Landscape gardening is evolving with new and innovative trends that are reshaping outdoor spaces and gardens. As we head into 2024, experts have identified several key trends that will dominate the gardening scene. From resilient and creative gardening to the enchanting allure of moon gardens, the following trends promise to inspire and transform your outdoor spaces.
Key Takeaways
- Resilient and creative gardening is driven by the need to adapt to unpredictable climate changes.
- Mocktail or cocktail gardens are gaining popularity for their unique blend of aesthetics and functionality.
- Pollinator and native plant gardens are essential for supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Rain gardens are designed to manage stormwater runoff and reduce flooding risks.
- Moon gardens, characterized by their nocturnal beauty, are perfect for creating serene nighttime landscapes.
1. Resilient and Creative Gardening
The current trends in gardening can be summed up in two words—resilient and creative. Resiliency is required not only from gardeners forced to work with unpredictable climate change (and all that’s associated with it!) but also from plants. And for gardeners, resiliency leads directly to creativity, whether embracing new concepts, thinking outside the box, or adapting to a new "normal".
Weeding & Pruning
Maintaining a resilient garden means staying on top of Weeding & Pruning. Regular maintenance helps plants thrive despite the challenges posed by climate change.
Embracing New Concepts
Gardeners are now more open to experimenting with new ideas and techniques. This might mean trying out new plant varieties or innovative garden layouts.
Adapting to Climate Change
As we head towards 2024, the unpredictable effects of climate change have taken centre stage and garden resilience is the watchword for the year ahead. This involves selecting plants that can withstand extreme weather conditions and making the most of available resources.
In the face of climate change, resilient gardening is not just a trend but a necessity. It’s about creating a garden that can endure and flourish despite the odds.
2. Mocktail or Cocktail Gardens
Fresh Ingredients for Your Drinks
Mocktail gardens are a trend that we’re seeing pop up as people trade in cocktails for well-crafted drinks with fresh herbs like mint, lavender, and rosemary from the garden. Even if you regularly plant a vegetable or herb garden, you might want to dedicate a portion of your garden beds to a cocktail or mocktail garden that provides just-picked ingredients for your favorite drinks. Think berries and fruit, tiny tomatoes or cucumber slices for garnish, and a slew of different herbs to be muddled or mixed in.
DIY Landscaping Projects
Creating a mocktail or cocktail garden can be one of the most enjoyable DIY landscaping projects to boost your home’s curb appeal. Explore container gardening, flower gardening, garden design, and more. Discover garden tips, tools, and inspiration.
Benefits of Mocktail Gardens
- Fresh, organic ingredients at your fingertips
- Enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garden
- Encourages healthy, non-alcoholic drink options
- Provides a fun and interactive gardening experience
Imagine stepping into your garden and picking fresh mint for your mojito or lavender for your lemonade. It’s not just gardening; it’s a lifestyle choice that brings joy and flavor to your daily routine.
Tips for Starting Your Own
- Choose a sunny spot in your garden.
- Select a variety of herbs and fruits that you frequently use in drinks.
- Use quality soil and ensure proper drainage.
- Regularly water and maintain your plants.
- Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect garden-to-glass recipes.
3. Pollinator and Native Plant Gardens
Pollinator and native plant gardens are not just a trend; they are a movement towards sustainability and supporting the local ecosystem. By focusing on outdoor plants that come from your area, you create gardens that are easier to maintain through extremes in temperature and rainfall. This approach not only benefits the environment but also brings more life to your garden.
Attracting Pollinators
Want to see more life around your home this year? Attracting pollinators is key for landscaping trends in 2024. Because a lot of pollinators around the world, such as monarch butterflies and bees, are running into more and more threats, gardeners are curating their yards for them. By filling their yards with milkweed, butterfly weed, and borage, they create a kind of safe haven for various pollinators.
Embracing Native Plants and Sustainability
There is a growing focus on using local native plant species and practicing sustainability in gardening. This approach not only supports the local ecosystem but also makes gardens easier to maintain through extreme weather conditions. The New Perennial Movement, also known as Naturalistic Planting, is gaining popularity as a mainstream design aesthetic, emphasizing the use of native plants and a softer, wilder aesthetic inspired by nature.
Creating a pollinator and native plant garden is easier than you think. Start by researching plants that are native to your area and consider their bloom times to ensure a continuous food source for pollinators throughout the growing season.
4. Rain Gardens
Rain gardens are becoming a popular trend as gardeners battle predicted water shortages. Capturing wasted water is just one of the benefits of a rain garden. Minimizing roof and driveway pollutants from rain runoff is another, as the roots of the plants slowly filter the water.
Benefits of Rain Gardens
- Helps in capturing and reusing rainwater
- Reduces pollutants from roof and driveway runoff
- Provides a habitat for moisture-loving plants
How to Create a Rain Garden
- Identify a low-lying area in your yard.
- Choose plants that can handle varying amounts of water.
- Use gravels and water-loving plants to create a natural filtering system.
This is the perfect opportunity to let your yard work for you. Rain gardens can allow for surface runoff to collect and percolate back into the groundwater system.
Maintenance Tips
- Regularly check for debris and perform waste clearance.
- Ensure that the plants are thriving and replace any that are not.
- Consider using raised beds to manage water flow and plant health.
Additional Features
- Incorporate artificial grass to reduce maintenance.
- Use decorative stones and gravels for aesthetic appeal.
5. Front Yard Gardens
While the front yard used to be reserved for a little basic landscaping and a large swath of lawn, more people are opting to skew their front yard ratio more heavily toward garden. Many are incorporating berms for a bit of privacy and including meandering paths through the garden for access.
6. Moon Gardens
While most people focus on planning gardens that look beautiful during the day, more gardeners are opting to create some interest for after the sun goes down. Creating gardens that are meant for viewing under the moonlight has become pretty trendy. These types of gardens utilize plants with white or light blue blooms and silvery-grey foliage that glow in the light of the moon.
7. Goth Gardens
Goth gardens are a great example of the individual expression and personalized trend coming to life. People want to do something unique that expresses their tastes, in the landscape world and beyond. Goth gardens have a monochromatic look that feels very ‘designed’ and intentional, so they lend themselves to small and large spaces, as they’re highly legible, looking good from up close or far away.
Key Elements
Goth gardens are basically Wednesday Addams’ dream garden, using dark colored flowers and plants to create drama—think blood red Black Magic roses, black Queen of the Night tulips, or Black Barlow columbine.
Plant Selection
When selecting plants for your goth garden, consider those with dark foliage or blooms. Some popular choices include:
- Black Magic roses
- Queen of the Night tulips
- Black Barlow columbine
Design Tips
Contrast is key in goth gardens. Pair dark plants with lighter elements like white statues or silver garden ornaments to make the dark colors pop. Additionally, using drought-tolerant plants can help maintain the garden with less water.
Goth gardens are a great way to make a bold statement in your yard, combining unique plant choices with a dramatic design.
8. Drought-Tolerant Plants
With temperatures trending hotter and drier than ever before, gardeners are re-evaluating their plant choices, planting methods, and dependency on water to create thriving gardens. Drought-tolerant planting has been the buzz phrase for the last couple of years, but after an extremely wet winter here in the UK, it is becoming increasingly obvious that we need our planting to be able to tolerate both drought and winter wet. As Dan Pearson says, we need to be thinking of ‘planting for a changing climate’, and this means finding a more refined palette of resilient plants.
Top Drought-Tolerant Plants
- California fuchsia (Zauschneria californica)
- Euphorbia
- Rosemary
- Aloes
Benefits of Drought-Tolerant Plants
- Water Efficiency: These plants make every drop of water count.
- Low Maintenance: They require less frequent watering and care.
- Resilience: They can withstand heat waves and dry summers without watering.
Tips for Planting Drought-Tolerant Plants
- Choose the right plants for your climate.
- Use mulch to retain soil moisture.
- Group plants with similar water needs together.
- Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
Drought-tolerant plants bloom heartily through heat waves and dry summers, without watering. Hazel Sillver looks at some of the best ones to grow.
9. Fairy Gardens
Fairy gardens are all about leaning into the whimsical and magical aspects of your garden. Think about a fun stepping stone walkway, a garden layered with ornamental grasses, blooming flowers, and color. It’s a great way for a homeowner to let their personality shine through.
Creating Your Fairy Garden
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a fairy garden, then these DIY ideas are for you. You can make these mini fairy gardens out of items you already have. Here are some steps to get you started:
- Choose a container or a small section of your garden.
- Add soil and small plants, like moss or succulents.
- Incorporate small fairy figurines, tiny houses, and other whimsical decorations.
- Create pathways with pebbles or small stones.
- Add Ponds & fountains for an extra touch of magic.
Essential Elements
To make your fairy garden truly enchanting, consider including the following elements:
- Miniature furniture
- Tiny bridges
- Fairy lights
- Small animals or insects figurines
Maintenance Tips
Fairy gardens are relatively low-maintenance, but here are a few tips to keep them looking magical:
- Water the plants regularly but avoid overwatering.
- Trim the plants to keep them small and manageable.
- Refresh the decorations and layout occasionally to keep it interesting.
A fairy garden is a delightful way to add a touch of magic to your outdoor space. It’s perfect for both kids and adults who love a bit of whimsy in their lives.
10. Scent Gardens
Aromatic Plant Selection
Choosing the right plants is crucial for a scent garden. Consider lavender, rosemary, and jasmine for their delightful fragrances. These plants not only smell amazing but also add beauty to your garden.
Seasonal Scents
To keep your garden fragrant all year round, plan for seasonal blooms. Spring can be filled with lilacs and hyacinths, while summer brings roses and gardenias. For fall, think about planting chrysanthemums and for winter, consider witch hazel.
Placement and Design
Strategically place your aromatic plants near walkways, patios, or windows to maximize their impact. This way, you can enjoy their scents as you move through your garden or relax in your outdoor spaces.
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Maintenance Tips
Regular pruning and deadheading will keep your scent garden in top shape. Also, ensure your plants are well-watered and fertilized to maintain their health and fragrance.
Combining Scents
Mixing different scents can create a unique and pleasant atmosphere. Experiment with combinations like lavender and rosemary or jasmine and gardenia to find what works best for you.
Conclusion
Gardening and landscaping in 2024 are all about embracing resilience, creativity, and sustainability. Whether you’re just getting started with the right tools and soil preparation, mastering watering techniques, or diving into pest control strategies, there’s a trend and tip for everyone. Don’t forget the importance of pruning, maintaining soil health, and seasonal care to keep your garden thriving year-round. With these top trends and tips, your outdoor space will not only be beautiful but also a reflection of the latest in gardening innovation. Happy gardening!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top gardening trends for 2024?
The top gardening trends for 2024 include resilient and creative gardening, mocktail or cocktail gardens, pollinator and native plant gardens, rain gardens, front yard gardens, moon gardens, goth gardens, drought-tolerant plants, fairy gardens, and scent gardens.
What is resilient and creative gardening?
Resilient and creative gardening involves adapting to unpredictable climate changes and challenges by using innovative techniques and sustainable practices to ensure garden longevity and productivity.
What are mocktail or cocktail gardens?
Mocktail or cocktail gardens are designed to grow herbs, fruits, and flowers that can be used in creating a variety of mocktails and cocktails, making them a trendy and functional addition to any garden.
Why are pollinator and native plant gardens popular?
Pollinator and native plant gardens are popular because they support local wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while also promoting biodiversity and sustainability by using plants that are well-adapted to the local environment.
What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a garden designed to capture and absorb rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and other surfaces, helping to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape.
What are moon gardens?
Moon gardens are designed with plants that bloom at night or have light-colored flowers and foliage that reflect moonlight, creating a serene and enchanting outdoor space to enjoy after dark.
What are goth gardens?
Goth gardens feature dark-colored plants, dramatic structures, and a moody aesthetic, appealing to those who enjoy a more unconventional and mysterious garden style.
How can I create a drought-tolerant garden?
To create a drought-tolerant garden, choose plants that require minimal water, such as succulents and native species, use mulch to retain soil moisture, and implement efficient watering practices like drip irrigation.