What's the latest gardening trend?

Question:

I am really keen to give my garden a new look - what are the popular trends at the moment?

Answer:

As with fashion, trends in the garden come and go. Over the last few years we have seen great interest in planting decorative grasses in amongst perennials – you will find a fine example of this type of planting at Knoll Gardens in Dorset.

Obviously, the trend to grow your own crops has made a real impact on the way our gardens look. It is now becoming very fashionable to own a polytunnel (I would recommend those made by Haygrove www.gardentunnels.co.uk). Raised beds are being incorporated into the design of gardens and potagers are all the rage. It is quite acceptable for a small garden mainly to be dedicated to edible crops.

If you would rather be surrounded by flowers then cottage gardening is never going to go out of fashion. This style of gardening is far from low maintenance though. Should time be an issue look to more slick designs that feature evergreen planting and more structured landscaping.

The best place to get ideas for your garden is from gardening shows. RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, Surrey so put a note in your diary to buy a ticket for this July event.

If you are still unsure of which way to go start collecting images of gardens that you like from magazine and create a mood board – you will soon be able to see a them emerging. After all it is more important that you and your family like the look of the garden than anyone else.

Tamsin Westhorpe - Editor, The English Garden magazine