If your new year’s resolution involves getting your garden ship-shape in time for summer, then you’ll no doubt want to know what’s expected to be hot on the garden scene in 2019.
To put you on the right path, we’ve put our heads together here at Thames Valley Landscapes and have created the following list of what we think will dominate the scene in the year ahead.
We don’t claim to be trend setters when it comes to garden design, but we have got extensive industry knowledge and landscaping expertise – and we are passionate about creating beautiful outdoor spaces that will delight and amaze our customers.
So, here’s what we think you should look out for in 2019:
1. Outdoor rooms
The notion of bringing the outdoors indoors – or taking the indoors outdoors depending on how you look at it – is nothing new but, in our opinion, outdoor rooms will get more sophisticated and elaborate in 2019 and it’s a trend that will continue to grow.
So, if you’re keen to get a taste of Mediterranean living in your own back-yard this year, you’ll want to know what you need to do to create a stylish, modern look that will pack a big punch.
Read on to find out more…
2. Porcelain tiles
Arguably the most important decision you’ll make when creating your outdoor room is the flooring. It’s the one permanent feature, so it’s important to get it right.
We think porcelain tiles will be a popular choice for most garden designers and home owners alike this year as they are great for creating a contemporary, well-finished look, but are also durable and versatile so also provide very good value for money.
The goal in 2019 will be to incorporate the same style of porcelain tile inside your home as well as outside to merge the two spaces together. If you go as far as to drop doorframes and level off surfaces on either side of the threshold to create a completely seamless effect, then you’ll be well-ahead of the game and should consider yourself to be a true garden design trailblazer.
3. Outdoor furniture (that looks like it belongs inside).
Choose weather proof furniture that looks as good as the three piece suite in your front room if you want to create an inviting, comfortable outdoor space in which to relax and unwind.
Here we’re talking upholstered garden arm chairs, corner sofas and benches with soft cushions that you can sink right into; glass-topped tables to dine off; and recliners and loungers to lie back on and drift away in for hours on end.
Garden furniture in 2019 will take a giant leap away from the plastic or wooden ensembles we’ve got used to over the years – and will be in high demand as a result.
4. Evocative lighting
Outdoor lighting will be big news in 2019 and the industry is moving away from harsh spotlights and dim battery lanterns to more inspiring, enigmatic styles and designs.
Think atmospheric backdrops to light up dark corners and add scope to your landscape. Play with light and shadow to bring drama and interest. Going big on colour and styles will help you to create an otherworldly affect that is bound to make a big impression on your friends and family when the sun finally goes down.
4. Patio and garden bars
Yes, you heard it here first: Patio and garden bars are going to be big news for homeowners and party-lovers alike in 2019.
From going all out with a ready to assemble, fully stocked garden pub to a home-made, shabby-chic gin trolley made out of pre-used materials – every effort you make with your garden bar will go down well with your guests.
So long as you keep it well stocked!
5. Heated spaces
Nothing will deter from the fact that once evening sets in the temperature is sure to take a nose-dive. Garden lovers will look for effective ways of heating their outdoor spaces that are affordable, workable and less harmful to the environment.
Unfortunately, there is no ideal solution on the horizon that ticks all of the boxes when it comes to outdoor heating. As a general rule, electric heating is cheaper and cleaner. And of course, there is also the option of turning to a chimenea or fire pit to keep you warm into the night, certain to be popular features in many-a-garden, this year and beyond.
6. Big impact planting
If you’ve been keeping your eye on the garden design scene lately then you’ll already know that sculptural plants and bold colours will play a major role in garden design in 2019.
Exotic style plants with large architectural leaves and stems planted in big, brightly coloured pots will make a big appearance in the gardens of design-conscious homeowners. They not only look great, they also improve privacy and create shade and shelter against the unpredictable weather.
Gardeners are encouraged to clash colours and think “kitsch” when it comes to planting pots. Pompom dahlias are perfect for eye-popping colours that contrast against the bold leaves of a canna lily, both of which will flower happily into late summer, early autumn.
7. Climate change gardening
Our final trend for 2019 is ‘climate change gardening’, which involves creating ecological gardens that are able to cope with diverse weather conditions.
As our climate becomes more unpredictable, gardeners and landscapers will look for ways to avoid installing water hungry irrigation systems and using up water from our already overstretched water supply – by introducing drought-resistant plants, for instance.
Finding ways of working alongside nature rather than fighting against it is certainly on our agenda for the coming year as we are committed to providing a service that meets the needs of our customers whilst upholding the health of our planet.
Over to you…
We hope you find our tips for the year ahead useful when you’re dreaming up garden projects for 2019, but please give us a ring if you think we’ve missed anything out.
We’re always up for trying new things out here at Thames Valley Landscapes so let us know your ideas and perhaps we can work together to in the coming year to turn them into a reality.
Or, call us on 01628 629720 if you’re already ready to start talking plans!
