Our garden spaces have become perhaps more important to us than ever over the past year, with more time spent at home due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and our outdoor spaces offering us a much-needed dose of fresh air when venturing further afield was off the cards.
With the arrival of springtime and the gradual easing of lockdown measures now underway, we’re all no doubt looking forward to making the most of our gardens even more, with summer garden parties, afternoon teas and outdoor soirees all on the horizon – so if you’ll be hosting friends and family in the near future, then you might be looking to give your outdoor space an upgrade.
Transforming your garden into an outdoor sanctuary couldn’t be easier, and you might just have some fun doing it, too. Creating the perfect place to relax and unwind over the coming months while making sure it’s the perfect backdrop for a small social gathering, we take a look at some of the top garden trends for spring/summer 2021.
Taking the indoors out
The trend for bringing the outdoors into our homes has seen our living spaces filled with foliage and a fresh, modern feel – but this season, it’s all about flipping it on its head and bringing a comfortable living space feel into your outdoor world.
When it comes to creating a luxurious feel, it’s all about combining style with comfort – and investing in a three-piece suite for your garden is the fastest way to achieve the desired effect.
A spokesperson at Wicker Furniture Direct says that wicker furniture is experiencing a renaissance this year and with a plethora of designs and colours to choose from that offer a thoroughly modern twist, whatever the aesthetic of your garden, you’ll find something to suit. Opt for grey or neutral tones to nail 2021’s take on the trend – or be brave and go for white to add lightness and brightness to your garden.
Split levels
Setting your garden over multiple levels can make any outdoor space feel more multi-dimensional, with each serving its purpose as well as enhancing the overall aesthetic.
This design type presents an excellent opportunity to play with materials and shapes, with raised flowerbeds, steps, patios and decking all having a role to play. It’s a great way to maximise space in an urban garden, too – with areas for entertaining, relaxing, planting a vegetable garden, or simply letting nature do its thing.
Belgian design
We’ve long been taking home and garden inspiration from Scandinavia, but this year, it’s Belgium’s turn to take the spotlight – particularly when it comes to the great outdoors.
Belgium is fast making a name for itself amongst landscape garden designers thanks to its high-quality and high-end garden products. From woven fibre fencing and pretty clay pots to glorious garden lights, it couldn’t be easier to inject a bit of Belgian sophistication into your aesthetic.
It’s often the little things that create the most impressive overall effect, and a few additional touches such as these can make all the difference. With a few changes here and there, you’ll add a touch of luxury to your garden.
Patterned gardens
Pattern and texture will be key elements of our gardens this year, with the minimalist obsession that has dominated for some years now slowly beginning to fade.
Today’s gardens put wildlife back in the limelight, with designs based on suitable habitats for them to breed, feed and pollinate. We’ll start to see softer transitions between hard landscaped and softer planting areas to create a smoother flow throughout the space, and ceramic tiles will make a return in a bid to add colour and life into your garden.
Grow your own
Self-sufficiency is one of the fastest-growing garden trends for 2021 and has been popular for some time now, with more people than ever opting to grow their own organic fruit and veg, something that has been accelerated further still thanks to the pandemic.
The number of Brits moving towards a plant-based lifestyle has risen by 360 per cent over the past decade, combined with rising food prices and a desire to reduce food miles and carbon footprints, and there’s no time like the present to get started. This year, we can expect to see an increase in easy-to-grow vegetables, salads and herbs in small spaces such as wall planters and patio containers – so if you’ve always fancied playing farmer, then it’s a great place to start.
There has never been a better time to love your garden, and with a few simple tweaks, you can make the most out of any outdoor living space with a stylish and sophisticated update for 2021. You’ll love it, your friends and family will love it – and the surrounding wildlife will, too.
