It’s the start of a new year, and many of us will find our thoughts turning to home improvements. We now see our outdoor spaces as extensions of our homes; places where we work, relax, and socialise, and connect with nature.
This has led to some interesting new developments in the way we plan and design our gardens. Here’s a look at what lies ahead in 2024.
Eco-friendly gardens
There is already a strong emphasis on environmentally friendly and sustainable gardens, and this trend is set to continue in 2024. There will be an increase in practices such as mulching and composting and less reliance on buying unsustainable peat resources, and reduced use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides, for example.
Gardeners will be including wildlife friendly features such as ponds and bog gardens with native plants. However, there will be more emphasis on conserving water, with natural collection methods such as water butts, rain borders, and runoff systems taking priority over sprinklers or hosepipes.
The trend for leaving sections of lawn unmown to provide shelter for wildlife and attract pollinators will continue.
Textured hardscaping
There will be a move away from smooth hardscaping materials that have become fashionable for contemporary minimalist chic over the past decade, and greater use of natural textures, according to Gardens Illustrated. This may be by installing timber features such as decking and raised beds, or stonework that is deliberately weathered or tooled.
This can help to lend character, interest and variety to an outdoor space, complementing the planting scheme and the style of the home.
Outdoor living rooms
Over the past few years, we have been migrating to outdoor living during the summer months, and this trend will continue with the rise of the outdoor living room. These are more than just patios; they are open air sitting rooms that allow us to enjoy the beauty of nature and connect with our loved ones in an idyllic setting.
Comfortable weather-resistant furniture, fire pits, well thought out lighting schemes, and even outdoor kitchens complete with countertops, fridges, storage space, and ovens are now becoming standard features of UK gardens.
Vertical gardens
Many people are keen to create greenery even if they have a limited amount of space to work with. This has led to vertical gardens becoming a popular choice. It involves introducing climbing plants to fencing, trellises, or walls. You can also add wall-mounted planter or hanging baskets to add life and colour to a smaller garden.
Low maintenance gardening
Homeowners with busy schedules are opting for low maintenance gardens. This may include paved areas, artificial turf, and hardy plants that require little attention to survive and thrive. This allows you to enjoy your outdoor space without sacrificing hours each weekend carrying out maintenance chores.
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