Gardening Trends 2020 by Sarah Squire
I think there are three very strong trends which have been emerging over the last few years and which show every sign of becoming more and more significant. In fact, they are all very much interlinked.
Gardening for Wildlife
Gardening for Wildlife has been a hot topic for a while and quite rightly shows no sign of abating. What is more it works! Growing plants as a nectar and food source for wildlife really does encourage our native birds and insects to thrive and increase. The more the built environment expands the more vital our gardens become. What is more, gardening for wildlife can also create magical spaces for humans.
From the earliest flowering shrubs of the year through the summer’s cornucopia of flower to autumn fruits who wouldn’t want a succession of colour and texture to enjoy in their own garden? Add a small water feature or even a bird bath and the results are soon apparent. There is an undoubted trend towards plants that encourage wildlife and it is our job to help gardeners recognise them.
Gardening for Wellbeing
Increased emphasis on mental, as well as physical, health has highlighted the proven benefits of being outside and reconnecting with nature. Gardening is a great way to disconnect from screens and virtual reality and find some genuine reality. It can be as strenuous, or not, as you like. There are some fantastic community projects all over Surrey such as Space2 Grow in Farnham which provide access to the therapeutic benefits of gardening. Gardening is creative – you plant your own canvass.
White flowering plants remain very popular, but I think a lot of fun can be had with colour in the garden so don’t rule anything out. If you like bold and bright go for it. If you are a pastel person that’s fine by me. It is your garden and should reflect your own tastes and personality.
Gardening For The World
Gardeners are among some of the most environmentally conscious people I know, always on the look -out for green alternatives, committed composters and totally invested in doing their bit. The industry is working hard to make sure plant pots are made of recycled material which can in its turn be recycled. More and more natural products are available as soil conditioners fertilisers and so on. Britain has some of the best nursery growers in the world and you may be surprised just how many plants in your local garden centre are grown in the UK, many very locally indeed, thus reducing plant miles.
If there is one thing I think we could all do for our world fairly easily it is plant a tree. Trees are fantastic as a habitat and food source for wildlife and as a source of carbon capture. They also give structure and architecture to a garden. I think too many people are frightened of the size a tree may grow. There is no need, there are trees for every size and shape of garden, from a small acer in a pot on a balcony through gorgeous flowering cherries to birch, whitebeam and hornbeam for larger spaces.
If there is one thing I would like to change it would be to improve the image of horticulture as a career choice. Working with plants is simply wonderful and Britain boasts world class nurseries, retailers, garden designers and contractors (showcased at the RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows). Horticulture plays a key role in the economy and wellbeing of our country and should be valued for that.
