What Will We Want in Our Gardens in 2022?
From bold blooms to garden rooms, our outdoor desires are shifting. Here, designers share their predictions for 2022
If anything positive has come out of the past two years, it’s not only the fact that so many of us have reconnected with the natural world, but that we’ve realised there’s lots to enjoy on our doorsteps, whether in a local park, a stretch of woodland or our gardens. Discovering how much nature can contribute to wellbeing has prompted many of us lucky enough to have our own outside space to really make the most of it.
“I’d say the trend that underlies all others is that of seeing the garden as a valuable space, rather than a place that can just be a burden to look after,” designer Peter Reader says. “Being at home during the pandemic has enabled people to re-engage with the natural world and to realise how much they enjoy it.”
So what will we be looking for from our outside spaces in 2022? Here, three professional garden designers share their predictions.
Professional advice from: Jane Ashley of Jane Ashley Garden Design; Claudia de Yong of Claudia de Yong Garden Design; Peter Reader of Peter Reader Landscapes
“I’d say the trend that underlies all others is that of seeing the garden as a valuable space, rather than a place that can just be a burden to look after,” designer Peter Reader says. “Being at home during the pandemic has enabled people to re-engage with the natural world and to realise how much they enjoy it.”
So what will we be looking for from our outside spaces in 2022? Here, three professional garden designers share their predictions.
Professional advice from: Jane Ashley of Jane Ashley Garden Design; Claudia de Yong of Claudia de Yong Garden Design; Peter Reader of Peter Reader Landscapes
Claudia de Yong suggests we’ll also be more aware of what we’re buying, especially where compost is concerned. “We need to find more sustainable products to limit the destruction of peat bogs, and peat-free alternatives are going to be very popular as more products come to market,” she says.
Jane predicts we’ll pay more attention to the impact of different materials, too. “Another issue I think will become more prominent is the comparative environmental impact of different materials, including concrete, and the benefit of more permeable surfaces, such as gravel or planted areas, which can absorb surplus water run-off,” she says.
Jane predicts we’ll pay more attention to the impact of different materials, too. “Another issue I think will become more prominent is the comparative environmental impact of different materials, including concrete, and the benefit of more permeable surfaces, such as gravel or planted areas, which can absorb surplus water run-off,” she says.
There will be less formality and more naturalistic planting
While there’s still very much a place for the formal garden, many of us are aiming to recreate a wilder look, even if it’s just with a small patch of meadow flowers or a more natural-looking border.
“I’ve certainly noticed more requests for wildflowers to be incorporated within garden designs, along with natural ponds to attract more wildlife,” Claudia says.
Jane agrees. “There’s a growing popularity for more naturalistic planting, including using a wide variety of different plants, in particular herbaceous perennials,” she says, “plus having wilder-looking areas, avoiding a look that’s too ‘tidy’, and including a wildlife pond.”
Tempted to upgrade your outside space? Find garden designers in your area and read reviews from previous clients.
While there’s still very much a place for the formal garden, many of us are aiming to recreate a wilder look, even if it’s just with a small patch of meadow flowers or a more natural-looking border.
“I’ve certainly noticed more requests for wildflowers to be incorporated within garden designs, along with natural ponds to attract more wildlife,” Claudia says.
Jane agrees. “There’s a growing popularity for more naturalistic planting, including using a wide variety of different plants, in particular herbaceous perennials,” she says, “plus having wilder-looking areas, avoiding a look that’s too ‘tidy’, and including a wildlife pond.”
Tempted to upgrade your outside space? Find garden designers in your area and read reviews from previous clients.
Inside and outside will increasingly merge
We’re all familiar with the trend for linking the rear of a home with the garden via seamless flooring and large glazed doors onto patios filled with furniture, but in tandem with the inside creeping out is a newer feeling that the garden shouldn’t be pushed away. More people want to blend their patio area with greenery.
“There’s a desire to bring the garden right up to the house by breaking up patio areas with raised planters and other planting,” Peter says. “This is coupled with the resurgence of houseplants, tying the indoors and outdoors together.”
We’re all familiar with the trend for linking the rear of a home with the garden via seamless flooring and large glazed doors onto patios filled with furniture, but in tandem with the inside creeping out is a newer feeling that the garden shouldn’t be pushed away. More people want to blend their patio area with greenery.
“There’s a desire to bring the garden right up to the house by breaking up patio areas with raised planters and other planting,” Peter says. “This is coupled with the resurgence of houseplants, tying the indoors and outdoors together.”
More of us will embrace the kitchen garden
While growing veg has been on the rise for a few years, Peter predicts it will become even more popular. “As people re-engage with their gardens, they’re finding joy in working the soil to plant seeds and fruiting plants that then grow into food they can harvest,” he says.
And the veg-growing demographic appears to be getting younger. “This trend seems especially strong in families with young children,” he says, “where the parents want [kids] both to understand how food grows, and to enjoy the process and engage with nature and the planet.”
Claudia also predicts an increase in growing food. “As more of us are working from home, a kitchen garden is high on the agenda for a lot of people to potter in and ‘pick your own lunch’,” she says.
You might also enjoy Which Fruit and Veg Can I Grow in a Tiny Space?
While growing veg has been on the rise for a few years, Peter predicts it will become even more popular. “As people re-engage with their gardens, they’re finding joy in working the soil to plant seeds and fruiting plants that then grow into food they can harvest,” he says.
And the veg-growing demographic appears to be getting younger. “This trend seems especially strong in families with young children,” he says, “where the parents want [kids] both to understand how food grows, and to enjoy the process and engage with nature and the planet.”
Claudia also predicts an increase in growing food. “As more of us are working from home, a kitchen garden is high on the agenda for a lot of people to potter in and ‘pick your own lunch’,” she says.
You might also enjoy Which Fruit and Veg Can I Grow in a Tiny Space?
We’ll grow our own posies
A cheery bunch of flowers can instantly lift a room, and anyone with a sheltered patch of ground can grow plants that repeat flower, such as cosmos (pictured), zinnia, cornflower and larkspur. It’s not only satisfying to cultivate your own flowers, it’s a much more cost-effective way to enjoy blooms in your home, and Claudia predicts more of us will be giving it a go.
“A cut flower garden can offer fresh flowers throughout the year,” she says. “In addition, many of these blooms can be pressed and used for arts and crafts, which also became popular during lockdown.”
A cheery bunch of flowers can instantly lift a room, and anyone with a sheltered patch of ground can grow plants that repeat flower, such as cosmos (pictured), zinnia, cornflower and larkspur. It’s not only satisfying to cultivate your own flowers, it’s a much more cost-effective way to enjoy blooms in your home, and Claudia predicts more of us will be giving it a go.
“A cut flower garden can offer fresh flowers throughout the year,” she says. “In addition, many of these blooms can be pressed and used for arts and crafts, which also became popular during lockdown.”
We’ll be reaching for bold colours
Pale palettes can look beautiful, but right now many of us want bright, cheerful colour in our gardens. “The drab period of lockdown has fed a desire for more joy – in life and in gardens – and lots of people are asking for bold, brightly coloured flowers,” Jane says.
“A few years ago, subtle toning pinks, mauves and whites were popular, but recently I’ve been getting more requests for bright colours, including previously often shunned yellows and oranges, plus clashing colours.”
In terms of the specific plants that seem to be growing in popularity, Jane picks out long-flowering, rich purple Salvia ‘Amistad’ (pictured). “It’s rightly become one of the most popular herbaceous perennials, despite needing some extra protection to get through a cold winter,” Jane says. “It’s a plant that keeps on giving.”
Pale palettes can look beautiful, but right now many of us want bright, cheerful colour in our gardens. “The drab period of lockdown has fed a desire for more joy – in life and in gardens – and lots of people are asking for bold, brightly coloured flowers,” Jane says.
“A few years ago, subtle toning pinks, mauves and whites were popular, but recently I’ve been getting more requests for bright colours, including previously often shunned yellows and oranges, plus clashing colours.”
In terms of the specific plants that seem to be growing in popularity, Jane picks out long-flowering, rich purple Salvia ‘Amistad’ (pictured). “It’s rightly become one of the most popular herbaceous perennials, despite needing some extra protection to get through a cold winter,” Jane says. “It’s a plant that keeps on giving.”
We’ll want beautiful scent
Many of us are sitting and socialising in our gardens more frequently, which is leading to a desire for a more sensory experience.
“Scent in the garden seems more popular than ever, perhaps because of people spending more time outdoors,” Jane says. “This means plants such as Daphne Odora [pictured] that can fill an area with scent are a great bet.”
For garden fragrance, Jane also suggests Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’; Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’; Philadelphus coronarius ‘Aureus’; Jasminum officinale, and Lonicera periclymenum ‘Graham Thomas’.
You might also enjoy How to Create a Spirit-lifting Sensory Garden.
Many of us are sitting and socialising in our gardens more frequently, which is leading to a desire for a more sensory experience.
“Scent in the garden seems more popular than ever, perhaps because of people spending more time outdoors,” Jane says. “This means plants such as Daphne Odora [pictured] that can fill an area with scent are a great bet.”
For garden fragrance, Jane also suggests Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’; Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’; Philadelphus coronarius ‘Aureus’; Jasminum officinale, and Lonicera periclymenum ‘Graham Thomas’.
You might also enjoy How to Create a Spirit-lifting Sensory Garden.
We’ll lean towards natural paving materials
The desire for more natural-looking gardens is extending to our paving choices. “In terms of materials, I’m finding more people going for an aged and natural look,” Jane says. “Among my clients, I’ve found fewer people wanting porcelain, while clay pavers and Yorkstone are very much in.
“I expect the enthusiasm for clay pavers to continue this year,” she says. “They look fabulous, both on their own and to add edging and detail to natural stone, and they come in an amazing range of earthy colours.”
To see more from any of the designers whose photos are featured in this article, click on the image, then on Learn More if you’re in the app, and follow the links to the professional’s profile.
The desire for more natural-looking gardens is extending to our paving choices. “In terms of materials, I’m finding more people going for an aged and natural look,” Jane says. “Among my clients, I’ve found fewer people wanting porcelain, while clay pavers and Yorkstone are very much in.
“I expect the enthusiasm for clay pavers to continue this year,” she says. “They look fabulous, both on their own and to add edging and detail to natural stone, and they come in an amazing range of earthy colours.”
To see more from any of the designers whose photos are featured in this article, click on the image, then on Learn More if you’re in the app, and follow the links to the professional’s profile.
We might turn our backs on the petrol lawnmower
If the noise of mowers trundling up and down gardens is not very restful for you, take heart: the gentle swish of simple blades might start to take its place.
According to Claudia, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is reporting more enquiries about scythes, which are especially good for wildflower patches.
“The RHS is predicting an upward trend in traditional cutting techniques, minimising the use of diesel and petrol mowers,” she says. “It’s even offering training courses on their use.”
If the noise of mowers trundling up and down gardens is not very restful for you, take heart: the gentle swish of simple blades might start to take its place.
According to Claudia, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is reporting more enquiries about scythes, which are especially good for wildflower patches.
“The RHS is predicting an upward trend in traditional cutting techniques, minimising the use of diesel and petrol mowers,” she says. “It’s even offering training courses on their use.”
We’ll continue to want garden rooms
Whether they’re used as a home office, exercise space or relaxation bolthole, there’s no doubt garden rooms have become desirable, and Jane sees no end to the trend.
“I’m finding tremendous enthusiasm for garden rooms,” she says. “Often, the rooms are smart to look at and can provide an attractive feature at the end of the garden, despite taking space. By providing a destination, they draw people into their gardens, even in winter.”
And Jane predicts the trend will outlast the end of the pandemic. “Even when people are more comfortable going back to old workplaces and gyms,” she says, “the convenience of home facilities will mean this demand will continue.”
You might also enjoy Your Essential Guide to Building a Garden Room.
Whether they’re used as a home office, exercise space or relaxation bolthole, there’s no doubt garden rooms have become desirable, and Jane sees no end to the trend.
“I’m finding tremendous enthusiasm for garden rooms,” she says. “Often, the rooms are smart to look at and can provide an attractive feature at the end of the garden, despite taking space. By providing a destination, they draw people into their gardens, even in winter.”
And Jane predicts the trend will outlast the end of the pandemic. “Even when people are more comfortable going back to old workplaces and gyms,” she says, “the convenience of home facilities will mean this demand will continue.”
You might also enjoy Your Essential Guide to Building a Garden Room.
Choosing greener forms of transport will be reflected in our front gardens
Our growing awareness of more environmentally friendly ways to get around will impact our front gardens.
“Nowadays, almost everyone wants bike storage, as more people take up cycling and need frequent, easy access to their bikes,” Jane says.
And electric cars are already making their mark. “Electric charging points are becoming standard for new driveways,” she says.
Tell us…
Do any of these chime with what you want in your garden? Or have you already embraced many of these ideas and planting choices? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
Our growing awareness of more environmentally friendly ways to get around will impact our front gardens.
“Nowadays, almost everyone wants bike storage, as more people take up cycling and need frequent, easy access to their bikes,” Jane says.
And electric cars are already making their mark. “Electric charging points are becoming standard for new driveways,” she says.
Tell us…
Do any of these chime with what you want in your garden? Or have you already embraced many of these ideas and planting choices? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
Sustainability has been a key theme in interiors in recent years, with homeowners demanding more thoughtfully made products. Now we’re becoming more aware of the wider environmental impact in the ways we garden, too.
“People want their gardens to be green in more senses than one,” Jane Ashley says. “Clients are increasingly concerned about the practical impact on all aspects of the environment, and that’s certain to intensify in the coming year.
“People are taking to heart news coverage of specific issues, such as the declining bee population,” she continues, “but also broader cultural and economic trends in land use, such as the current enthusiasm for rewilding.”
This has led many of us to want to assist nature. “Many clients want to create more favourable conditions for bees and other pollinators, and also other wildlife – birds, insects, frogs and hedgehogs,” Jane says.