Natural trends

Consideration of the environment will be forefront in our minds as we enter a new decade of gardening

- Leigh Clapp

As we become increasingly aware of our impact on the planet, it’s predicted that the new decade will see a more holistic approach to gardening, with sustainability being key as we give careful thought to the actions we take and how they may affect our wider environment.

Being ‘green’ puts nature at the forefront of our gardening choices. Achieving equilibrium in our landscape is beneficial to all as we continue the trend of the eco-conscious gardener and greening our outdoor spaces. Creating an oasis of peace and calm to relax in recharges us and helps reduce stress levels.

Gardening and being outside also has benefits for both our physical and mental health, from children to the elderly; we all benefit by being more connected to nature.

A garden also has purpose; from beautifying a space, to giving us a shady spot to sit, or feeding us by growing our own fruit, vegetables and herbs.

I talked to some of the gardening experts in our county to hear their thoughts on what we’ll see in 2020 and beyond. Multiaward-winning garden designer, nursery owner and RHS judge Roger Platts also feels that concern for the environment, health and wellbeing will continue to drive the trends in the next decade.

“Rewilding has been the buzzword in 2019 and I think this trend will continue to grow in the 2020s. Growing awareness of the vital role plants play in combating pollution and creating a feeling of wellbeing, I hope and expect will increase emphasis on tree planting and plants in general, including indoor plants.