2023 has brought forth a plethora of emerging trends in garden design across the UK.
Most notably, making the most of your outside space and transforming it into a year-round destination. Read on as we discuss this topic in detail.
Modern garden design trends
We expect to see increased technology integration in the garden this year (e.g., the use of solar lights, soil sensors, security systems, etc.,) Homeowners are looking for inspiring garden designs, which whilst blending in with contemporary decor also seamlessly blend with nature.
Gardens are increasingly seen as an extension of the home, a place for leisure, fun, entertaining and unwinding with family and friends. Enjoy outdoor living to the full as you explore modern garden designs, which we believe will be popular in 2023:
Artisanal and handcrafted garden features
With modern-day factory production, individuality has become increasingly difficult to find. Recent years have seen an increase in the work of artisans and handcrafted garden features. Popular items include plant pots, sculptures, and mosaic features (e.g., pathways) – think of bespoke pieces that add uniqueness, characters, individuality, and a WOW factor to your garden.
Natural blended with contemporary design
Aspects of modern garden designs include:
- Seamless blend - blend nature with contemporary décor features
- Seeking balance – there is always a desire to strike a balance between nature and the sophistication of modern design elements
- Organic materials usage – such as cement, stone, water, and wood
Biodiversity and the use of local UK plants
Increasing awareness of biodiversity has led to many households prioritising local UK plants in their garden designs. Buying native plants has numerous advantages including:
- Helps to preserve and promote UK plant species
- New habitat for local wildlife
- Provides ecological balance
- Reduced maintenance
Making the outdoor an extension of indoors
Indoor space is at a premium, so garden space is increasingly being used as a seamless extension. This has seen interior design themes being used in creating inspiring garden designs that enable a smooth transition between indoors and outdoors.
Incorporating smart technology for enhanced garden management
Step confidently into the future of garden care by seamlessly integrating smart technology into your outdoor haven. Achieving a flourishing garden is now more accessible than ever, thanks to ingenious smart devices. These innovations bring convenience to the forefront of garden management:
- Automated irrigation systems - bid farewell to the guesswork of watering schedules. Smart irrigation systems intuitively deliver the precise amount of water your plants need, precisely when they need it. This not only conserves water but also fosters robust and healthy growth
- Security systems – implement smart security solutions to safeguard your garden and home. Choose security products such as alarms, CCTV cameras and motion sensors, which will keep your outdoor space secure
- Smart lighting - extend Garden usability hours through smart lighting. This not only adds light but also enhances your garden décor. Through implementing garden solar lighting there is also an opportunity to be eco-friendly
- Soil sensors – technology can be used to accurately assess the health of your soil. Buy innovative soil sensors to provide real-time data on your soil health which enables you to adjust your soil to match your specific planting requirements
- Weather-based controllers – understanding the weather could play an important part in your watering plans. Through access to a weather-based controller, watering schedules can be adjusted with real-time weather in mind
Sustainability, minimalism, and the importance of multi-functional spaces
Garden designs in 2023 tend to emphasise sustainability, minimalism, and multi-functional use. There is a drive towards reducing personal carbon footprint, whilst simultaneously embracing and enjoying outdoor living.
Modern and inspiring garden design ideas for 2023
Modern garden design ideas for 2023 offer a range of interesting concepts and ideas that transform outdoor living. Implement these to improve décor, whilst also providing practical solutions to embrace outdoor living. Below we list ten inspiring garden designs for 2023:
1) Cottagecore charm
Although certainly not a modern design, Cottagecore charm is an inspiring garden design idea! This is where rustic and vintage décor takes charge. To implement this style, consider adding hanging lanterns, wildflowers to flowerbeds, wooden garden features, etc.,
2) Desert inspired gardens
Bring the desert to your own garden with desert inspired garden themes. This type of outdoor space incorporates drought-resistant plants, succulents, hardscaping (with earth tomes) and other desert elements. A minimalist type of garden style, desert inspired gardens are an opportunity for elegance with earthy desert tones.
3) Eco-friendly gardens
Reduce your carbon footprint and be in harmony with nature with an eco-friendly garden design. We have mentioned some of these elsewhere, such as edible landscapes and planting UK species.
There are many ways of being eco-friendly in your garden though. These also include reducing water consumption, supporting biodiversity, harvesting, and reusing rainwater, composting, use of solar-powered lighting and more!
4) Edible landscapes
Embracing self-sufficiency and sustainability, edible landscapes provide interesting gardens whilst providing a harvest! Why not cultivate edible flowers, fruits, herbs, and vegetables in your own garden and incorporate these into your desired garden design themes? There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting your own crops. The taste is amazingly fresh, and you will be able to save spending some of your hard-earned money at the supermarket.
5) Gravel gardens
A gravel garden is an excellent choice for a low-maintenance yard. It is also ideal for Mediterranean-style drought-tolerant plants like lavender and Phlomis. These also produce an abundance of honey and pollen for passing insects. When you create a gravel landscape, you can say goodbye to the watering can and hello to low maintenance!
6) Heavily hardscaped gardens
The hard elements, or non-living features, of the landscape are referred to as hardscaping. This includes everything from decks and walks to edging and decorative elements. Garden hardscape design depends on the design of your garden and the surrounding landscape. Hardscapes might be formal or informal. Textural variation is vital in hardscaping and should be carefully examined.
7) Monochrome gardens
An alien concept to many, monochrome gardens emphasise a single colour palette in the garden. Not to confuse with chrome or silver, a monochrome garden could be any colour, the important aspect is that there is one dominant colour. This could easily be a serene all-blue garden, a vibrant all-red flamboyant garden, an all-year floral wonderland, etc.,
Creating a unique décor, monochrome gardens allow you to practice artistic flair, add your own personality and bring a contemporary style to your outdoor space.
8) Smart garden technology
We discussed this earlier, but this is certainly worth mentioning again! Smart garden technology simply adds convenience to your everyday use of the garden. IoT devices automate essential everyday tasks including lighting, plant monitoring, watering, etc.
9) Vertical gardens
Space is always at a premium in gardens, so maximise your available space with vertical gardens. These cleverly use space vertically and are a great opportunity to introduce greenery into urban gardens. Whilst creating a stunning flora and fauna view, vertical gardens are also contributors to improved insulation and air quality.
Choose vertical garden features such as living walls, which add greenery and floral colour. For balconies and patios, vertical planters are a great solution and in their own way are a chance to practice your art skills through botany.
10) Zen retreats
Inspired by Japanese Zen gardens, you can bring “a little piece of Japan” into your garden with a Zen retreat. Enjoy peace and serenity in your garden with this design, which whilst simplistic creates a balance and harmony with Mother Nature.
For a Zen retreat, add raked gravel, smooth stones and carefully positioned plants (perhaps including some Japanese species). A Zen Garden represents a great opportunity for a garden sanctuary, which brings comfort and escape from the fast pace of day-to-day life.
Integrating wooden features into modern garden designs
Integrating the warmth and versatility of wood into contemporary garden designs enriches outdoor areas effortlessly. Wooden accents infuse gardens with both aesthetic appeal and functional utility. The seamless integration of wooden materials adds a touch of nature's charm to modern landscapes, from seating enclaves and architectural structures to decorative accents.
The table below gives an overview of the many timber features accessible in modern garden designs:
|
Category |
Wooden Garden Feature |
|
Decorative elements |
Sculptures and carvings |
|
|
Plant stands |
|
|
Hanging décor |
|
Pathways and walkways |
Boardwalks |
|
|
Stepping stones |
|
|
|
|
Privacy screens and dividers |
Slatted privacy screens |
|
|
Trellises and lattice panels |
|
Raised garden beds |
Modern planter boxes |
|
|
Tiered garden beds |
|
|
Vertical garden walls |
|
Seating and gathering spaces |
Benches and outdoor sofas |
|
|
|
|
|
Decking with built-in seating |
|
Structures and shelters |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cabanas |
|
Water features and ponds |
Bridge over water features |
|
|
Decking around ponds |
Incorporating low maintenance garden designs
Creating low maintenance garden designs does not mean sacrificing aesthetics. Instead of struggling with constant garden maintenance, it is all about crafting smart and inspiring garden designs that synchronise with nature's rhythms and your lifestyle, yielding a gorgeous and stress-free outdoor haven.
Local plants
Select plants native to the UK that demand minimal watering and fertilising while creating a haven for local wildlife.
Mulch and ground covers
Embrace organic mulch and ground covers to curb weed growth, retain soil moisture, and maintain stable root temperatures. This approach reduces the need for frequent watering and weeding.
Artificial turf
Explore advancements in synthetic grass technology, delivering a lush green lawn without the hassle of mowing, watering, or fertilising. Enjoy a pristine appearance year-round.
Drought-resistant plants
Opt for plant species adapted to arid conditions, requiring little to no extra watering. These drought-resistant plants are ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
Gravel landscapes
Modern gravel-based designs not only conserve water but also bestow a striking and low-maintenance allure to your yard. Gravel offers superior drainage and diminishes the risk of flooding.
Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is a landscaping style that emphasises water saving using drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation systems, and strategic design.
Perennial gardens
To reduce the need for annual replanting and to provide a continuously beautiful garden, plant perennial flowers and plants that return year after year.
Succulent gardens
Succulent gardens contain water-storing plants that take little care and provide unusual textures and forms to your landscape, are popular.
Low-growing plants and groundcovers
Discuss the benefits of low-growing plants and groundcovers, which require minimal maintenance and assist in reducing weed development while providing a beautiful carpet of greenery.
Self-Watering planters
Introduce self-watering planters, which ensure plants receive the proper amount of moisture while lowering watering frequency and preventing overwatering.
Rock gardens
Explore the allure of rock gardens, which combine resilient plants among rocks and boulders to create a visually spectacular landscape that requires little maintenance.
Container gardens
There are many benefits of container gardens, which enable easy plant management and mobility. They are especially useful in small spaces and can be customised to suit your low maintenance preferences.
Closing remarks
In conclusion, the dynamic trends highlighted in modern garden designs for 2023 underscore a harmonious blend of innovation, aesthetics, and sustainability. As gardens evolve into multifunctional retreats, the integration of technology, native elements, and low maintenance garden designs provides a gateway for individuals to commune with nature while enjoying the comforts of modern living.
Contact us about inspiring garden designs
For personalised guidance on transforming your garden areas, whether you are seeking captivating garden design ideas, modern garden designs, or low maintenance garden designs, contact Buy Sheds Direct today.
Call us by phone at 0333 003 0514, drop us an email through our contact page form, or engage in a real-time text chat using our live chat app. Let us collaborate to bring your inspiring garden designs to life.