INSPIRING TRENDS

BE INFORMED….

Whether you want a traditionally-themed garden, a more contemporary garden or a mixture of both is a matter of personal preference.  Any style of garden design can produce a stunning result.  We want to help you explore the latest trends that we have identified in the industry…those that stand apart.

One of the easiest ways to keep an eye on trends is to visit gardening shows such as Tatton Park, and Chelsea.  There are also many local events to attend, particularly during the Spring and Summer months.

It is important to bear in mind that adding ‘gimmicky’ features to your garden can be a mistake.  For example, multi-coloured paving stones…or large, quirky water features can become tiresome and add a jarring note to your beautiful garden in a short space of time.  Also, these are expensive to install, and to remove, once you tire of them. When we refer to “garden trends”, we are talking about planting plans and colours you might want to include in your garden.

SOME IDEAS….

COLOURS

We have seen a big increase in the use of purples and violets, contrasting with bright colours, like oranges and yellows.  White and blue mixtures are as popular as ever, while aubergines, chocolates, and oranges are being used in many a stylish garden.

STYLES

Gardeners and designers are favouring “key pieces” in today’s gardens.  A few distinctive features, accessories and plants are being used more than, say, a myriad of other items.  This trend gives the garden a cleaner, less cluttered feel, and it also helps to reduce the level of maintenance required.

The Japanese garden has been a strong influence in this trend, but designers are careful to ensure that the minimalist look doesn’t become too harsh… lush planting and exotic colours and shapes help to soften the structured look.

Formal, square, symmetrical gardens have been ousted this year, in favour of more irregular and curved gardens, featuring mysterious “hidden” areas and interesting planting.  Again, the use of contrasting colours has proven popular in this type of garden, but the use of contrast doesn’t end there.  Interesting effects can be achieved with the use of differently-textured paving stones.

THE ECO-GARDEN

As we all become increasingly aware of our environment, and how to help protect it, there has been considered movement towards a more eco-friendly garden, which provides natural habitats for a variety of garden wildlife, including butterflies, bees and birds.  You can provide a great home for many different species of pond life simply by installing even a small pond in your garden.

There is no place for harsh chemicals in your eco-garden; many “green” alternatives are available, and work just as well.

LIGHTING

Garden lighting is becoming more and more popular, and is a very important feature.  Not only does it ensure that your outdoor space can be used after darkness falls, but lighting can also transform your garden and delightfully alter the mood.  Correctly-designed and installed lighting can highlight particular parts of the garden, or individual features, as well as providing attractive and practical light on steps or along dark walkways.

Some of our clients have chosen various lighting installations that are linked up independently from each other, thus allowing the luxury of a choice of lighting for various different needs….whether it’s warm and cosy lighting for a casual drink on a summer evening, or perhaps a brighter, more complex design for entertaining.

YOUR HIGH STREET VENDORS….

Most ideas introduced and implemented by garden designers are eventually copied by High Street Vendors.  This means that most features you see in magazines and on TV can be found at an affordable price.

You might wish to check our Promotions section to see if our suppliers currently have any special offers that interest you.