The trends they are a-changin’
“It may mean dark green backgrounds with acid greens and yellows to create a fresh and verdant look. A taxus background, with large-leaved textures of angelica and persicaria. It’s not about a riot of colour. In among the green palette, people will want things that give them the joy of scents, such as rosemary and sage.”
LAWN COMEBACK
ANDREW has found that hard landscaping is being replaced by lawn. “I think lawns are making a comeback. The lawn has been a really usable space, particularly if you have children, and people now have more time to maintain their lawn and are finding it therapeutic to mow.”
SUBTLE SCULPTURE
“WE’VE had a lot of enquiries for more reflective and contemplative pieces of sculpture,” says awardwinning sculptor David Harber (davidharber.co.uk), whose work has been exhibited at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
“People are seeking calm and sophistication, perhaps represented in a Zen-like water feature. People want unfussy, serene and beguiling.
“So many people have taken up yoga and meditation, they want a place where they can stand and be, where they are back in touch with nature.”
RICH SHADES
“PEOPLE are after really subtle, deep colours that are quite jewel-like. If you’ve been stuck at your computer screen all day, this subdued rich palette that’s gentle on the eye is becoming important,” says Andrew.
“We are talking deep red persicarias and the deeper blues of catmint, but overall a much more natural feeling in planting. As people are in the garden a lot more, everything is more ongoing. People are going out every day and picking off dead leaves and deadheading, rather than that being a job for the weekend. It’s less of a chore and more of an enjoyment.”
MORE BALCONY FOOD
“WE are going to see less containers filled with annual colour – petunias and geraniums are on their way out. We are going to see balconies overloaded with tomatoes and runner beans, with nasturtiums running through them,” Andrew predicts.
“SEASONALITY is really important, which is where growing vegetables in containers is really going to take off, along with the rotation of vegetable crops,” says Andrew.
“Heritage vegetables are coming back – the purple beans, the purple carrots – and for people who’ve got children, that’s exciting.”
There will be a return to terracotta and timber planters, rather than mass-produced plastic tubs
We will see more tomatoes and other edibles grown instead of the usual petunias
which are less eco-friendly, he predicts.
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING
“PEOPLE are much more aware of the sustainability of products and their provenance. There’s a great drive to buy British. They want to buy locally and are into supporting local businesses and nurseries,” says