Sustainable gardening is planned for 2023. Gardeners ditch the peat, create another lawn, plant wildlife in the patch, and use sustainable techniques to improve the soil and conserve water.
Restorative gardens will take center stage at the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show as designers provide ideas on how gardening can positively impact our health and help the environment. There will also be a big push for community gardening.
Let’s take a look at some of the gardening trends predicted for 2023.
wildlife planting
“As environmental concerns grow, especially among young people, 2023 will see wildlife-friendly horticulture using recycled products, organic fertilizers, peat-free or home-made compost. Yes,’ says Chris Collins, head of organic gardening at the charity Garden Organic (gardenorganic.org.uk).
“I think more gardeners will follow the example of many councils and plant more wildlife-friendly gardens to attract pollinating insects.
“Gardeners may also experiment with companion plantations, rethink their attitudes toward ‘weeds,’ take a more relaxed approach, and acknowledge their important role as pollen sources.”
Environment and climate change
“Climate change will cause gardeners to rethink the types of crops they grow and adjust them to the climate in their country,” suggests Collins.
“Heat- and drought-tolerant plants are purchased, water conservation and use of reservoirs are increased, and planting techniques are changed to help plants withstand high winds and floods.”
Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centers (squiresgardencentres.co.uk) predicts: .
“Many provide long-lasting color in the garden. Inspiration can be drawn from Mediterranean garden styles, which successfully combine drought-tolerant plants with striking colors. Lavender, rosemary, thyme, and more. Many herbs are suitable.”
New Heights for Houseplants
The trend in houseplant popularity will continue, with exotics such as orchids such as Cymbidium and Dendrobium and fragrant-leaf varieties performing better in cooler homes, RHS predicts.
more composting
In August, the government announced it would ban the sale of peat for use in private gardens and plots in England from 2024 in a bid to protect the country’s already severely degraded wastelands.
RHS advises that people will look to greener wood-based compost to replace peat-based bagged compost.
Seaweed and biochar feeds can be used to complement these alternatives, while comfrey and winter beans are grown as green manure to fix nitrogen and other nutrients in the soil, providing wildlife with a habitat. Helps provide food.
“More gardeners will produce their own compost,” Collins predicts.
“The cost of living crisis has gardeners looking to save money. A compost pile that recycles fruit and vegetable peels, garden clippings, and paper/cardboard waste saves money and replaces peat and compost bags. It reduces environmental damage from excavation and transportation, and is an excellent soil conditioner.”
tightening of spending
“Environmental concerns and tight purse strings are likely to stop gardeners from reaching for chemicals to deal with common garden pests, Collins predicts.
“Instead of buying expensive bug sprays, there is a movement to use more barriers and traps, and use companion plantations to deter bugs while also providing food for important pollinators. , allowing some natural predators to thrive,” says Collins.
Squire adds: This is where the Royal Horticultural Society’s Awards of Garden Merit (AGM) scheme comes in very handy, as AGMs are excellent examples of plant types and are awarded only to varieties proven to work well in gardens. increase. AGM plants are therefore a suitable and reliable choice. ”
replanting the lawn
Gardeners can save time by leaving parts of the lawn to pollinators and other garden wildlife, lengthening borders, and looking for lawns that require less water and maintenance, RHS said. I am predicting.
This includes tapestry lawns composed of lowland, intertwined flowering plants such as yarrow. Many breeders focus on drought-tolerant lawn varieties such as tall fescue grass and micro clover.
move to firmer vegetables
Perennial vegetables such as Jerusalem artichoke, doventon kale and “Nine Star Perennial” broccoli will be increasingly planted for their sustainable nature and ability to withstand extreme weather, Collins said.
trendy style
“The colors of 2023 are terracotta, plus earth tones such as sage green, beige and cream. .uk) horticultural expert Mark Lane says.
“There is a real trend in all of Greece: whitewashed and stone walls, sculptures, archways, tall trees with bright colors of agapanthus and cyclamen. Handmade objects and furniture are used.”
“Cottage garden style with artfully planted flowers, herbs and fruit is an age-old trend,” says Squire.
“Many cottage garden plants are great for supporting wildlife. , making it a wise choice for your wallet.”
All of this merges with the nostalgia craze, Lane points out, as 1970s designs are reformatted for life in 2023.
gravel garden
Lane believes there is a big push for gravel gardens. Once established, he requires 80% less maintenance.
“As more of us pay attention to water scarcity, we see plants everywhere that are drought- and heat-tolerant and thrive in gravel gardens.
“The trick is to limit the colors and plants to create an oasis of calm. Blue, with its Greek flair, can be seen as an accent color in soft furniture, plants, or exterior paint.”
urban chic
“The new collection of seeds and plants focuses on small urban gardens and larger outdoor spaces. Alternate for vibrant accents ranging from bright orange to scarlet,” Lane says.
tree planting
With the Queen’s Green Canopy Initiative extended through March 2023, Squire predicts that the trend for planting trees in gardens and wider communities may continue.
“Even the smallest garden can be part of a national program, taking advantage of the country’s official planting season, which runs from October to March,” she says.
relaxed style
With muted colors and cozy textiles, places of rest and recovery will be a key theme next year, says Lane. It’s about a true connection with the natural world.”
“Boutique-style garden furniture can be found in plush, soft furnishings, but in neutral colors. Just find the right furniture,” he adds.
“Patterned outdoor tiles are trending, with symmetrical designs taking center stage and adding strong design elements.”
stylish gardening
RHS recognizes the importance of apps and social media as gardeners are encouraged to share what’s happening in their patches, participate in courses and workshops digitally, and use the app to plan and plant. RHS points out that it is even higher.