Top Garden Trends 2023 - What you’ll be seeing everywhere!
Outdoor garden design is a constantly evolving field, and 2023 is shaping up to be a year of exciting new trends. Whether you’re looking to update your own backyard or are a professional landscape designer, here are some of the top trends to watch for in outdoor garden design for 2023.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a top trend in outdoor garden design, as more and more people seek to create environmentally friendly and low-maintenance outdoor spaces.
Expect to see more use of drought-resistant plants, permeable pavers, rain gardens, and other eco-friendly features.
Top Tip - Introduce Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grass is a great choice for eco-friendly gardens due to several reasons. They are low-maintenance, needing only occasional trimming and occasional watering, reducing the amount of resources used in their upkeep. They also provide habitat and food for wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and insects, helping to create a diverse and thriving eco-system.
Many ornamental grasses are drought-tolerant, meaning they can thrive even in dry conditions, reducing the need for excessive watering and the strain on local water resources. Finally, ornamental grasses play an important role in preventing soil erosion and improving soil health, making them a valuable addition to any environmentally-conscious garden. Mix with lavender, wild flowers and succulents for a really multi-layered textural feel to our garden.
Natural Materials
Natural materials, such as stone, wood, and wrought iron, are making a comeback in outdoor garden design. These materials provide a warm, organic feel to outdoor spaces, and are durable enough to withstand the elements.
Vertical Gardens
Vertical gardens are a space-saving solution for small outdoor spaces, and they’re also a great way to add a pop of color to your outdoor area. Look for vertical garden walls made from a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and fabric.
Top Tip - Here are the steps to get started with a Vertical garden
Choose a wall or fence: Choose a wall or fence that is in a sunny location and has access to a water source.
Decide on your plants: Consider the amount of light and water available, as well as the overall style you are going for, when choosing your plants. Succulents, herbs, and trailing flowers are all good options for a vertical garden.
Install a support system: Choose a support system that fits your needs, such as wire mesh, a trellis, or a series of hooks. Make sure it is securely attached to your wall or fence.
Plant your plants: Fill pockets or pots with potting soil and plant your chosen plants, spacing them out evenly.
Water regularly: Make sure to water your vertical garden regularly, taking care not to overwater. You can also add a drip irrigation system to make watering easier.
Bold Colors
Bold colors are a growing trend in outdoor garden design. From brightly colored flowers and foliage to brightly painted garden accents and furniture accessories, expect to see a lot of bold, vibrant colors in outdoor spaces this year.
Image Credit: Steve Martino landscape design
Top Tip for Incorporating bright colours:
Use them sparingly: Too much of a bold color can be overwhelming, so use it sparingly and balance it out with neutral or complementary colors.
Choose the right plants: choose species that are known for their bright hues, such as petunias, marigolds, and zinnias.
Consider the lighting: The lighting in your garden can affect the way colors are perceived, so consider the time of day and the orientation of your garden when choosing your plants and their placement.
Create contrast: Pair bold colors with neutral or complementary hues to create contrast and visual interest. For example, bright red flowers against a backdrop of green foliage will make the flowers stand out.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different combinations of bold colors in your garden. You can always change things up if you don’t like the result.
Image Credit: Adam Robinson Design
Mirrors
Yes, mirrors can work in a garden setting!
Mirrors can help to reflect light, create an illusion of space, and enhance the beauty of your garden. When placed strategically, mirrors can reflect a garden’s plants, flowers, and other features, making it look larger and more interesting. They can also reflect light onto shaded areas, helping brighten a space.
There are a few things to consider when using mirrors in a garden setting. Firstly, make sure to place the mirrors in a location where they won’t get damaged by the elements. Secondly, be careful not to place them in a way that will cause glare, which can be uncomfortable for people and animals in the area. Finally, consider the style of your garden and choose mirrors that will complement it, rather than clash with it.
Mirrors can be a great addition to a garden, helping to create an interesting and unique outdoor space. Just make sure to use them wisely, and enjoy the results!
Multifunctional Spaces
Multifunctional outdoor spaces are becoming increasingly popular, as homeowners seek to create outdoor areas that serve multiple purposes. Look for outdoor kitchens, dining areas, fire pits, and other features that allow you to enjoy your outdoor space for more than just gardening.
Image: Malibu Wicker Outdoor Recliner | Patio Lounge Chair gives the feel of a living room in your garden.
Top Tips for Planning an Outdoor Multifunctional Space
Creating a multifunctional outdoor space that incorporates an outdoor kitchen and living room can be a great way to extend your living space and make the most of your garden. Here are some tips for designing this type of space:
Plan the layout: Consider the flow and layout of your outdoor kitchen and living room, making sure they are conveniently located and have easy access to each other, the rest of your garden and our indoors.
Choose durable materials: When choosing materials for your outdoor kitchen and living room, ensure they are weather-resistant and durable enough to withstand outdoor use.
Incorporate shade: Make sure to incorporate shade into your outdoor living room, either through the use of umbrellas, pergolas, or other shade structures.
Create a pathway: Add a pathway through your garden that provides access to different areas and doubles as a decorative element.
Consider the view: When planning your outdoor living room, consider the view and make sure it is positioned in a way that takes advantage of your garden and surrounding area.
Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is an important aspect of garden design, and this year we’ll see an increased emphasis on creative and innovative lighting solutions. From hanging lanterns and string lights to illuminated garden paths and walls, outdoor lighting will play a big role in outdoor garden design in 2023.
Image Credit: mirodemi.com
Top Tips for Creative Lighting Solutions
Think outside the box: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore different lighting options, such as string lights, lanterns, sculpture lighting or even fairy lights.
Use lighting to highlight features: Use lighting to highlight key features in your garden, such as plants, water features, or architectural elements.
Layer lighting: Use a combination of different lighting types and intensities to create a layered and dynamic look in your garden.
Consider energy-efficient options: Consider energy-efficient lighting options, such as LED lights and solar-powered lights, to reduce your energy consumption and impact on the environment.
Create a sense of ambience: Use lighting to create a sense of ambience and mood in your garden, such as warm, soft light for a relaxing atmosphere or bright, vibrant lighting for a lively and energetic vibe.
Whether you’re looking for a simple update or a complete overhaul of your outdoor space, hopefully, some of these trends will help you create a beautiful and functional garden that reflects your style and meets your needs.
So go ahead and get inspired – and let your outdoor garden design dreams take flight in 2023!
Be sure to check out all the new garden furniture arrivals on the Outdoor Nook Shop - free delivery across the USA with all items shown in stock and ready to ship (Recliner Ships March 30th!)
Solar Powered wall lighting
Outdoor Nook Modular Sofa shown with solar-powered lamps