New garden designing techniques are emerging to meet our growing need for a garden that’s beautiful, functional and resilient. These techniques don’t require a degree in horticulture and are more about bringing a sense of place into the design.
Latest garden designing techniques are influenced by a range of different trends, including the rise of small gardens in the UK, and the increasing cultural shift towards contemporary style. Some of the latest gardening techniques focus on balancing aesthetics and practicality, with the use of innovative technologies to create transitional spaces that allow gardeners to find work-life balance in their outside space.
Water conservation is top of mind, so designers are incorporating low-maintenance plants and cleverly shaped trees into their schemes to keep the water bill down. Plants such as JeanGenie Colorado Blue Spruce, Burly Blue Juniper, Seaside Serenade Glacier Bay and Blackhawks Big Bluestem are ideal for making a bold statement without raising your water bill.
The use of natural materials and tactile, sculptural accents is also becoming more common. This trend was particularly prevalent in the award-winning Cholmeley Crescent garden, designed by Sara Jane (opens in new tab), which won in the Hardscape Design category and Planting Design.
Creating an illusion of a larger garden using mirrors is one of the most popular ways to enhance a small space, and it’s especially important when designing small gardens that will be used frequently or in areas with limited access. Mirrors can be positioned to reflect sunlight into a shaded area, allowing you to use plants that need more sun, or to frame a beautiful focal point.
Resilient planting is a key part of the 2023 landscape design trend, as designers recognise that climate change will affect the availability of water and plant health. This means that designers will be looking to design gardens that can withstand drought, hot summers and unpredictable rainfall patterns, says Matthew Childs MSGD.
Designers will continue to embrace xeriscaping, the practice of planting that can thrive in dry, hot weather, to combat this. This is a form of gardening that focuses on planting for maximum drought resistance, but it’s not just about saving water – it also helps the environment by creating habitats and supporting wildlife.
The use of recycled building materials in the garden is another trend to look out for, as this can reduce costs and increase the durability of the space. This can include reclaimed timber, stone and resin-bonded gravel, as well as fruit pits and nut shells to help make pathways and garden surfaces.
This is an incredibly versatile technique, which allows designers to incorporate elements that may have been previously unthinkable in their designs. It can transform a traditional garden or courtyard into a magical, peaceful sanctuary with the addition of a trellis, arched fence or zigzag planting path, for example.
It’s a fantastic way to add interest to your garden, but it can also be very difficult to implement in a smaller space. A simple solution is to use an edging or border, which can be created with plants that are native to the area, such as lavender.
