunal Trehan, design director of Touched Interiors, says: 'We recommend adding your sculpture to the side of your garden where it will not only be the focal point of your border but also create the illusion of height and add depth. '
Kunal adds, "If you're on a budget, get creative and find large natural rocks and stones and use them as sculptures. It will really add style to the design."
7. Try going back
A meadow landscape may not be what comes to mind when we talk about it. However, replacing desert and prairie-style agriculture (with ornamental grasses and pollinator-friendly flowering plants) is now a big trend in garden design.
"I'm so glad that gardening is taking a more enthusiastic approach," says Jackie. "Leaving areas of your garden 'slightly dirty' attracts wildlife such as hedgehogs, which like to eat mushrooms and other garden pests.
8. Install a birdbath
Birdbaths aren't just for your grandma's garden – they're gaining huge momentum on social media, with 17.3 million views on TikTok already this year. Plus, the new iterations can look incredibly stylish.
According to the RSPB, birdbaths are not just an attractive garden feature - they are an important source of drinking and bathing water for our feathered friends in both hot and cold climates.
Be sure to place it where the birds can see it during the bath, near bushes or trees to provide cover in the event of an alarm - and ideally somewhere the cat can't even reach it.
9. Make a small pond with your hands
Water features are a great focal point for any modern garden. But if you want to score points with local wildlife, choose a pond instead of the classic fountain - over time it can become a feeding ground for birds, hedgehogs and bats, famous natural killers of garden pests!
Are you keen to try? Try making your own mini pond first - the Wildlife Trust offers simple instructions.
10. See flexible migration
Drought-tolerant plants are a huge trend, and their strong, structured forms make them perfect for completing a modern garden aesthetic. Also, because they require less water and are more durable, they are an excellent choice for maintaining a sustainable garden.
"Due to the effects of climate change, pressures on wildlife and loss of biodiversity, our parks are increasingly seen as potential green lungs, wildlife corridors and places for people to reconnect with nature," says Matt .
"Sustainability is central to the way gardens are created and maintained today, and as a result there is a strong trend towards gardens that incorporate resilient plants."
11. Grow your own
"I love shrubs, flowers and trees and I think people are increasingly realizing the value of incorporating produce growing areas into their plots, creating a 'foodie' style," says Jackie.
Carve out a corner of the garden to grow fruit, herbs and vegetables and learn how to grow your own plants. Grown in raised pots or elegant containers, you can be sure that your greens will look more elegant than in the countryside.
12. Start rainwater harvesting
As part of its annual Pinterest Forecast report, the social media platform found that searches for "rainwater harvesting engineering" increased by 155%, while "rain barrel ideas" also increased by 100%.
As the name suggests, it's an eco-friendly way to water your garden: it rains, it spills, it ruins your clothes… but it also fills a reservoir, giving you endless water when you need it.
13. Give the concrete rubble
Matt is a big fan of using crushed concrete as mulch, noting that using "local, natural or reclaimed materials" creates a "freer, more natural, less manicured" feel.
With its bright white color, crushed concrete not only looks attractive, but can prevent soil erosion, moisture loss and unwanted weed growth around plants.
14. Take a dip in a natural pool
If you have room for a pool (it can be as small as a mini pool), Matt recommends installing a natural pool, which he did to great effect in his backyard.
"Every garden needs a functional element that will draw people into their garden so they can use and make full use of their outdoor space," he says, adding that the phrase "space for exercise" certainly ticks that box.
They can be an expensive option, costing the same as a traditional pool built in your backyard. However, running costs are minimal as they do not need to be heated, sealed or artificially filtered
What you really need to worry about is safety (make sure the area is fenced off, especially if you have small children) and preventing leaves and plants from falling into the water and rotting.
15. Make a flower blanket
Modern garden ideas don't just have to focus on smooth angular shapes - why not take it to the extreme and fill your flower beds with a colorful floral scheme?
"Myosotis, commonly known as forget-me-nots, may seem ubiquitous, but they actually create a very attractive environment and act as a cover under which tulips and other beauties can be planted," says Jackie.
"Alternatively, geraniums make excellent ground covers and will give you pink flowers from June to October."
16. Introduction of large number of pollinators
"Contemporary doesn't necessarily mean rare," says Jackie If you want to encourage pollinators in your garden, check out some bee-friendly vegetable garden ideas and fill the 'bare' spots with bags of pretty, bee-friendly flowers like Alliums loved at RHS in Chelsea.
"I love Allium chrysophii with its big, small, ball-shaped clusters."
Matt agrees, saying, "Every modern garden needs lots of plants to make people smile and support pollinators and wildlife."
17. Tropical style plants add charm
In the UK, you can get a lot more rain than you should, so make the most of those sunny days with a contemporary tropical garden. "I like to use large leaf plants like Tetrapanax Papyrifer Rex for dramatic effect and exotic flair," says Matt.
Meanwhile, Jackie pulls out her favorite tropical scent: Fatsia japonica.
"This evergreen is happy in gardens or yards large and small," she says.
18. Evergreen skeletal plant
"Skeletal evergreens such as yew, pittosporum or Ilex crenata will form the base," says Matt.
Jackie is also a big fan of evergreens, noting that they add "a sense of structure and maturity" to any modern garden.
19. Ornamental grass plant
If you're a fan of a neutral aesthetic in your home, decorative herbs are a great way to continue the modern look of your garden. "Try using ornamental grasses like Hakonechloa Macra or Calamagrostis Brachytricha in your garden. When you mix them with perennial grasses, it's an easy way to add movement," suggests Matt.
20. Consider a multipurpose stove
The best fire pits can work in any garden, regardless of size. "No matter how small your outdoor space is, it's a valuable commodity and to make the most of it, take inspiration from the current trend of gardens as extensions of the home," says Matt.
"Your outdoor space should be as comfortable as your living room, so it's important to plan the space ergonomically so it doesn't feel cramped. Simplicity is key, and you can also maximize space by made versatile items.
"For example, a stove can be used as a coffee table when covered with a wooden top. Built-in chairs and benches can also be a great space saver."
21. Don't forget aluminum furniture
"For me, the modern garden is a space of communication," says Matt. "It is a sensory environment where friends and family can gather, surrounded by nature and plants.
“In my experience, the best place for this is around the dining table and chairs, so I spend a lot of time discussing furniture options with my clients.
"Personally, I prefer lightweight aluminum furniture that is powder-coated in the color of your choice. It is often stackable, expandable, easy to store and low maintenance."
Of course, you don't have to do all of the above to create a thoroughly modern garden.
Whatever you decide, there are three things to consider: Provide a gathering place for friends and family so wildlife can find shelter and plants can grow.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to create a pond for my garden. অনান শুবুকামনান জানাং!
How can I make my garden more modern?
The key to creating a modern garden is to think outside the box (so avoid traditional lawn clumps and small flower beds). Instead, focus on adding texture with water features, climbing plants and dark hedges and try to transform your garden with deep garden beds filled with skeletal greens, ornamental grasses and mostly flowers.
What is modern garden style?
A truly modern garden style is characterized by an emphasis on smooth lines, sturdy plants and durable materials. It also focuses on the garden as an extension of the home: there should be places for people to sit and socialize comfortably, and plenty of plants for pollinators.
