Gardening Trends For 2025
No matter how we like to garden ourselves, like everything else, the practice is becoming more and more influenced by trends, and whilst we’re not forced to change what we’re doing or adhere to what we’re told is the new norm, some trends may well be of benefit to us and our outdoor spaces, and potentially incorporated into our own favoured systems. Most are, unsurprisingly, focussed on our impact on the planet, but they should, by extension, have a positive impact on us, and that’s something to consider, surely. Here are some of the trends that could well influence gardening in 2025:
Biodiversity
Nature works best when it works together, and we’re part of that chain. By embracing as much of what nature has to offer as possible, our gardens could well exceed expectations. Encouraging more wildlife into the garden is a great way to start; bees and butterflies are great pollinators, and birds will help to keep garden pests at bay, and it could be as simple as providing suitable, native plants for food and shelter. A wildflower meadow is an excellent replacement for a lawn if you want to take things one step further, and the ecosystem created will benefit your garden and the environment. But drastic changes are not always necessary; the odd bird feeder or a birdbath will still attract more than just birds, and that can only be a good thing. A trend that’s been gaining traction in recent years, and 2025 will continue to promote the benefits.
Resilient Gardens
Whilst British weather has always been unpredictable, its unpredictability has itself become unpredictable, so gardeners are having to adjust to the change. Native, drought-resistant plants are becoming popular again, not least for their ability to adapt, and that’s just as well, because they’ll also need to withstand strong winds and, ironically, intense rainfall! But there’s more to it than just reliable plants… Wind-breaking structures could become more of a feature, and innovative ways to collect and conserve, distribute and divert water will become more popular, particularly in areas that see heavy rainfall. Rain gardens are one way of tackling the problem, with a focus on plants and surfaces that absorb water and vessels to collect it, all without compromising on soil health or, indeed, style.
Sustainability
Linking to both the previous practices – and in some ways, overlapping – is sustainability. Retaining water is just as necessary as collecting and repurposing it, so mulching will feature, along with other organic practices like home and garden composting, avoiding chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilisers, all of which will improve soil health too and the native, wildlife-friendly, pollinating plants and shrubs we’ve already opted for to create the necessary biodiversity. And on that note, companion and barrier planting are both eco-friendly alternatives to chemicals, and with no unsavoury substances leaking into the ground, soil health will improve; add compost derived from organically-preserved plants, and the necessary nutrients needed quite possibly depleted will return. Zero waste is the grand plan, but one step at a time is better than none.
It's not just practices that may be overhauled; switching to more sustainable materials for planters and garden structures could also factor in the coming year with many products maintaining a stylish look without sacrificing functionality.
Vibrant Colours
Whilst maintaining a biodiverse, resilient and sustainable garden, full of native plants, we’ll be looking for bold colours and textures to complement our efforts. Summertime sees most of us spending more time in our outside spaces, but we can create a visual spectacle all year round with the right sustainable plants. Grouping warmer colours together can lift the darker days of winter, but so can creating contrast with stunning foliage. And then there’s the hardscaping; splashes of colour there can blend beautifully with the nature being nurtured.
Blending The Outside With Inside
The benefits of nature are well documented, and our interaction with her just as important, so bringing some of her beauty indoors seems an obvious step, and with such vivid colours available, cutting blooms and bringing them inside is set to become more popular in 2025. For those wanting to leave their gardens intact, houseplants could be the answer and often just as vibrant and visual. Environment is important, so be mindful of what you’re buying, but with texture and palette almost as diverse as garden plants, you’re sure to find a houseplant that suits your lifestyle.
Smart Tech
Our lives are already embroiled in smart technology, and whilst most of that is confined to indoors, 2025 could see it crossing the threshold to fully embrace our outdoor spaces. Apps are available that allow you to design your own garden and advise you on the best plants combinations; your outdoor lighting and music can all be controlled with a swipe or two, and watering your plants can be done from the comfort of your own lounger and without the use of a watering can. Technology can also monitor the moisture in your soil, allowing you to offer the best care to your plants, and step aside robot vacuum cleaners; the robotic lawnmower is here! If the technology exists, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes more mainstream.
Outdoor Rooms
For many, outdoor spaces have become an extension of inside instead of a separate entity, something that has increased in popularity in the past few years, and it looks set to continue in the New Year. Outdoor kitchens and offices are the more popular choices, with gazebos and pergolas providing the necessary shelter from inclement weather and plants dividing and defining the spaces. Modular furniture and versatile lighting help to maintain the ‘room’ feel, and fire pits will provide warmth and cosiness. But we could see the bravest amongst us take the outdoor living a step further… outdoor showers! A little more thought may be necessary for the design…
Edibles
Growing your own produce doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on aesthetics, and there is a growing trend for planting both functional, edible perennials alongside the more decorative, negating the need for the more traditional vegetable or herb garden. Many fruit trees and bushes will happily nestle amongst the standard blooms and other edibles to create a visual and culinary delight. And, of course, this type of gardening has already transferred to pots, planters and hanging baskets, altering the dynamics of our outdoor spaces.
Vertical Gardening
Gardens aren’t what they used to be; the emphasis may now be on building as many houses as possible on a single plot, but that comes at the expense of outdoor spaces. It does mean, though, that we have had to get creative with our gardening; if we can’t spread out, we’ll spread up, and aside from the practicalities, it adds depth and can serve as a focal point. Arches, obelisks and trellises will continue to be popular, but living walls will start to feature more and more, offering a visual display that may also support much-needed wildlife. Where space is more readily available, moon gates could gain popularity in 2025, framing your outdoor space and providing a measure of enclosure and interest.
Community Gardens
With space becoming more limited, community gardens could well be the answer. They offer all the benefits of gardening and the outdoors whilst developing community relationships, a sense a belonging and knowledge. Produce and tasks can be shared, along with the responsibility of caring for one’s local environment. A larger number of volunteers could see the space catered for all year round.
Whatever the trends may be, if they encourage us to get outside more often, that can only be a good thing. A different perspective may be all your garden needs to become the outdoor space your always dreamed of. Whatever 2025 offers, however, we hope all our customers remain happy and healthy throughout.
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