2024 Landscaping Predictions: 5 Trends to Watch

As we approach 2024, the world of landscaping continues to evolve with innovative trends that promise to transform your outdoor spaces. From enchanting gothic gardens to more environmentally conscious planting, here are our 5 landscaping predictions to keep an eye on…

Edimentals

The edimental trend combines beauty with practicality. Edimentals, a term coined by writer Stephen Barstow, are edible ornamentals which seamlessly blend into your garden.

Get creative with your garden design and tie in a combination of herbs, chard and nasturtiums to not only enhance visual appeal, but provide a fresh, homegrown and cost-effective supply for your kitchen. They’re also pretty hardy. Their deeper roots make them much more robust than annuals, equipped for drought or pest infestations. We expect to see these thrive in 2024.

Gothic Gardens

With the interest in gothic gardens growing on social media, this trend owes itself to Gen Z’s fixation on dramatic landscapes. Get ready for the comeback of dramatic gardens, think detailed arches, striking statues and water features, moody colour schemes and draping dark foliage.

If you’re looking to reinvent your garden with a touch of mystery and romance, this trend might just be for you.

Prioritising Pollinators

In 2024 sustainability will continue to become increasingly more important within garden landscaping. Whilst we don’t see this so much as a trend and more of a conscious choice, we expect to see a rise in gardens nurturing pollinators with bee-friendly plants and butterfly gardens.

More conscious planting not only supports local ecosystems but brings a variety of colour and life to your garden. Incorporate a diverse selection of plants such as lavender, coneflowers, salvia, butterfly bushes and cosmos to witness your garden flourish. 

Multi-Purpose Spaces

With the rise of remote work and a focus on holistic well-being, gardens are evolving into versatile, multi-purpose spaces, reflecting the needs of our modern lifestyles. While outdoor cooking and dining continue to be popular, there's a growing demand for areas that cater to different aspects of daily life. Think anywhere from work from home and homework stations for the kids, quiet reading nooks, a tiny vineyard that provides a glass (or two) of wine of an evening or a small corner perfect for morning meditation.

The best way to achieve this is to split your garden design into functional zones, a patio for summer BBQs, a sheltered area with seating for working or studying and a grassy patch for some exercise. Don’t forget to also add some outdoor lighting to extend your gardens use into the evening.

Low-Maintenance Gardens

Whilst many of us are spending more time at home and in our gardens, it doesn’t mean we all have the time to maintain them. This has caused low-maintenance gardens to gain more popularity over the last few years and we don’t see this slowing down in 2024. 

We expect that smaller lawn areas and edging to keep weeds in check and reduce maintenance will become more popular, but gravel gardens will also shine. Stabilised gravel pathways paired with drought-resistant plants and succulents offer an aesthetically pleasing yet hassle-free solution – they also make great front garden ideas!

At Haywood Landscapes, we’re always excited to discover new (or returning) trends and innovations within the landscaping world. They help fuel our creativity, inspiring our ideation of beautiful yet functional gardens that our customers love.

Are you re-thinking your garden design for 2024? If you’re based in the Canterbury or surrounding areas, get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help you. Contact us here or call us on 01227 733447 for more information.