The Royal Horticultural Society have revealed their gardening trend predictions for 2021 — and comfort planting, lazy lawns and delphiniums are tipped to bloom.
With warmer weather on the horizon, now is the perfect time to slip on your gardening gloves and get to work on a planting scheme. Whether you have a large cottage garden or a small balcony space, there's something in the trend report for everyone.
"2020 ushered in a period of experimental gardening – for those that picked up a trowel for the first time, opted to dabble with raising crops alongside ornamentals and trialled new ways of growing old favourites," Guy Barter, RHS Chief Horticulturist, says.
"However, lawns and big blooms, long stalwarts of the garden, remain an important draw for UK gardeners as people continue to seek out the familiar during these less than familiar times."
Take a look at some of the things to do in the garden this year...
1. Comfort planting
According to the RHS, 2021 will see gardeners create a beautiful space packed with colour. While traditional roses were all the rage in 2020, this year will see the rise of delphiniums, lupins and foxgloves.
"Roses and hydrangeas won out in 2020 as gardeners turned to old, reliable favourites with big blooms and long flowering periods," the famous gardening charity say. "However, that demand is set to translate into shortfalls this year with delphiniums, lupins, foxgloves and poppies instead likely to be top candidates for those wanting to create a cottage-garden look."
2. Pick-your-own
With allotment gardening booming as a result of nationwide lockdowns, it's no surprise to see pick-your-own veg patches staying put. Some of the things we should keep our eyes open for this year include raised beds, smaller plots, tubs, troughs, windowsill crops and vertical growing systems, too.
"Food growing in domestic settings increased substantially in 2020 with a return to staples such as potatoes, salad and onions and plants associated with herbal remedies including aloe vera, echinacea and sambucus," the RHS say.
3. Lazy lawns
Wondering what to do with your lawn this year? According to the charity, gardeners will come to accept the "inevitable wear and tear" of their lawns and "turn a blind eye to a bit of browning in summer". Pristine striped grass areas might look pretty, but 2021 is all about keeping it natural and wildlife friendly.
The team add: "Some will seek out interesting and environmentally benign alternatives such as small leaved clovers which, usually mixed with grasses, will stay green without fertiliser and resist drought."
4. Starting small
Seeds are on their way up, with gardeners being encouraged not to despise small beginnings.
"The growing popularity of seeds - attributed to their low cost and with some harvested from supermarket produce for free - has seen many develop their skills in plant raising," the RHS add. "Production issues could also translate into more 9cm pots being sold over the usual 2-3L options with gardeners enjoying the process of watching plants grow."
5. Soil recycling
Last year, the charity found that gardeners were more frugal when it came to the garden. With stocks dwindling and garden centres closed, many of us saved money and the helped the planet by creating our own mixes, such as combining sieved soil with organic matter and re-using growing media in containers.
Not sure what to do in the garden this year? Why not show the planet a little love by making your own soil.
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Best patio heaters for spring evenings in the garden
Dunelm Electric Wall Mounted Patio Heater
Wall-mounted patio heaters preserve precious space while keeping your guests toasty during al fresco gatherings. This wallet-friendly pick from Dunelm has three heat settings up to 2,000W, and comes with a wall bracket for easy installation. For the price you pay, we think it’s a steal.
Looking for a sleek and stylish patio heater? Well, look no further than Tower's impressive oscillating design. IP65 weatherproof approved, it has nine heating levels and allows you to keep track of your power and heating selection thanks to the smart digital display. Plus, it comes with a remote control, too.
Available in black or silver, this powerful wall-mounted heater is a high-quality solution for heating small outdoor spaces such as yards and patios. It features a timer, remote control and an impressive weather-resistance rating of IP65.
Outsunny 11.2kw Pyramid Gas Patio Heater
This patio heater is a real investment in finer outdoor entertaining. We love the pyramidal shape, and your back will appreciate the wheels that have been included for no-lift movement. A gas hose and regulator are included – but you’ll need to provide your own propane.
Gather around this rotating, table-top heater for cosier get-togethers with your guests. Powered by mains electricity, the Mojo has two heat settings: 350kW and 700kW. There are also three directional settings, to share warmth evenly around the table. We like the carry handle, too.
A high-performing option to warm up your evenings, this nicely presented Swan patio heater uses a carbon fibre heating element that gives off plenty of heat while using electricity at a reasonable 1,800W. The heater can be mounted on either a wall or ceiling, and comes with a remote control.
Kettler Kalos Plush Electric Overhang Heater
Embrace outdoor living with this floor standing patio heater. The arched stand design and suspended lampshade cover wouldn't look out of place in your living room. In fact, it’s a quietly robust outdoor heater, featuring a variety of heat settings, remote control operability and handy casters on the base.
Another stylish choice, which also just happens to save space thanks to its built-in table top, this great pick from Outsunny is ideal for keeping snacks and drinks nearby while you relax outdoors. So, if you're looking to hide the often rather unsightly gas bottle, this is the patio heater for you.
Swan Portable Patio Heater
Bring warmth anywhere your power supply will reach with Swan's super-portable patio heater. It features an automatic turn-off safeguard, a wide, stable base, and a convenient carry handle allowing the heater to move with the flow of the evening. This heater gets top marks for efficiency too, thanks to its carbon fibre heating element.
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this ceiling mounted patio heater can be installed in the living room, garden, balcony, or outdoor terrace. We really like its flared ceiling lamp style.
This easy-mounting parasol heater attaches to your parasol’s pole, and beams down warmth and light to seated guests below. The quartz heating elements inside make efficient use of electricity, warming up nearby people and objects, rather than the air. Please note that the heater is compatible with parasol poles up to a diameter of 7cm, so this isn’t the right option to use with a really chunky parasol.
With a touch sensor switch and remote control, this polished table top heater from Argos adds an elegant touch to any outdoor dining setup.
Heatlab Freestanding Electric Quartz Bulb Patio Heater
Simple, effective and very reasonably priced, Heatlab’s freestanding patio heater is a fast route to warming up your outdoor space. It comes with a remote so you can easily adjust the heat without leaving your spot on your garden sofa. The IPX4 rating guarantees some resistance to light rain, so you’ll have time to act in the event of any summer showers.
Igenix Stainless Steel Portable Outdoor Patio Heater
Igenix's height-adjustable, remote-controlled patio heater offers 360° heat distribution making it a focal point for outdoor entertaining. It comes with a waterproof cover that can easily be slipped on to protect the heater during the unpredictable British summertime weather.
Providing targeted heat instantly thanks to its low frequency waves, this stainless steel patio heater is a great all-rounder. It can be used to add warmth to your patio, or within marquees, gazebos, conservatories, or under awnings. The clear halogen heating elements impart an unobtrusive glow to the space, as well.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
