Landscape Design Trends in 2019
Design is often inspired by current fashions and trends. From sustainability interests to the colours of the season, let’s take a look at the trends that are making their mark.
1. Natives and a relaxed planting style
This week is The RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. It’s one of the highlights of the horticulturist’s year and a great event for spotting the latest trends in garden design. This year, the outstanding trend is the use of native plants and a more naturalistic planting style. Less formal and more relaxed, with plenty of lush green foliage, large trees that provide a sense of enclosure and serenity and more of a ‘back to nature’ feel.
2. Indoor plants and terrariums – They were big last year and the trend for indoor plants and greenery hasn’t slowed down. House plants was one of the top search terms on Pinterest last year, with people particularly interested in patterned foliage with pops of colour. Pop-up plant sales with a party atmosphere and featuring rarer plants are feeding this trend and appealing to younger generations.
3. Lighting – Adding lighting to your outdoor area allows you to get more use out of your garden and extend the season. Up-lighting a feature tree or adding strip lighting to stairs can add an extra ambience to your garden.
4. Sustainable design – It’s been a hot, dry summer with water restrictions in place in some areas and people are taking more of an interest in water-wise gardening. Installing tanks to capture rain water, making use of drought tolerant plants, choosing plants that are suited to the local environment and climate all benefit the environment. Recycled materials, permeable surfaces that allow for drainage, making use of local products and suppliers are just some of the ways that sustainability can be woven into your garden.
5. Colour – Pops of colour in the garden are another trend on the rise. Colour added through accessories like furniture and pots are just one way to incorporate this trend.
6. Professionally designed gardens – People are taking advantage of experienced professionals who are able to combine different types of plants to give a sophisticated palette of greenery.
Alexander McQueen once famously said “There is no better designer than nature”.
7. A greater focus on greenery – At the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show this year plants covered every available space, from rooftops to walls and in the cracks between pavers. Although structures such as walls and pergolas were still evident there is a definite move towards using plants to create structure in a garden. At Chelsea this year, buildings were much simpler in line with the understated feel that many of the gardens had, and more open to the elements.
8. Health and wellbeing benefits of gardens – Designers at Chelsea showcased how plants can benefit the health of people, places and the planet. Access to green spaces provides physical and mental health benefits, space for families to play and be together and can be uplifting gardens of therapy.
Gardens that inspire are well-designed. They have a layout that flows and a welcoming atmosphere. They often reflect the personality of their owners and offer a personal retreat from hectic lifestyles.
If you’ve been inspired by these trends or would like to know more, give me a call or follow me on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.