Garden design trends for summer 2023

What are the biggest garden trends consumers are seeking this year?

As we head into summer, our minds are focused on sustainability and climate change as we proactively prepare our gardens for another dry summer. We’re style and nature focused too, as many consumers look to create spaces that are not only good for their wellbeing – but kind to the planet too.

Here's what the gardening landscape is looking like in 2023…

1) Environmentally healthy gardens

As the UK loses more landmass to urban developments, it’s important to keep gardens environmentally healthy. From planting wildflowers to help bees to building hedgehog houses, feeding birds and composting waste, there has been a boom of gardeners seeking ways to transform their gardens into planet centric eco-zones.

2) Drought-resistant plants

The ongoing climate crisis presents many with the challenge of gardening with less water, leading gardeners to carefully choose plants which suit dryer, warmer growing conditions – and as temperatures continue to increase, this trend is here to stay.

Many drought tolerant plants have silver or grey-green leaves, their light leaf colour reflecting the harsh rays of the sun. Some have a coating of fine hairs on their leaves or stems, helping to trap moisture around the plant tissues. Drought tolerant plant care is also on the up, to help existing plants deal with the pressures of a warmer climate.

3) Gravel gardens

Unlike natural gardens featuring lawns, plants and trees, decorative gravel doesn’t require watering, so avoids any issues caused by dry summers. Not only that, but gravel also provides a maintenance-free alternative, ideal for busy households who don’t have much time spare for gardening. Available in a range of style and colours, gravel gardens are continuing to grow in popularity.  

4) Focus on mulches

Another garden trend focusing on the altering climate is mulch. Mulch is used to retain moisture in the soil, making it a helping hand for drought-resistance. It is also used to suppress or block weeds, keep the soil and plant roots cool, prevent frost heaving in winter and make the garden bed and landscape look more attractive. Mulches such as bark wood chippings are also a sustainable and natural alternative to traditional gravels.

5) Cottage style gardens

One of this year’s more aesthetically led trends is cottage style gardens. This timeless planting style features colourful blooms bursting from garden beds, alongside feature elements such as wheelbarrows, bikes, and other found objects that gardeners cleverly use as containers for plants. As consumers look to their gardens for mental-health and well-being support, more flowers help many create a space that is more relaxing and calming.

Whether you’re stocking up on wholesale garden supplies for your garden centre or you’re a landscaper tasked with a garden project, head to your local Stax cash and carry to discover a huge range of wholesale garden supplies at low trade only prices.