We predict the key designs for your garden
With the arrival of spring, our thoughts travel to places where we can spend our time outdoors.
To make the most of your garden, whether it’s dining al fresco, growing your own vegetables or enjoying the many healthy benefits of being outdoors; we tell you about some of the key gardening trends for this 2018.
Vida al fresco
Outdoor entertaining and cooking areas will be a key trend for the Spring/Summer 2018 season, ideal for guests if you don’t have a lot of space at home.
“Plug and Play” pergolas – with integrated drainage, lighting and heating will be a must-have garden feature, while outdoor kitchens will also continue to grow in popularity, with dedicated spaces for cooking, eating and entertaining becoming a central focus.
Japanese Theme: Botanical Chaos
There’s an inspiring new way of looking at the garden, which is good news for those of us who are more laid back. Wabi-sabi – an acceptance of the natural cycle of growth, decay and death – is nothing new to the Japanese who have practiced this art since the 15th century, but to the Western world it couldn’t be further removed from the continual search for perfection.
The key here is to balance nature and nurture, so sit back, relax and reflect on the beauty of your garden’s natural imperfections. Unpruned perennials, moss-covered stones, rusted iron gates and weathered planters suddenly become fashionable.
Verdure" Colors
The trendsetters at Pantone have created the perfect color palette in 2018 to experiment with in the garden. The “Verdure” palette features colors found naturally in lush greenery and forests: think violet with a hint of berries, red wood, blue eggshell and green foliage.
Introduce color accents with clay pots containing purple flowering plants, such as Lavender, Rosemary and Thai Basil. If you have wood fences or furniture, give them a new look by sanding them down before applying a coat of eggshell-blue paint to complement the shades of your new purple plants.
“Grow your own” - Grow your own vegetables
Veganism is one of the fastest growing lifestyles, and the number of people choosing a plant-based diet has increased dramatically in the last decade. Coupled with rising prices for these foods and a growing appreciation for organic produce, in 2018 the “Grow your own” movement will see a resurgence.
If you really want to be more self-sufficient, a greenhouse can increase your fresh fruit and vegetable harvest year-round. If you don’t have a lot of space, legumes (green beans, lima beans and peas) and squash are a great option as they make use of vertical space. Lettuces, herbs and tomatoes grow well in boxes on balconies and patios and also cost much less than supermarket prices.
Healing houseplants
Houseplants are making a strong comeback and not just for aesthetic reasons. In addition to purifying the air we breathe from harmful toxins according to NASA research, houseplants can also reduce stress, control humidity and reduce noise pollution.
To promote better sleep, place “mother-in-law tongue” plants in your bedroom (if large), as they produce bursts of oxygen at night to help you breathe better. Aloe Vera works well in kitchens to neutralize benzene found in detergents and plastics.
They haven’t been seen since the 1970s, but hanging planters are making a comeback as a quirky way to display houseplants. Group different colors, shapes and textures for maximum impact.
Artificial turf installations are becoming more and more popular among those who like to keep their garden always green and beautiful. It is the perfect choice for low maintenance gardens; Moreover, by increasing water savings and eliminating the use of chemicals, it is becoming a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative.
Made with conscience
Mindfulness, the ancient Buddhist tradition of immersing oneself in the present moment, has become a key buzzword in the wellness arena in recent years and will have a major influence on how we design and appreciate our gardens in 2018.
