Our gardens are our havens. They are spaces we adore, places we relax, areas where we enjoy shared time with family and friends, and havens where we can get closer to nature plus much more. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, gardens were the second most popular renovation project, and many people are continuing that into 2021.
So, if you are looking to upgrade your outdoor space and are looking for inspiration, we explore the most popular garden trends for 2021 in this article.
Making the most of tiny gardens
Over the past year we have all been trying to make the most of any outdoor space we have, and, especially for those who live in more populated areas where green space is harder to come by, making something of even the smallest amount of space has been important. This has continued into this year and created the first major 2021 garden trends; making the most of tiny gardens. It can feel as though you have your hands tied with small spaces but there are actually many things you can do to turn even a small courtyard into a relaxing and exciting garden.
Ways to make the most of a tiny garden
- Utilise your vertical space with hanging planters and wall-mounted features.
- Include features that can be moved/compressed so you can still use the space how you want without giving up a permanent space for objects.
- Use plants and flowers like snake plants that don’t grow quickly so your space doesn’t become overgrown.
Creating outdoor rooms
Something else that has come hand-in-hand with spending more time at home is trying to find more space within our homes. Because of this, one of the trends for 2021 is seeing our gardens become outdoor rooms, offering functional space that can be used in myriad ways. This trend towards outdoor living spaces is something that lets us see gardens as more than just a place for plants and relaxation.
Ideal Homes discuss this on their blog, saying: “Blurring the lines between inside and out is a huge growing trend for 2021. Whether that’s creating a kitchen garden, a wellness space or acting as an extension to a playroom – we’re looking to extend our lives to our outdoor spaces.”
One of the most popular ways to achieve this is by creating a cooking area outside to be used in the summer months or just when the weather is fair. As well as including a BBQ, why not consider installing a fire pit or even a wood-fired pizza oven for an authentic and unique experience? You could also utilise a raised bed and fill it with fresh herbs, fruit or vegetables ready to be plucked and used whenever you desire.
Keeping mindfulness in mind
Gardens can be important places when it comes to our mental health, allowing us to relax in solitude and get closer to nature. Life is hectic and by ensuring your garden includes an area where you can slow down and take a break, can make a surprising difference to your life. This is why creating a place where mental health is considered is one of the biggest trends for 2021 and something that many garden designers are keeping in mind in recent times.
Incorporating contained bedding areas
Contained bedding areas can be great for many reasons; not only do they make gardening more accessible to all, but they also allow you to use every inch of your outdoor space, can keep weeds and insects at bay and also create a stunning, layered look to your garden. Whether you want to grow plants that attract wildlife, your own crops or something else, they’ll offer an advantage and look great.
Lynde Greenhouse had this to say: “Container gardens are not a new concept by any means, but as trends change so does the design of container gardens. With so many annual options to pair together, creating a container garden can be fun and easy.”
Escaping to the country
From making the most of small gardens in urban spaces to creating a place to be mindful, it’s no wonder that our final trend this year is incorporating a country house style into your garden. One of the most popular ways to do this is through a cottage garden design. With wildflowers perfect for nature and a quaint feeling, cottage gardens are perfect for those looking to create an outdoor space that transports them somewhere serene.
Green Retreats offer their advice on how to achieve a cottage garden style: “The key with cottage style gardens is to eliminate straight lines in place of more organic curves in your design. Planting flowering plants in varying heights will create a romantic garden that you’ll want to gaze into all summer long.”
2021 must-have garden trends
- Making the most of tiny gardens
- Creating outdoor rooms
- Keeping mindfulness in mind
- Incorporating contained bedding areas
- Escaping to the country
With these trends, you’ll be able to create an outdoor space that serves as much more than just a garden. When you are looking for supplies, from decorative aggregates to timber, we are here to help.
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