In 2019, sustainable gardening and giving back to the environment is one of the dominant themes in British garden design. We look at this and some of the other hot trends for 2019, and show you how you can incorporate them in your garden.

Gardens at the forefront of climate change

It’s easy to forget the terrible effects of climate change when you live in temperate England. But our gardens may be the first indication that times, and the planet, are changing.

The increasingly unpredictable weather has played havoc on gardens in recent years. After the “Beast from the East” in early 2018 came one of the hottest, driest summers on record. So far, the 2019 winter has been mild, with plants and insects waking up earlier than usual, but a late winter cold snap could be on the way.

To adapt to the changing climate, gardeners are creating ecological gardens that can cope with a wide range of climatic conditions. Not only is this environmentally responsible, but by planting species that can fend for themselves they also save time and money otherwise spent setting up irrigation systems – plus, these gardens will look good whatever the weather.

Outdoor meets indoor

Industrial and reclaimed materials such as metal and charred timber cladding, as well as encaustic tiles, are likely to make their way from interior décor to the garden, making outside spaces feel like an extension of the home.

Secluded areas for outdoor entertaining are a great option for larger gardens, but again these spaces should feel indoorsy rather than exposed. The same could apply to courtyards, patios and small urban gardens.

The trend of following interior fashions also extends to colours. The garden equivalent of bold tropical prints can be created by pairing large-leaved plants with jewel-coloured flowers such as Pompon Dahlias and Oriental Poppies.

Wildlife-friendly gardens

While mental health and self-care were strong themes in 2018, reconnecting with the natural world is the big driver in 2019 garden trends, according to Garden Media. Creating gardens that are as appealing to wildlife as they are to us means you can give back to nature while enjoying a lower-maintenance garden.

For medium-large gardens, incorporating a wildflower or perennial meadow can help support bees and insects as well as providing varied interest from April through to November. Even if you have a small plot or an urban garden, you can still lend a helping hand by growing bee-friendly species such as lavender, woodland sage or saffron crocus in pots or window boxes.

Hedging is tipped to become more popular than fencing as a boundary material. As well as providing shelter for birds, hedges also support wildlife corridors – essential for our native hedgehogs.

Homes that hit the 2019 garden trends

• The Old Manor House (Weymouth, Dorset) is a Grade II listed home with a colourful history. The extensive gardens include mature trees and shrubs, box hedging, a stunning wisteria and a large patio surrounded by a wildflower meadow.
• Ravensbury (Ascot, Berkshire) is a stunning HUF Haus that will appeal to environmentalists looking for a contemporary, energy-efficient home. The secluded garden is surrounded by hedges and mature trees, providing habitat for birds and small mammals.
• This impressive family house on Clarendon Road, Holland Park demonstrates how you can create a seamless link between indoor and outdoor spaces. The open plan kitchen, dining and family living space opens directly onto a private, well stocked and secluded garden via a glad extension