There is nothing more pleasant than sitting in your beautiful garden, surrounded by nature, for your morning coffee, a quiet afternoon with a book, or after a long day at work. People seek nature, and it doesn’t matter if we live in the countryside or in a big city, as we can still benefit from it in different ways.
Garden design by Piet Oudolf for Vitra, Photo by vitra.com
Different trends and styles appear in garden design as the years go by. For the last few years, we have observed the rising popularity of natural, sustainable, and wildlife gardens in this field, and they have definitely become the top trends in 2023.
It was already in the 80s and 90s that gardeners and landscapers like Piet Oudolf started to introduce this gardening style. However, natural or naturalistic gardens are not just a style; there is a true philosophy hidden behind these terms, which involves supporting nature by planting indigenous plants or non-invasive non-native plants that thrive in our climate.
The goal is to minimize watering and attract a whole range of insects, birds, and small animals. Additionally, no pesticides are allowed as they are harmful to the wildlife that we want to promote. Using meadows instead of short-cut lawns is one of the symbols of this gardening movement. This type of garden is the exact opposite of what we know as French-style gardens, where every aspect of the garden was highly controlled. French-style gardens require extensive maintenance, which is what we try to avoid today.
Wildlife Gardens Take Center Stage: Highlights from the Gardening World in 2023
This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show explicitly demonstrated how wildlife gardens are therapeutic for people. It’s not just about the visual aspect of the garden that is important; sounds also play a significant role in terms of healing.
Planted balcony, Photo by Artur Alexanian on Unsplash.
Another garden trend that we will continue to observe in 2023 is urban gardens. Balconies, patios, and roof terraces are becoming greener. Even garage or shed roofs that are usually covered with tiles are now being planted with meadows or succulents. Essentially, any surface that can be planted should be utilized.
Vintage tents and parasols, Photo by @rosannafalconer on eastlondonparasols.com
The garden features of the year 2023 include vintage tents and parasols. A well-placed tent can provide a stunning view of the garden, much-needed shade during the summer, and shelter from the rain and wind. For smaller gardens, balconies, or patios, a vintage-style parasol is a great idea.
Last but definitely not least, the RHS Plant of the Year 2023 is Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’, which is very beautiful with its deep dark flowers, low maintenance, and evergreen foliage.
However, this year I would like to add Astrantia major ‘Midnight Owl’, Briza media ‘Golden Bee’, and Persicaria bistorta ‘Superba’ to the list as they always elevate wildlife designs to a higher level.