Garden trends 2023

As we move into summer 2023, garden trends in the UK are continuing the sustainable and eco-friendly approach. With an increased focus on biodiversity, gardening practices are shifting towards the creation of habitats and ecosystems for local wildlife. Not just better for wildlife but better for us with a focus on mental health and our environment. Here are some of the key garden trends to watch out for in 2023:

1. Naturalistic Planting The trend for naturalistic planting is set to continue in 2023 along with climate resilient planting. Gardeners are moving away from formal planting schemes and towards more relaxed, informal planting styles. This approach not only creates a more natural look but also provides a better environment for local wildlife.Climate-Resilient Plants With unpredictable weather patterns becoming increasingly common, gardeners are looking for plants that can cope with extreme weather conditions. Drought-resistant plants are becoming more popular, as are those that can cope with periods of heavy rain.
2. Sustainable Materials Sustainability is a key concern for many gardeners in 2023. This means that materials such as recycled plastic and sustainable timber are becoming more popular for garden furniture and accessories. With timber prices still high use of recycled and well planned areas of timber are a must.
3. Wildlife Gardening Creating a wildlife-friendly garden is a trend that is set to continue in 2023. This involves creating habitats for local wildlife, such as bee hotels, bird boxes, and hedgehog homes. There are also quite contemporary looking bee bricks that can be incorporated into walls. Gardeners are also planting flowers that are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
4. Vertical Gardening With space at a premium in many urban areas, vertical gardening is becoming increasingly popular. This involves growing plants on walls, fences, and other vertical surfaces, making the most of limited space.
5. No dig another time and soil saver is becoming increasingly popular.
6. Indoor Gardening Indoor gardening is set to continue to grow in popularity in 2023, as more people look to bring a touch of nature into their homes. This trend includes houseplants, indoor herb gardens, and even indoor hydroponic systems.
7. Smart Technology Smart technology is increasingly being used in the garden, with automated watering systems and smart lighting becoming more popular. These systems help to reduce water wastage and energy consumption, making gardening more sustainable. Dark sky lighting is something that was brought to my attention recently and I have done a separate blog post on this.
8. Grow your own bouquets are going to increase in popularity as well as growing your own food. Areas set aside or growing vegetables in amongst the ornamentals can be utilised. This is a method of growing used throughout cottage garden history.
9. Lawns may become a thing of the past. These high maintenance areas could become more natural meadows requiring less water and time.

Garden trends in the UK for 2023 are increasingly about sustainability, biodiversity and eco-friendliness. From naturalistic planting to wildlife gardening and vertical gardening, these trends reflect a growing concern for the environment and a desire to create a better world for ourselves and for local wildlife. Low maintenance contemporary style gardens will still be popular as spare time is at a premium but it is possible to use a variety of more sustainable materials and plants to create this look.