Garden redesigns might be more fun than you think. While many will find immediate joy in the renovation of their interior living spaces, becoming excited by colours and textures, fewer will feel as confident when stepping outdoors. Part of the reason for this is that gardens have historically been limited in their aesthetics.
Looking at trends among neighbourhood garden designs, one might be led to believe that organised flower beds, trimmed lawns, and a single seldom used barbeque is all that is needed. However, as a new generation of homeowners begin to reconsider the potential and value of a garden, things are starting to change. Now, there are four new and exciting aesthetics that are beginning to change the UK’s garden landscape, making things more exciting for us all.
Cottagecore
Rooted in the tranquillity and bliss of rural life, cottagecore is bringing a healthy dose of maximalism and tradition to gardens. No longer are designs set to be neat and tidy, instead, they are encouraged to bloom, with an emphasis on floral designs and natural materials. Outdoor furniture is being made from reclaimed and upcycled goods with agricultural tools and equipment being used as embellishments to emphasise a connection with the land.
As cottagecore grows in popularity, expect to see more wicker and hessian being embraced within gardens, a greater number looking to buy log cabins, as well as pottery and baking being incorporated into the outdoors too.
Crofting
Whereas cottagecore romanticises historic British agriculture, crofting or smallholding embraces its true function. These gardens are being used to maximise their productivity, from swapping lawns for vegetable beds to bringing beehives into a residential area.
For those looking to reduce their bills and extract a truly great value from their garden, as well as one that benefits the environment too, crofting at home is the way to go.
Mediterranean
While the aesthetics of the Mediterranean might not seem immediately and easily transferable to a British garden, there are still a growing number of residents that are selecting iconic elements of these sunny styles to incorporate into their outdoor spaces.
One of the most popular elements is that of terracotta, which is being used liberally, being also matched with rough texture walls and exposed brick. Other elements, such as Roman statues and columns, as well as water features and ground stone, are also being embraced.
Natural Wild
Motivated primarily by sustainability and ecological conscientiousness, natural wild aesthetics are taking over gardens. From composting systems that transform food waste into healthy soil to rainwater reclamation that creates bountiful crops, these gardens are reducing carbon footprints and celebrating the best of nature’s beauty and health.
Aspects of this aesthetic also include embracing and supporting local wildlife, often by encouraging native wildflowers to grow and creating an outdoor environment rich in pollen. Some homes will even construct shelters specifically for critters, such as bug hotels or bird boxes, all to ensure that their garden is home not only to their own wanderings but also to the wonder of nature too.
