Garden trends to look out for in 2014

It’s almost Easter, so thoughts are turning to gardens and whether we’ll be able to enjoy them this summer! The weather forecasters are predicting a mega-hot summer (but don’t they say that every year?) and March was the warmest we’ve enjoyed for centuries, so will our gardens be getting much use this year? We do hope so!

Gadgets

There’s a heavy focus on lighting and gadgets this year, with technology providing many opportunities to accent garden landscapes in dramatic yet affordable ways, making even the most average patio or decking area look inviting, and creating socialising space.  Exciting developments include photovoltaic LED glass pavers (illuminated bricks that can be integrated into a path or patio) and new LED fixtures, devices and apps to give you control over your garden when the sun goes down.

On the not-so-good side, brightening up your garden with ‘quirky’ extras is another phase that gardens are going through, and it’s set to continue through the summer of 2014 with interesting adornments like penguin solar lights, the type of decoration you probably didn’t know you needed…

Plants

If you’re wondering what to plant to stay on-trend in your outdoor areas, it’s all about the Great War. Turning your garden into a floral tribute to the fallen is catching on as 2014 is dominated by the First World War centenary. For an average garden, Flanders Field poppies are big news, with national campaigns already under way encouraging gardeners to sow them.

In bedding plants, the humble Begonia is replacing the ubiquitous Busy Lizzie, mostly because Busy lizzies are being hit with downy mildew problems.

Super foods can make their place in any garden - sales of curly kale are up 32 per cent and so you can plant your own and be ahead of the super food, kale crisp eating crowd with your very own crop. Baby leaf versions of the trend veg are also quite popular.

Landscaping and maintenance

In practical terms, the emphasis this year is on simple, easy and low-maintenance. Gardens are for enjoying, not weeding, so sprinkle and go seed, fertiliser and compost products like Flower Magic and equivalents are selling well. If you’re looking for the ultimate way low-effort garden maintenance, contact John Lessels and we can do it all for you!