Garden industry Netherlands identifies three garden trends for 2022:Fresh Start, Bright and Breezy and Traditional Sentiment. They have in common that in the garden there is plenty of attention for climate resilience and biodiversity. The trends serve as inspiration for designing a new garden or adapting an existing garden. Research shows that garden owners like to contribute to a better climate with their garden, but do not know how. That is why Tuinbranche Nederland has developed a so-called Green Climate Square that can be seen in various garden centers throughout the Netherlands. Smart, simple ideas and products are presented that have positive effects on climate resilience.
The garden trend Fresh Start shows a clearly arranged garden with lots of white. That color symbolizes a fresh look at the future. The design and shapes of, for example, furniture and accessories are simple and sleek. Within this trend there is also a lot of room for (white) flowers and (green) plants. Bright color accents such as purple enhance the look of white. In addition, attention is paid to simple, practical solutions to efficiently use the available square meters in the garden. Think, for example, of a plant wall with movable planters, mobile pots or a floating lounger above the greenery. Fresh Start also means breaking with old patterns and making a (new) start in the field of sustainability, climate solutions and biodiversity. For example, by (partly) replacing tiles with grass or plants. In addition, bees, butterflies and other pollinators are also welcome in the garden. Not only because of the nectar-rich plants, but also in a sleek insect hotel. The garden trend Fresh Start makes extensive use of recycled materials.
Characteristic of the garden trend Bright and Breezy is the colorful and cheerful appearance. As if you can celebrate a holiday or throw a party in the garden every day. The color card consists of strong pastel shades interspersed with brighter accents in all four seasons. There are several corners in the garden, each with its own function. A patio table to have a drink with family and friends, but also a place for yourself where you can leave things carefree for a while. A real must-have is a hammock to read a book in peace or a comfortable chair with a view of the colorful flower borders. They have a real picking garden look and are a mecca for butterflies and bees. The garden according to the Bright and Breezy trend is not tight and neatly raked. Naturalising and a little weeds are not a problem, as long as they don't take over. For those who want optimum garden convenience, opt for a robot lawn mower or a fully automatic watering system that handles water efficiently. Replacing part of the tiles with lawn (or flower borders) makes the garden more climate-proof. In the event of heavy precipitation, flooding is less likely to occur because the rain can sink directly into the ground. A green roof on, for example, a shed, carport or extension also contributes to reducing flooding. The summer bloom is also attractive for pollinators.
The Traditional Sentiment trend gives the garden warmth and security with an atmosphere inspired by the 1950s. The garden has a nostalgic look due to the use of dark, reassuring colors such as purple and brown. Yet the garden is contemporary due to the addition of shades of gray. The feeling of security can be enhanced by growing climbing plants along a wall or fence. The borders have been laid out with taste and attention. Special plants deserve a special place and flowering times are coordinated to create beautiful and warm combinations. Consider, for example, deep purple ornamental onions (Alliums) that bloom simultaneously with foxglove (Digitalis). Fragrant garden roses evoke a wonderful, familiar feeling. The flowers are also very attractive to insects. In the garden according to the Traditional Sentiment trend, attention is also paid to a vegetable garden. And then one where carefully selected vegetables or special fruit trees are planted. A vegetable garden can form a separate part of the garden or be combined with ornamental plants.
