Gardening Trends For 2023 Experts Make Their Predictions

Gardening for the planet in 2023, when gardeners dump soil, plant alternative plants and encourage wildlife in their place, using sustainable methods to improve soil and conserve water.

Restorative gardens will take center stage at the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show as designers offer ideas on how gardening can contribute to our health as well as the environment. Community gardening will also get a big boost.

Check out some of the gardening trends predicted for 2023.

The plants are wild

"As environmental concerns rise, especially among young people, 2023 will see more wildlife-friendly gardening with recycled products, organic fertilizers, and no peat or home composting," predicts Chris Collins, head of organic gardening at the charity Garden Organic. . gardenorganic.org.uk head).

“I think more gardeners will take some of the advice and plant pet-friendly gardens to attract pollinators.

“Gardeners can also experiment with plants and rethink their attitude towards 'weeds', taking a more relaxed approach and recognizing their important role as a source of pollen.

Environment and climate change

"Climate change will force horticulturists to look at the types of crops they grow to better suit the country's climate," advises Collins.

"Heat and drought tolerant crops will be purchased, water conservation and the use of water bottles will be increased, and planting methods will be changed so that the plants can withstand high winds and floods."

Sarah Squire, chair of Squire Garden Centers (squiresgardencentres.co.uk), predicts: “Customers will be looking to invest in drought tolerant and heat-loving plants that can withstand the rising temperatures we are experiencing and look after themselves.

“Many provide lasting color in the garden. It can be inspired by the Mediterranean garden style, which successfully combines drought-resistant plants with bright colors. Lavender, rosemary, thyme, and many other herbs will do."

New heights for indoor plants

The trend in popularity of houseplants will continue, as more exotic plants such as cymbidium and dendrobium orchids, as well as varieties with fragrant leaves, do better in cooler homes, predicts RHS.

More fertilizer

In August, the government announced that the sale of peat for use in gardens and private land would be banned in the UK from 2024 in a bid to protect Britain's already severely degraded peatlands.

People will seek green alternatives to peat compost based on wood compost, the RHS suggests.

Algae and forages can be used as additional additions to these alternatives, while winter wheat and beans can be grown as side crops to help fix nitrogen and other nutrients in the soil and provide habitat and food for wildlife.

"More and more gardeners will turn to making their own compost," predicts Collins.

“In a cost-of-living crisis, gardeners will save money and compost piles by recycling fruit and vegetable peels, garden scraps and waste paper/cardboard, saving money and reducing the environmental impact of digging and transporting peat and compost bags and produce. A great improvement from the ground.'

Charge harder

“Environmental concerns and tight wallets will also keep gardeners from turning to chemicals to control common garden pests, says Collins.

"Instead of buying expensive bug sprays, there will be moves to use more barriers and traps, plantings that are beneficial to repel insects while allowing some natural predators to thrive, providing food for important pollinators," said Collins.

“I think people want to make the right choice when looking for great plants that perform well. This is where the Royal Horticultural Society's (AGM) Award Scheme for Merit in the Garden comes in handy. AGM is a good example of this. kind of plant and feel good in the garden. Only given to the working class. Such an AGM factory is a good and reliable choice."

Grass change

Gardeners will save time by leaving their grass open to pollinators and other garden wildlife, expanding borders or spotting grasses that require less water and care, the RHS predicts.

This includes mats of lower flowering plants such as yarrow. Many growers focus on drought-tolerant varieties of grass, including tall fescue and micro clover, which means these grasses stay green even in very dry areas without irrigation.

Switch to firmer vegetables

Perennial vegetables such as Jerusalem artichoke, Dabenton cabbage and "nine-star perennial" broccoli will be increasingly grown for their perennial nature and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, Collins said.

fashionable style

“The colors for 2023 are terracotta, along with earth tones like sage green, cream, and cream. It evokes warmth, joy and fun,” says Mark Lane, BBC Gardeners' World presenter, designer and gardening expert at Stannah (stannah.co.uk).

“There's also a leaning towards all things Greek, with white walls and stones, sculptures, arches, and tall trees in agapanthus and cyclamen. Handcrafted objects and furniture will be used to create the romantic beauty of Greece.

"One trend we've never gone away from is garden displays, cleverly planted with flowers, herbs and fruit, not just references to the past, but clever ways to beautify a garden," says Squire.

“Lots of garden plants are great for encouraging wildlife. The more flower shapes you plant, the more types of bees and butterflies your garden will attract. And they keep coming back year after year, making them a smart choice for your wallet.”

It's all mixed in with a nostalgic fad, as 1970s designs are reimagined for life in 2023, says Lane.

Gravel garden

Lane believes there will be a lot of pressure in the gravel garden. Once installed, they require 80% less maintenance.

“Also, given the scarcity of water, drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant plants will be seen everywhere in a gravel garden.

“The ability to create this peaceful oasis will be limited to color and vegetation. To convey a Greek mood, blue would be considered an accent color in soft furnishings, plants or exterior paint."

Urban luxury

“The new collection of seeds and plants will be devoted to small city parks and large open spaces. Soft pastels will go well with bright, bold colors. soft pinks, blues, and mint green will go with bright accents from bright oranges to reds,” says Lane.

Plant Trees

According to Squire, the Queen's Green Canopy initiative has been extended until March 2023, which could continue the trend of planting trees in parks and the wider community.

“Even the smallest gardens can become part of a national program by taking advantage of the official national planting season from October to March,” he said.

relaxed style

Calm, serene spaces will be the main theme again next year, with soothing colors and comfortable fabrics, says Lane. “The natural color of the past will also merge with nature and both will be lost. It's all about a real connection with nature."

“Apothecary style garden furniture will meet soft plush furniture, but again in neutral colors. To get the right look, just think about what furniture you want in the house and find similar items outside,” he adds.

"Exterior tile patterns will be on trend and symmetrical patterns will take center stage, adding a strong design element."

technical horticulture

Apps and social media are becoming increasingly important as gardeners share what's happening on their plots, attend courses and workshops digitally, and plan and execute planting activities through apps, warned RHS.