Garden Design Trends for 2023: from Decking to Decorative Lighting
Garden design is about more than just the plants, and the industry continues to evolve. Trends come and go, with new ideas emerging every year. To help you stay ahead of the game in your own designs, Deckorum is looking at some of the most recent trends to emerge. Whether you prefer minimalist or maximalist gardens, there’s something here for you. If it’s a small balcony garden or a large country estate, you’ll need an idea what kind of garden will suit your property best. In this article we review key elements that can inspire your next design project and make it a success from the very first moment.
Decking
Making the most of a sunny spot is the ideal location for a decking garden. They are often overlooked as a gardening space, but can make the perfect location for a small, delightful decking garden. If you have a sunny spot that isn’t suitable for growing (and doesn’t have a view of a roof or neighbouring fence), it’s a great space for decking. If you’re not sure where to start, or want to know how to build a decking garden that will last, spruce up your deck with a few pots of herbs, or some climbing vines to bring life to your space. The best plants to go on a deck are herbs, small-growing climbers, and trailing plants. Herbs are great for using up a small space, and can be used for cooking or just to add fragrance to your outdoor space. Climbers, like vines, are a great way to make a small garden feel more robust. They can be trained up trellises, fences, or up poles planted in the ground to make them more visible.
LED Lighting
As an industry, we are seeing an increase in decorative LED lighting within gardens, particularly with structures such as pergolas. This is related to the recent shift towards more minimalist gardening, accompanied by a growing desire for high-tech features within the garden. With pergolas, for example, the lights can be programmed to come on at dusk and off at sunrise, timed to match your outdoor lighting. LEDs are energy-efficient, last longer, are cheaper to maintain, and come in an array of colours and effects, making them the perfect choice for decorative gardens. In addition to pergolas, they can be used to illuminate pathways or even tree trunks, creating an interesting effect.
Bigger Is Better: More Plants, Better Views
With a growing focus on minimalism, designers are working with a smaller palette of plants and materials, rather than a large quantity. We’re seeing this played out in two ways: the increasing popularity of large-scale plants, such as palms and ferns, and longer vistas. Large-scale plants can be used to provide privacy and screening, as well as adding architectural interest to a garden. They can also be used as focal points, to draw the eye, and tie your garden together. Longer vistas are essential for those who want to create a park-like feel. They allow you to see further into your garden, giving the illusion of space, and helping you to forget there are houses nearby. This can be done with plant material, or with architectural features such as water features or paths.
Low-lying Gardens
This trend sees gardens designed to sit a few inches below the level of the surrounding deck or patio. This enables you to use your garden as an extension of your living space, rather than as a separate area. These low-lying gardens are designed to sit below a deck or patio, making them functional as well as visually pleasing. When designing a low-lying garden, make sure your plants are suitable for growing in containers. If you’re not sure, or want to create a design that will last, spruce up your deck with a few pots of herbs, or some climbing vines to bring life to your space.
Vertical Gardening
Vertical gardens are a great way to make the most of your outdoor space. They are essentially walls of planters, used to grow plants vertically. This helps to save space, as each plant is able to grow in a much smaller space than if it were growing on the ground. This is a trend that comes and goes, growing in popularity as people become more aware of the advantages. Vertical gardens are great for small urban gardens, balconies, and can even be used indoors. They are a great way to add some green to your home without taking up lots of space. There are many different ways to create a vertical garden, from freestanding planters to hanging planters. How to create a vertical garden is a decision you will have to make based on your specific needs, space available, and aesthetic preferences.
Desert-inspired gardens
These are inspired by the architectural forms and materials used in desert regions and come with a full sensory experience. Designers are creating gardens that feel like an immersive experience, complete with soundscapes and lighting. This is achieved with both design features and planting choices. Some of the key features are textural elements, such as gravel, sand, or large stones. Using materials that are reflective, such as copper, can help to enhance the experience. When choosing plants, look at the structure and colour palette. Try to find plants with architectural qualities, and opt for bold colours.
Conclusion
Garden design is all about creativity, and there are no rules when it comes to designing a garden. You can create something beautiful with a few plants and some containers or you can go all out with water features and a large garden space. The most important thing is to make sure that you enjoy your garden and that it reflects your personality.