Update your GARDEN

Now's the time to refresh your outdoor space for the warmer days ahead

- ESME CLEMO

Whatever the size of your plot, make the most of it by planting an abundance of colour and produce. From growing your own veg to landscaping, you'll find plenty of ideas to inspire you and turn it into your perfect sanctuary.

10 NEW GARDEN LOOKS

From left-to-grow lawns to grow-to-cut flowers, drought-loving designs to space-saving planting, the latest trends have something for every garden and gardener alike. Our gardens have evolved since lockdown, and we're all keen to get the most from them, as we crave space to work or entertain, or places to just sit and be. 'Gardeners are finding new ways to encourage more wildlife onto their patch, trying sustainable techniques to improve their soil and be water-wise,' says Guy Barter, RHS chief horticulturist.

1 GREEN LANDSCAPING 

As hard landscaping costs soar, the RHS believes that green walls, hedges and swimming ponds are all set to increase in popularity in 2023. Searches for the fragrant evergreen shrub myrtle, used in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's funeral wreath, were up more than 500% in autumn 2022. Myrtle is a great choice for Mediterranean borders, hedges and screens, so why not give it a try?

2 GROW FOR CUTTING 

Create your own flower-cutting patch. Think colour and impact, with cosmos, dahlias, peonies and chrysanthemums - all big-style hitters. Don't forget that foliage and grasses can be easily snipped to boost a few blooms. Need a little inspiration? Website sarahraven.com stocks collections for cutting gardens, which are designed to look brilliant growing together and displayed around your home once cut.

3 PLANT FOR EXTREMES