Gardens are for all, and as designers prioritise people and the planet, there is much to be excited about.<\/p>
- Here’s gardeners to watch in 2024<\/a><\/li>
- Don’t miss our list of 22 people who will make waves in horticulture this year<\/a><\/li>
- Here’s gardeners and horticulturalists’s New Year’s Resolutions<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
10 gardening trends for 2024<\/h2>
The Open Air Sitting Room<\/strong><\/p>
\u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure> \u2018Open air sitting rooms\u2019 might sound like a modern idea, but the phrase was coined over a century ago by Octavia Hill, the social visionary and co-founder of the National Trust<\/a>, that together with the Trust and Blue Diamond Garden centres, we are celebrating at RHS Chelsea in 2024.<\/a><\/p>
Octavia believed that \u2018the healthy gift of air and the joy of plants and flowers\u2019 were vital in everyone\u2019s life and in an era when the UK has lost more of its natural biodiversity<\/a> than anywhere else in Western Europe, whether private, public or community garden<\/a>, an open air sitting room plays a vital role in creating green, rejuvenating havens that support biodiversity. With environmentally conscious construction and pollinator attracting planting<\/a>, open air sitting rooms offer a fresh perspective and appreciation for the environment. These sitting rooms provide nature rich havens where individuals can reconnect, reflect or spend quality time with loved ones surrounded with the beauty, and fragility, of nature.<\/p>
Texture in hardscapes<\/strong><\/p>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2020\/04\/RBD190419-171_1v2-0061c1a-scaled.jpg\")
\u00a9 Richard Bloom<\/figcaption><\/figure> Garden material selections have been shifting for some time, with textured surfaces replacing the stark uniformity of sawn, smooth paving, rendered walls and percision stainless steel. From characterful timber, textured renders to riven paved stones, through terracotta<\/a>, ceramic or encaustic tiles, designers are specifying pattern, contrast and depth into their schemes. Celebrating nature and traditional English craftsmanship, texture can be carved, tooled or mixed over large areas or inviting sections which one wants to reach out and touch. Whether rough, grainy or smooth, by paying attention to textured details, gardens become unique, appealing and elevated.<\/p>
Xeriscaping<\/strong><\/p>
![\"Sissinghurst\u2019s](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/08\/JI_300720_TheDelos_003-9b5cb2f-edited.jpg\")
The Delos Garden \u00a9 Jason Ingram – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure> As scientists confirm that 2023 was the hottest year on record, last year the UK experienced scorching heatwaves, water shortages<\/a>, and devastating floods. But by selecting drought resistant plants<\/a>, able to withstand changing climates, planting can help mitigate the effects of climate change and gardens can be adapted to thrive. Xeriscaping focuses on creating landscapes that reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation<\/a>. Already a huge trend in the US, it\u2019s a logical principle that has taken root here in the UK. Nurseries are exploring and cultivating plant species originating from warmer climates which may be new to British gardeners, but these plants encourage gardeners to broaden their horizons and create stunning displays that are sustainable, resilient, low maintenance<\/a> and will be aesthetically pleasing long into the future.<\/p>
Sand gardens<\/strong><\/p>
![\"Peter](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/06\/38A3981-5223ae5.jpg?fit=1024,1024\")
\u00a9 Claire Takacs<\/figcaption><\/figure> Gardening in sand<\/a> alone may sound radical, but it\u2019s an idea that is gaining momentum as an innovative method with numerous benefits. Plants grown in poorer soils tend to be more delicate in stature so requiring less staking, they are sturdier, stockier too, showing resilience, and when we know constant winter rain can be as dangerous to popular perennials such as Achillea<\/a><\/em>, Salvia<\/em><\/a> and Verbascum<\/a><\/em>, with the longer tap roots sand growing promotes, the brilliant draining qualities of sand allows for better chances of winter survival.<\/p>
Advocated by leading gardener plantsman such as John Little, Peter Korn<\/a>, James Hitchmough<\/a>, Nigel Dunnett<\/a>, Charlie Harpur<\/a> and Jimi Blake<\/a>, the value of this type of gardening cannot be ignored in our changing climate, particularly in public spaces and in new developments. The waste produced in large-scale building projects can be crushed and designed back into a garden scheme, stopping it from going to landfill, the topsoiled areas developed for hungrier plants, the rubble, sand and gravel allowing an alternative topography and growing conditions for a large range of plant species diversity, and so a huge larder for insects to feast upon.<\/p>
Inspiring isn\u2019t it? But it\u2019s sensible too, and I\u2019m sure that RHS Chelsea 2024<\/a> will undoubtably further showcase this trend seen on both Sarah Price<\/a> and Tom Massey<\/a>\u2019s gardens last year.<\/p>
Good Life Gardening<\/strong><\/p>
![\"Anna](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/12\/JI_100818_AnnaGreenland_002-5903781-edited-scaled.jpg\")
Anna Greenland’s garden<\/figcaption><\/figure> The trend towards living a simpler, more wholesome lifestyle continues to grow. People are finding satisfaction in growing their own food, keeping livestock such as chickens or bees, and embracing a degree of self-sufficiency. Garden design studios are delighted to accommodate the hands-on design requests from clients who seek a closer connection with the food they consume as many turn to a plant-based diet or are rejecting unsustainable food practices. The result is cutting gardens, polytunnels, greenhouses, gardeners paths in border, compost<\/a> areas including hotbeds, pot stores, sheds<\/a> and herb gardens<\/a> where gardening and the gardener is designed into the scheme. All this allows a more self-reliant, sustainable, productive way to enjoy the benefits of spending time outside, close to the earth, tending the gardens. Yes, gardens are no longer places to look at, they\u2019re places to live in, and you can have a piece of the good life, support the delicate chains of the natural order whether you have a couple of acres or a few pots by the door, on the balcony or the windowsill. I guarantee if you grow veg, or \u2018edimentals<\/a>\u2019 (ornamental edibles) you too will be rewarded with homegrown produce that tastes infinitely better than anything you\u2019ll ever buy from the supermarket.<\/p>
Environmentally Conscious<\/strong><\/p>
![\"Sid](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/05\/JI260521SidHill137-a5f0ed3-e1652084963982.jpg\")
Sid Hill Forest Garden, Cornwall – \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure> Natural ponds<\/a>, swimming pool and water features<\/a> are increasingly popular due to the wildlife and planting opportunities they provide, but as the speed of climate change challenges increases, considering water usage in gardens is crucial. Sustainable garden design involves incorporating rain borders, SUDS compliant materials, natural water runoff systems, water collection methods such as water butts. Environmentally friendly cultivation practices like mulching<\/a> with homemade compost or the \u2018chop and drop\u2019<\/a> mulch method in spring where the dead top growth of plants is cut back and strewn straight onto the soil, ditching chemical pesticides and fertilisers, and of course, choosing reliable plants that require less water whilst attracting pollinators and birds, are all hugely beneficial.
The importance of sustainability is reflected in the gardens showcased at RHS Chelsea 2024<\/a>, all of which are subject to a \u2018green\u2019 audit by the RHS as part of the selection process, and many of which address challenges such as appropriate plant selection, flooding, sustainable material sourcing, and reducing single-use plastics, and cement within the supply chain.<\/p>
Warm, comfortable material tones<\/strong><\/p>
![\"Chelsea](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/05\/Sarahprice12-f64a419.jpg\")
Chelsea Flower Show Garden 2023: The Nurture Landscapes Garden. Designed by Sarah Price – \u00a9 Daisy Bowie-Sell<\/figcaption><\/figure> There\u2019s been a clear departure from clean whites, cold steel and uniform greys, contemporary garden design now embraces warm shades and heritage materials that create a sense of familiarity and warmth. By incorporating tones of terracotta, rust, oatmeal, hazel, and biscuit in hardscape selections, designers can create a serene atmosphere that complements the deep greens of plant foliage, and the tones favoured by architects and interior designers. Adding accents of bronze, copper, or Corten<\/a> in furniture<\/a>, accessories, sculpture, or boundary treatments further enhances the inviting ambience. Dusty black accessories and charred timber details bring dimension and presence to the overall hardscape palette.<\/p>
Linking design and ecology<\/strong><\/p>
![\"Nigel](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2019\/08\/nigel_dunnett_sheffield_SOCIAL-copy-1843356.jpg\")
Nigel Dunnett\u2019s own garden – \u00a9 Rachel Warne<\/figcaption><\/figure> Designers are in a unique position to help people connect with nature’s processes. Increasing awareness of the ecological impacts of our decisions has led to discussions, often instigated by our clients, about soil health and environmental stewardship. Clients are seeking wilder<\/a>, less manicured looks that embrace planting for wildlife habitat and reduce the need for constant maintenance. Sustainable gardens with a mix of native and non-native plants to increase biodiversity, perennial wildflower meadows<\/a>, native hedging<\/a>, and nectar-rich planting are definitely gaining popularity on client wish lists. Clients want sustainable gardens which are vital and have an energy not found in the more traditionally decorated outdoor space with its ordered borders, neat topper and perfectly striped lawn.<\/p>
We\u2019re delighted to be designing gardens complete with composting areas, log stacks utilising on-site store fallen timber, nectar rich, loose vibrant planting amounting to natural green oases where clients can immerse themselves in nature. I believe this shift towards a more ecologically responsible, natural approach reflects a deeper appreciation, and a respect for the joy of gardening, which I\u2019m sure you find as thrilling as I.<\/p>
Repurposing or reusing materials<\/strong><\/p>
![\"Industrial](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/12\/charlottemolesworthsalvage15-f117ff6-edited-scaled.jpg\")
Industrial conveyor belt material used as path in Charlotte Molesworth’s garden<\/figcaption><\/figure> We may live in a throw-away society, but in a bid to minimise waste, I\u2019ve noticed designers (including our own practice!) are respecting a garden\u2019s existing hardscape elements and repurposing or reusing materials whenever possible. Where this isn\u2019t possible, local natural materials with a reduced-carbon footprint are being selected, and thoughtful layout and construction detailing ensures that these hardscapes stand the test of time and are built to last.<\/p>
If paved areas have deteriorated to such a point where crushing is the only option, these will be used as sub-bases for new stone, used as informal paths, or as a planting substrate where they old materials can be laid to rest adorned by bountiful, colourful self-seeders.<\/p>
Bold, Joyful Planting Schemes<\/strong><\/p>
![\"Hunting](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2019\/12\/JI_220819_JimiBlake_001v2-7b137f9.jpg\")
\u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure> Bold and joyful colours are essential elements in all our planting designs, which is happily one of the top requests when discussing planting styles with out clients. Inspired by the vibrant colour combinations mother nature herself combines, often on a single bloom, our studio encourages keen gardeners to stitch plants together, considering also the intricacies of shape and form, to create unique tapestries of bloom and foliage. Next year at RHS Chelsea, expect to see rich tones of maroon, chartreuse, and burnt orange making an appearance in our plant palette for our \u2018Octavia Hill Garden for Blue Diamond with the National Trust\u2019. These velvety, dynamic tones will be underpinned by bold bulb selections, adding floral uplift and joie de vivre to our Chelsea borders. Our goal is to create inviting, welcoming yet exciting spaces that encourage people to revisit and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature to bring joy throughout the seasons. What could be better than that!<\/p>
- Don’t miss our list of 22 people who will make waves in horticulture this year<\/a><\/li>