Expanding on our initial exploration of garden design trends 2024, we delve deeper into how these trends not only reflect our changing lifestyles but also our growing consciousness towards the environment and personal well-being.
The Year of the Outdoor Room
What’s New: The concept of the ‘outdoor room’ or garden room takes center stage, transforming gardens into extensions of the living space. This trend sees gardens being designed with the same care and thought as any indoor room, complete with comfortable, weather-resistant furniture, outdoor rugs, and even artwork. The emphasis is on creating spaces that are as functional and stylish as they are indoors, suitable for work, relaxation, or entertainment.
What’s Out: The distinction between indoors and outdoors is blurring, making standalone, unused outdoor areas a thing of the past. Gardens are no longer afterthoughts but integral parts of the living environment.
Wellness Gardens: Nurturing Body and Soul
image credit: Garden Trellis
What’s New: With an increased focus on health and well-being, wellness gardens designed to nurture the body, mind, and soul are becoming essential. These spaces may include features such as meditation corners, yoga platforms, and even outdoor spas or saunas. Plant selections are mindful, with an emphasis on those that can purify the air, reduce stress, and even provide homegrown fruits and vegetables for a healthier diet.
What’s Out: Gardens that are purely ornamental without consideration for the wellness benefits they may offer are less in demand. The garden is evolving into a space for nurturing both the environment and the homeowner’s health.
Native Plantings: Back to Roots
What’s New: There’s a growing appreciation for native plant species that thrive with minimal intervention, supporting local ecosystems and offering habitats for wildlife. These plantings are celebrated not just for their low-maintenance appeal but for their role in creating a sustainable, biodiverse garden. Native wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs are being integrated into garden designs, providing year-round interest and a strong sense of place.
What’s Out: Exotic and invasive plant species that require extensive care and potentially harm local flora and fauna are on the decline. The focus is on sustainability and supporting, rather than competing with, local ecosystems.
Edible Landscapes: Gardens That Give Back
What’s New: The line between ornamental and vegetable gardens is disappearing, with edible plants taking a front seat in garden design. This trend sees fruit trees, vegetable plots, and herb gardens integrated into the landscape in aesthetically pleasing ways. It’s about gardens that not only look good but also provide, encouraging a deeper connection with the food we eat.
What’s Out: The segregation of vegetable plots hidden away at the back of the garden is diminishing. Edible plants are now being celebrated and incorporated throughout gardens, contributing to the overall beauty and productivity of the designs.
Adaptive Gardening: Designing for the Future
Image credit: House Designer
What’s New: Adaptive gardening practices that anticipate changing climates and conditions are gaining traction. This includes selecting drought-tolerant plants, implementing flood-resistant landscaping, and designing spaces that can adapt to extreme weather conditions. The focus is on resilience, ensuring gardens are not just beautiful but also prepared for the future.
What’s Out: Gardens designed without consideration for climate change and environmental challenges are becoming less viable. The future of garden design lies in adaptability and resilience.
Garden Design Trends 2024
Garden design goes beyond looks, focusing on spaces that mirror our values, boost our well-being, and honour the environment. These trends highlight a shift toward thoughtful, sustainable, and personalised gardens that embrace outdoor living’s delights and nature’s splendor.