Horizontal fencing will be popular in 2020 - Maybe
Predicting what’s going to be popular in the 2020 garden could
backfire on me like watching an old 1970’s Tomorrows World TV programme where
they said by the year 2019 we’d all be eating worms. The humble worm was hailed
as the perfect source of protein by programme presenters back in 1981, they
even went so far as to eat one in an omelette.
But I’m sticking my neck out and offering a few more
palatable suggestions. The top trends will be things we have covered recently
such as Composting, Rewilding, Repurposing and Low maintenance gardens which I’m
sure will be popular this year along with a few other ideas.
Pattern and texture
Some garden designers feel that after about a decade of a
cold, minimalist looking town gardens , patterns and textures are set to make a
comeback. There seems to be a move away
from regular formatted paving in favour of design features like ceramic tiles,
which create pattern, contrast and textural changes. There might even be less
cut stone in new designs with more cobbles and rough cuts of natural stone to
make a more wild and curvy garden.
Small-space gardening
According to the Horticultural Trades Association the
average town garden plot is just 14 square metres so balcony and patio
gardening is very popular. The trend for making the most of tiny spaces will
continue through 2020 and this pressure on space is one driver behind the trend
for vertical gardens, with fence panels and walls being hung with anything from
succulents to herbs – or used as backdrops for climbers or creepers.
Fencing
A hot favourite right now is horizontal slatted fencing. It
allows wind to filter through so won’t blow over and has clean, contemporary
lines.
Boundaries can be art, like the ‘habitat’ fencing mentioned
last week or by using strong lines to contrast with the natural forms of the
plants. Plants change throughout the seasons and a feature fence will maintain
a strong design. A permanent element holds it all together and with new designs
coming out this year it could prove to be a popular addition to many gardens.
Living Walls
Go a step further by transforming a plain fence or wall into
an eco space full of life and colour. This trend is perfect for areas with
limited space. Simply grow creeping plants that can grow up walls such as
Clematis or Climbing Roses for a beautiful and easy pollinator friendly
display.
Outdoor living
The popular rise of fire pits exemplifies the popularity of
outdoor eating on the patio. In summer 2019, major retailers were engaged in
price war over these types of items which drove prices ever downward. Maybe
this year we’ll see a growing demand for teenage garden hangouts featuring
outdoor fire pits and fireplaces so they can have a bit of independence and
pretend they are at a summer festival.
Green is good for you
Mental health was at the top of the health agenda in 2019,
with experts agreeing that being outside is good for us. We’ve known that ever since
picking up our first trowel though. A recent study conducted by garden company
Bakker Spalding has found that 88% of people find that mental wellbeing is a
key benefit for spending time in the garden and in 2020 it’s liable to be even
higher on the list of wellbeing activities.
Curves are back
It was noted by journalist and blogger Alexandra Campbell
last year that at the RHS shows, curves in garden design have returned. Many
show gardens featured curved pergolas, arches, and arbours. According to
Campbell, whilst straight lines work well for urban gardens – as exemplified by
the rise and rise of the horizontal slatted fence – much larger spaces can
benefit from curved borders and garden paths, to add a sense of mystery and
adventure.
Symmetry
Twinning plants on either side of a door or garden gate is
always popular and will be again in 2020. Hanging baskets with a bounty of
matching spilling blooms or window boxes that set up and frame a house on
either side can all add cohesiveness, charm and decorative appeal perfect for
the summer months. Hold fire a bit with the petunias and lobelia though. If you
do buy summer bedding too early you might find that you need to buy a second
batch if the frost gets it. Try planting with Pansies or Primula this winter to
get you into the mood for the summer bedding.
Mini Allotments
Growing fruit and veg at home has become a popular choice
for modern gardeners in recent years. With the rise in desire for organic
produce, you can start growing your own allotment in any garden, big or small. You
don’t need to travel to a council or private allotment to get started, all you
need is a bucket and you can start growing spuds.
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