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2020 GARDENING TRENDS
With the New Year here, now is the perfect time to get inspired and revive your garden with expected garden trends forecasted for the year ahead. The garden is that specific living area which can be continuously changed throughout the months to help give a fresh and relaxing area which can be enjoyed the whole year round.
From big houseplants to grow-your-own and to outdoor kitchens, 2020 is the year to get creative with your garden!
GROW-YOUR-OWN…
Although growing produce at home is nothing new, it was a factor which grew in popularity over the course of 2019 and is expected to be even bigger this year, a real gardening trend to be looked out for. Your garden shouldn’t only be viewed upon as an area to find peace and tranquillity but also an area which serves a prosperous purpose. Many individuals are worried they lack the skills, knowledge and time to actively take care of their garden. At Polhill we recommend getting out in the garden and ‘having a go’ as it is a great way to relieve stress and develop skills such as patience and maintenance, in addition to gaining a sense of pride in your own work.
That’s why it is great to get in the garden and plant your own plants, vegetables and even berries. This helps to give a great sense of achievement when you can produce meals from vegetation which has been grown in your very own garden!
Ever tried edible flowers? They can add a great creative flare and taste to your food and have become a very popular element within Mediterranean diets. It is a trend which is expected to become even more popular during the year ahead and sweep across the UK.
According to the RHS, chillies are one of the most popular choices for people to grow at home, closely followed by peas and beans. Now is the perfect time to start considering what you want to grow in the garden.
OUTDOOR KITCHENS…
The trend of al fresco dining is becoming ever more popular across Europe and the trend is steadily sweeping its way across the UK. This has helped to produce the demand for outdoor kitchens. So why not go the extra mile and have an area in your garden dedicated for cooking! We don’t just mean BBQ’s, but advanced outdoor kitchens that allow you to cook under the beautiful sky whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings of your garden.
Being in the UK the weather can be very dreary, but don’t let that put you off. In order to make the most of an outdoor kitchen it is recommended to keep it under cover or under a patio roof so that the rain will not interfere with your enjoyment of cooking outside. One thing is for sure, it would be the envy of all your friends and family and would allow for great dinner parties throughout the warmer months.
URBAN GARDENING…
Urban gardening is a trend which is increasing in popularity. It is the idea of growing plants on any objects within your garden area, helping to create a vibrant and unique look. Some examples are flowerbeds in boxes, or using wheel barrows as planters. The great thing about urban gardening is that it can look great in both small and large gardens, allowing for a creative look which suits your own unique taste!
As gardens are being viewed upon as an extension of our living areas, it is becoming ever more common to see gardens being decorated with the use of favourite colours and materials. Pastel colours with a splash of added vibrancy can really help make your garden stand out from the crowd.
ECOLOGICAL GARDEN DESIGNS…
Environmentally friendly gardens is a trend which is going to be huge this year! Environmental focus is on everyone’s mind these days and through ownership of a garden, we have a chance of doing our part of helping to sustain and protect the natural environment. What exactly does an eco-friendly garden look like? Well, below we will explore various options. Primarily a combination of ethically sourced materials and innovative technology make up ecological gardens.
Eco Materials:
Green materials sourced and made by the local community feature strongly in sustainable gardens. Choosing them helps to reduce your carbon footprint as they have few air miles attached, plus most of them use little or no cement, the production of which accounts for more than five per cent of the world’s carbon emissions.
Conserve Water:
Water conservation is another important element which we should all prioritise. We recommend installing butts on downpipes. It’s a great method to save water and make sure that it doesn’t go to waste. This saved water could then be used to water plants or leave out for wild birds to drink. A water butt will also allow to make savings on your bills if you use a water meter in your home which is set to charge you for the amount of water you use.
It is also imperative to remember that harvested rain water is far more beneficial to plants, lawns, fruit and flowers compare to tap water. This is because rainwater has far more nutrients compared to tap water which is treated with various chemicals.
Improve the quality of your soil:
Lots of compost and/or well-rotted manure will keep your soil in what gardeners call ‘good heart’. This creates a healthy soil teeming with essential micro-organisms, which in turn gives you healthy plants that don’t succumb to pests and diseases. Compost soaks up water like a sponge, too – useful in free-draining sandy soils.
GOING BACK TO THE FUTURE…
No not the 1980’s classic film! but according to the RHS, popular foliage from the 80’s such as nemesias and diascias will be exceptionally popular throughout the year ahead. They look great in beddings or as basket or container plants and have a long summer flowering period. With the bonus of a sweet scent which helps to attract both butterflies and bees, these plants are great for helping to attract wildlife to your garden.
The vibrant colours of these plants will also make your garden look picturesque throughout the summer months.
NATURAL AESTHETICS…
Thanks to an increasing awareness around environmental care, more of us are looking for ways to help wildlife numbers in our own gardens. Bee hotels, log piles, plants for pollinators and compost heaps are tipped to rise in popularity this year. Whilst being positive for the natural environment, it also adds character to your garden.
HOUSEPLANTS AND LOTS OF THEM…
Over the past few years, houseplants have been increasing in popularity amongst homeowners. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that it is expected to become an even bigger trend this year with bigger houseplants expected to be a real favourite in living areas.
Here at Polhill, you can purchase from a wide range of houseplants from our Plant Area such as the following:
- Dracaenas
- Yuccas
- Ficus (Figs)
- Palms
We also stock other varieties which can all be found in our Plant Department. Should you have any questions about houseplants and would like to know more, then please ask one of our friendly and expert team members who will be more than happy to assist you upon your visit.
Using a diverse range of plants can give your living area a vibrant and creative look which will look both homely and welcoming.
The above are all examples of what are expected to be big trends throughout 2020, trends that will help to get your garden looking homely and welcoming, but importantly environmentally friendly too! Should you need any advice with your gardening needs, please feel free to talk to our friendly expert team who will be happy to help with your questions.
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