With the promise of hot summer weather on the horizon, our thoughts naturally go to the great outdoors — and the day when we can really get our hands dirty in the garden.
If you’re as excited about exercising your green thumb as we are, then you’ll be interested to learn that some of 2023’s biggest gardening trends are anything but ordinary. In fact, if you’re inspired by the idea of experimenting with colour and texture in your outdoor space, we have quite a lineup for you. While some of these trends reflect major pop culture moments (Bridgerton, anyone?), others are a response to important issues, including climate change and growing food costs.
Ready to turn over a new leaf in your yard? Read on.
Immersive gardens
Your garden can be so much more than just something pretty to look at. Recently, people have become more interested in dreaming up gardens they can immerse multiple senses in.
“Creating an immersive garden demands a delicate balance of design, horticulture, and sensory experience,” says Gene Caballero, CEO of GreenPal in Nashville, TN.
When designing an immersive garden, incorporate varying textures, such as smooth leaves and fuzzy flowers. It’s also essential to add scent. Aromatic plants, such as lavender, roses, and herbs, are excellent picks for this.
“By thoughtfully placing fragrant plants throughout, you can lead visitors on a sensory adventure,” Caballero says.
Lastly, make sure your immersive garden is stunning.
“By combining plants with contrasting colours and textures, you can create a vibrant and dynamic garden that evolves with the seasons,” Caballero says.
He points out that strategically placed lighting can highlight specific areas and create a magical atmosphere at night.
Regency-style gardens
As it turns out, Bridgerton isn’t influencing just clothing and beauty trends, but garden and landscaping looks, too.
“Floralizing trends have been percolating from the Royal Horticultural Society into mainstream media,” says Noah James, owner of Liberty Lawn Garden in Vancouver, BC. “Now, more than ever, ‘Bridgerton’-style gardens are blooming with romanticism.”
Homeowners should incorporate climbing roses and hydrangeas into their outdoor spaces to get this look, James recommends.
“These two simple plants can instantly transform a dull backyard into an English countryside masterpiece,” James says.
For best results, use several types of roses in different shades of white or pink to mimic a Regency-era estate.
A strategically placed pergola, pathway, or bench can also create a romantic feel as they’ll encourage you or your guests to linger in the garden.
Eco-friendly gardens
Xeriscaping is becoming increasingly popular because it’s a more sustainable and water-conscious approach to landscaping.
“Xeriscaping is a trend in garden and landscape design where native plants are used to create sustainable gardens that require minimal water and maintenance,” says Jason Farr, interior designer and founder of Aviara Pavers in San Diego.
Opt for low-maintenance perennials, which come back every year, or install water-efficient vertical gardens.
If you’re interested in adding sustainable elements to your garden, Lindsey Hyland, the founder of Urban Organic Yield, recommends using composting bins to help reduce waste. You can also conserve water by capturing and reusing rainwater.
“With these simple solutions, you’ll be able to create an environmentally-friendly garden that conserves resources while being tailored specifically for your space,” Hyland adds.
Food gardens
As food costs continue to rise, people are taking matters into their own hands by planting their own food gardens.
“Many people are willing to put in the work of setting up and tending a garden to offset that cost,” says Liz Will, master gardener, certified garden coach, and Learn to Grow Gardens owner. “As a bonus, they’re discovering a love for gardening and a hobby that reduces stress.”
However, these gardens don’t resemble the edible gardens of yesteryear. Instead, Will shares that they now better reflect owners’ home aesthetics.
“Arched trellises for tomatoes and ornate obelisks for beans and peas are replacing the wire tomato cages of the past,” Will says.
Simple wooden raised beds are also disappearing, and eye-catching corrugated steel and concrete are being used instead.
Will doesn’t think home gardeners will attempt to grow everything they eat. However, she believes that backyard kitchen gardens are here to stay. “The ability to collect a few herbs and some salad greens to accompany dinner is a wonderful thing,” she says.
If you’re thinking of selling your home at some point, a REALTOR® can help you make decisions about how best to improve your home’s curb appeal.
— Realtor.com