The widespread availability of streaming services, websites, and social media dedicated to aspects of design and decoration reveals a shared understanding: enveloping ourselves in aesthetics holds value beyond appearances.
So it’s not surprising that gardeners are taking the lead to transform their outdoor spaces, balconies, and homes into havens of personal delight. By cultivating environments that bring joy, they’re constructing sanctuaries from the pressures of the world.
With that in mind, let’s delve into the exciting world of gardening trends this 2023 that you can take inspiration from.
Cottage Gardens
A resurgence of interest is directed toward the heartwarming allure of cottage gardens. This nostalgic and romantic planting style weaves vibrant, aromatic blooms into garden beds, creating a tapestry of colors and scents.
Beyond beauty, cottage gardens offer a comforting touch that’s akin to the appeal of comfort food. What’s more, a dash of whimsy finds its place in this enchanting landscape, with gardeners ingeniously incorporating wheelbarrows, bicycles, and other charming objects as imaginative plant containers.
Meadows Instead of Lawns
The practice of gardeners replacing their lawns with drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly plants has been a trend for years. This shift towards lawn alternatives is gaining momentum, with meadow gardens emerging as a particularly popular choice.
The appeal of meadow gardens lies in several factors which are as follows:
- Pollinator support
- Chemical-free maintenance
- Low maintenance
- Creative freedom
As the appreciation for meadow gardens grows, more individuals are embracing this sustainable landscaping choice which promotes biodiversity and contributes to a greener future.
DIY Bouquets
The recent surge in interest in flower farming has inspired many gardening enthusiasts to embark on their own journey of cultivating cut flower gardens at home.
Whether your aspiration is to sell blooms at local farmer’s markets, share homegrown bouquets with neighbors, or create captivating centerpieces for your dining table, the art of growing cut flowers holds something for everyone.
Foliage Plants
Foliage takes center stage for many experienced gardeners, while others are just discovering its immense potential. Beyond the array of leaf colors, gardeners now embrace various foliage textures to infuse depth and intricacy into their gardens and containers.
You should also take advantage of the significance of contrasting textures for an exceptional composition. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your garden:
- Engage your sense of touch by walking on plush moss, feeling the fuzz of lambs’ ear leaves, or tracing delicate ornamental grass stems.
- Leverage sunlight strategically when selecting plants. Glossy leaves reflect light more effectively than dull ones. Tailor your plant choices to each garden area based on light conditions.
- Mix textures to add complexity to your garden’s aesthetic. For instance, pairing ferns with hostas provides contrast. While hostas offer a smooth texture, ferns boast intricate fronds with multiple pinna branching from the midrib.
Vertical Garden
Amid soaring housing costs, interest rates, and other considerations, relocating to a more spacious location is often unfeasible for many. Additionally, some individuals neither require nor want a larger space. Consequently, a growing number of gardeners are capitalizing on their existing space.
A prime solution? Vertical gardening.
This approach, which is gaining renewed attention due to the emphasis on optimizing compact areas, proves invaluable in making the most of available space.
Use of Natural Materials
The growing desire for tranquil, peaceful environments has sparked a surge in utilizing natural materials for hardscaping. The renewed popularity of natural stone pathways is particularly exciting.
Landscape designer and horticulturist Jan Johnsen highlights how these rustic paths, composed of small stones or stepping stones, encourage mindfulness and a slower pace.
Amidst the chaos of daily tasks and endless information, such paths offer a welcome respite.
Conclusion
Annually, gardeners are captivated by certain ideas and concepts, trends that cycle through the gardening world. If you want to keep up with the trend, then we suggest incorporating any of the above trends into your garden right away.