In terms of how people will be approaching gardening in 2022, Marcus expects wellbeing to be at the forefront of minds. Gardening is often associated with having a positive impact on our mental health, as well as our physical wellbeing, which fit with the trends of looking after yourself and self-acceptance. The benefits of gardening are endless, and it’s expected that more people will take to their outdoor spaces to look after themselves in 2022.
Sustainability and innovation are also expected to be huge trends for 2022, with more people than ever now aware of their carbon footprint, how we can reduce waste and creating safe spaces for pollinators and wildlife in our gardens. Dobbies now only sells 100% peat-free bagged compost, with other sustainable products such as recycled and recyclable propagation kits also available for customers.
When it comes to planting, it is not just for those with a large garden. City and town dwellers will be making the most of their space and more people will be interested in growing their own fruit and vegetables. There have been significant innovations in how vegetables can be grown in small spaces and because of a flourishing interest in grow your own, Marcus expects to see more unusual produce being grown. Dobbies are focusing on varieties such as Spaghetti Squash and easy salad leaves outside, plus tomatoes and chilies for the windowsill, to inspire customers. This trend highlights a nostalgic nod as well as a sustainable ethos.
Blurring the lines between indoor and out will be strong in 2022, not just in terms of our furniture, but the plants we use to enhance our space. Having plants in pots that can be brought indoors in the winter will be a key trend, with houseplants outside in the warmer months and enhancing our homes in the winter.
Tying in with Dobbies’ Spring Summer 2022 themes, Marcus outlines how you can incorporate some of the year’s top planting trends into your garden this year.
Slow Living
Stipa tenuissima, £9.00; Carex ‘Frosted Curls’, £9.99; Festuca azurit, £.99; Carex ‘Prairie Fire’, £9.99; Fuji pot, from £8.99; Weave pot, from £12.99.
A soulful theme that inspires us to slow down and appreciate the world around us. Muted tones and colours that change with the light, mirror the way nature around us ebbs and flows.
On-trend grasses including pampas fit in with this style, in borders, raised beds as well as in pots. Great for those that only have a small space and there are now lots of different sizes of Pampas Grass available.
Dried flowers also suit this theme, as Marcus predicts increased demand for these.
Top outdoor plants include Cordyline ‘Torbay Dazzler’; Stipa tenussima; Festuca ‘Azurit’; and for indoor Ficus lyrata, Howea forsteriana, Sansevieria zeylanica.
Natural Zen
Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’, £19.99; Hardy Fern, £12.99; Ilex crenata ‘Kinme’, £359.99; Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’, £19.99; Fuji pot, from £8.99; Pure Coupe Black, £79.99; Elho Fuente, from £16.99.
An organic yet sophisticated blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design, East meets West in this contemporary, minimalistic style. A modern look that celebrates the simplicity of clean lines and beautiful shapes. Neutral tones are punctuated with sleek black and rose pink for a feminine touch.
Striking ferns for both indoors and outside fit well with this vibe, with Dobbies noting an increase in the sale of indoor and outdoor ferns in 2021, predicted to continue in 2022.
Also fitting with this theme are Acers, Orchids, Bananas as well as Buxus topiary and Bonsai trees.
Top outdoor plants include Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’; Hardy Ferns; Ilex crenata Bonsai; for indoor Cymbidium Orchid, Fatsia japonica, Musa ‘Dwarf Cavendish’.
Global Fusion
Cordyline ‘Torbay Dazzler’, £99.99; Citrus on stem, £49.99; Carex ‘Ice Dance’, £12.99; Phormium ‘Pink Stripe’, £34.99: Blue Chevron pot, from £12.99; Rusty square pots, from £9.99; Green Maroc Pot, from £12.99.
A refined, blended look, inspired by the senses brought to life by travel. Chalky terracotta tones are married with pops of jaded teal for a worldly collection that evokes memories of past adventures and will bring a sense of zen and calm to your outdoor space.
This look offers a jungle vibe, with big foliage, citrus plants, as well as plants that should be brought inside during colder months, allowing people to blur the lines between indoor and out.
Top outdoor plants include Yucca Colour Guard; Chamerops humilis; Dicksonia antarctica; and for indoor Citrus; Musa Cavendish and Cacti.
Contemporary Country
Delphinium light blue/white, £9.99; Echinacea ‘Sensation Pink’, £12.99; Digiplexis ‘Falcon Fire’, £12.99; Heuchera ‘Marmalade’, £9.99; Nepeta ‘Purrsian Blue’, £9.99; Terracotta cylinder, from £9.99; Weave pot, from £12.99; Fuji pot, from £12.99; Speckle egg pot, from £9.99; Spirit pot, from £12.99.
Urban dwellings inspired by a country cottage feel. Shades of green, inspired by rolling hills, are complemented by highlights of dusty pink to give this theme a more contemporary look and feel.
Grow your own fits with this look, with a nostalgic nod as well as innovation. Edible flowers and vertical veggies are ideal for small spaces. Sustainability is also key with mini meadows and wildflower turf to attract pollinators.
Key outdoor plants include flowering perennials, Delphinium, Echinacea, Digiplexis and Nepeta; as well as grasses such as Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ and herbs for grow your own.
Let’s Celebrate
Echinacea ‘Sensation’, £12.99; Digiplexis ‘Falcon Fire’, £12.99; Dianthus ‘Cocktail Shirley Temple’, £7.99; Echinacea ‘Sunseeker Tequila’, £12.99; Rudbeckia ‘Smileyz’, £16.99; Two tone cylinder pot, from £9.99; Heritage pot blue, £8.99; Pastel pink pot, £19.99; Pastel egg pot, £34.99.
A bold, colourful theme that celebrates the joy of being together and appreciating what’s important in life.
Bright pops of colour will inject personality and fun into your outdoor space. A celebration of happiness, regardless of the space you have.
This is a high summer look, with instant colour from hanging baskets and tubs.
Top outdoor plants are flowering perennials, such as Echinacea; Digiplexis Falcon Fire; flowering alpines such as Dianthus Cocktail Shirley Temple; and for indoor Ananas; Bromeliad and Cymbidium Orchid.
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Main image caption: Contemporary Country from Dobbies Garden Centres featuring Floral Tile Bistro £199, large trug Burgon & Ball £29.99, Slate watering can £29.99, Original 6-in-1 metal raised garden bed – white and monolith £79.99 each.
Brooke Stirling, Brooke.Stirling@framecreates.co.uk, 07578 139 237
Anna Laurie, Anna.Laurie@framecreates.co.uk, 07403 206 638
