If we just take a look at two main themes namely attitude and consumer trends we can look at how they could influence garden design for next year.

We all know that there are noticeable differences in attitudes through the generations and this does definitely seep into the garden too.  Typically the younger house owner will see their gardens as an extra room, somewhere to entertain, as a workspace, or even somewhere to play the Wii!

Often the younger house owner will opt for a garden with less plants, more functional space and typically with a more contemporary feel.  The older generation generally see their garden as a place to actually garden, to tend their plants and as a place to relax.

Taking the some of the global consumer trends into account we can see that people will probably be staying where they are and choosing not to move house, maybe even considering investing in their property and/or outdoor space which means that a “staycation” is likely to be a more attractive option.

‘Local’ is becoming more popular; people are choosing to support their local communities rather than the larger supermarkets and organisations that don’t support them.

The greener lifestyle is ever popular even in times of recession.  People are preferring naturally and locally produced products with a low carbon footprint being increasingly more important.  The organic market is growing along with other green products too, for example solar lighting, which is now a much more stable product now that technology is improving.

Many people are gardening purposefully as consumers are feeling they are fulfilling a conservationist/naturalist type role and parents especially will be encouraging their children into the garden to learn and explore!  Gardening is becoming the ultimate green activity.

So how does all of this translate into garden design trends for next year?

Well we predict that low maintenance planting schemes, drought resistant perennials, conserving water, edible gardens; herb and vegetable container growing and small ornamental fruit growing will all definitely be in vogue!

The highly maintained manicured lawns will be making a sharp exit in favour of slow-growing turf (yes there is such a thing!).  Some will want to reduce the size of lawn or completely replace it and will do so with trees and shrubs or edible and more productive areas.

In terms of colour, people will want a more subtle use of colour, a limited colour palette perhaps opting for complete contrasts rather than having a riot of every colour imaginable.

What should be making a comeback?

We believe that climbers are under used, underrated and should be making a bit of a comeback.

There are climbers for almost every aspect and season of the year, evergreen climbers, climbers that fruit, climbers that flower, climbers that shed their leaves in autumn but before they do they put on a spectacular display of autumnal colours!  Above all climbers can be used for providing privacy, screening an area or even adding height so go on, be bang on trend and plant some climbers!