So what did we learn from the Chelsea Flower Show?
This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show was, as always, the perfect place to spot new trends and see what is hot in the gardening world.
For 2016 the trends that dominated included rough-hewn stone, copper tones, water-wise plants and – somewhat surprisingly – lawns. There was also a focus on health and happiness and the role that horticulture can play in this.
The topiary trend has ended
A few years ago, topiary and box hedges were everywhere at the show; this time around, native trees, in particular pines, seemed to be in fashion. With a focus on conserving water and letting native plants thrive, the stiff, structured look of topiary has been consigned to the rubbish heap and replaced by something a little less tamed.
Copper is the colour
There was a definite prevalence of copper tones featured this year, both in the gardens and in the objects placed in them. Rustic yet refined copper water bowls, jugs and sculptures were a regular feature.
Lovely lupins
Every year there is one plant that captivates the visitors’ attention; this year was the turn of the lupin. Even a number of visiting celebrities were spotted admitting the navy blue blooms. To add to their appeal, lupins are a nitrogen fixer and drought-tolerant.
Lawn loving
For a change, lawns were in fashion and sizeable swards were spotted in several exhibits. A lovely, lush lawn is always a wonderful addition to a garden and the key is to invest in one of the hand propelled petrol lawn mowers from a supplier such as http://www.chiffchaffoutdoor.com/tiger-tm4016hp-40cm-16-hand-propelled-petrol-lawn-mower.html to keep grass short, manageable and less meadow-looking.
Stonewalled
In landscaping trends, roughly-hewn stone seemed to be the top pick of the exhibitors. Drystone walls, boulders and gabion walls were in abundance. This trend is certainly one that many avid gardeners will find easy to adopt, as it offers so many possibilities.
Beautiful bins
Making compost is always hugely encouraged and there is a definite trend towards making your bins more beautiful. Willow composting bins were spotted at the show, focusing again on the need to recycle or repurpose resources. If you can add bins this attractive to your garden, making mulch no longer needs to be an activity that is hidden behind the garden shed.
