Experts reveal top garden design trends for 2011
Monday, 14 February 2011 2:57 PM
Some of the UK's foremost experts have shared their predictions for the key garden design trends in 2011, with ethical and eco-friendly lifestyles remaining the focus of many.
Figures from the British Retail Consortium recently showed that the gardening sector had enjoyed a monthly sales increase in January, after severe winter weather prevented people from working on their backyards towards the end of last year.
As people return to their green spaces for spring, Helen Elks-Smith, spokeswoman for the Society of Garden Designers, predicted that families would be looking to increase the functionality of their backyard, balancing hard work with relaxation.
"Sitting in the garden is still all important and almost everyone has morning coffee, lunch or supper - sometimes cooking but often eating - outside," she explained.
The spokeswoman added that home-grown herbs would remain highly desirable, particularly when planted close to the kitchen door or barbecue cooking area to enhance the property's key entertaining functions.
Meanwhile, speaking at the Totally DIY event in Birmingham last week, Malcolm Pinkerton, senior analyst at Verdict Research, said that the trend for homeowners to grow their own produce had become "very popular" and continues to gather pace.
"We have a more environmentally conscious, ethical consumer who is looking at sustainability," he added, suggesting that rainwater harvesting and eco-friendly materials will remain at the top of gardeners' wish lists in 2011.
Damian Cardozo, managing director at Haxnicks, said that families planting their own produce are tending to concentrate on potatoes, tomatoes and kitchen herbs.
He said that "tons of people" have been inspired by celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver to grow food in the garden, particularly as the cost of buying groceries continues to soar.
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