Whether it be paint colours or fashion forecasts; it’s around this time every year that the trend predictions start hitting our doorsteps. And gardening and outdoor living is no different!
WATCH: Simple spring gardening projects
Gardening, in general, saw a huge spike during 2020 and 2021, following the undeniable impact of Covid, which saw us all turn to our own spaces for respite and escape. And though it is true that the horticulture and landscaping world tends to move a lot slower than interiors and fashion in terms of trends, it’s still worth keeping your eye on what’s up and coming – especially if an outdoor overhaul is on the cards for 2022.
We looked as far and wide as the Chelsea Flower Show and as near as our own backyards to round up the top eight gardening trends you can expect to see in the new year.
1. Vegetable and herb gardens
At Better Homes and Gardens alone, we’ve seen a huge push toward organic gardening and homegrown produce in the last year or so. Whether it be fully-fledged, raised plots or a more compact balcony rendition, this trend is one that’s easy to jump on. Simply pick some easy-to-grow veg and herbs, select your site, and reap the rewards!
2. Topiary gardens and cloud pruning
While topiary gardens generally have become quite popular, gone are the days of perfectly manicured, structured box hedges. Instead, garden experts and their clients are tending to opt for more organic shapes, jumping on trends like cloud pruning.
3. Ponds
A frontrunner at the Chelsea Flower Show, ponds and water features are making a return to our outdoor spaces. It’s likely that this resurgence has everything to do with a pond or water feature’s ability to make for a tranquil, calming space – something we have all been seeking in our spaces over the last two years. The good news is, creating one for you and your family to enjoy is not as hard as you might think. Instead of calling in the experts, why not dedicate the weekend to installing one yourself?
4. Native planting
There’s a lot to be said for a garden filled with Australian natives. Not only are they sustainable and low maintenance, but they’re also a great way to encourage native wildlife – insects, lizards, possums, butterflies, birds and bees. Create your very own biodiverse outdoor zone by planting a selection of your favourite native plants and flowers and letting them thrive.
5. Outdoor entertaining spaces
Our gardens and outdoor spaces have increasingly become the preferred destination for gathering with family and with friends. Whether a pergola, firepit, inbuilt seating, or simply a beautiful deck, the great outdoors is being treated as a functional room in which we connect and relax. Introduce this trend by building a DIY fire pit area, or simply select a great outdoor furniture setting.
6. Kid-friendly gardens
Just as we have turned to our gardens for an escape, so too have the younger generation. A kid- and teen-friendly garden is a great way to get the whole family involved in an activity (and also limit screen time!). Get the kids involved in a weekend project, create a conversation zone for your teens or design a fairy garden for the littlies.
7. Wild gardens and meadows
Another big feature to come out of the Chelsea Flower Show was creating “wild gardens” or meadows. Essentially, this means planting a selection of wildflowers and letting them stay more or less untamed, making for a very English meadow effect. This trend has also been favoured amongst those who prefer a low-maintenance garden, as it requires little upkeep. Put down the secateurs and see where your wild garden grows!
8. Alfresco kitchens
Complementary to the popularity of entertaining outdoor spaces, outdoor kitchens were a popular theme for this year’s flower show as well. While this is clearly taking the stage internationally, it’s a trend that is perfectly suited to our lifestyle and climate here in Australia. Whether an expert-level BBQ set up or the whole kit and kaboodle, an outdoor kitchen is something worth investing in if you have the space; there’s nothing like dining alfresco on a warm summer evening!
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
