Design Trends for High-End Gardens 2024: The Latest Styles and Techniques for Luxury Outdoor Spaces

With 2023 coming to a close, it’s time to start looking to the new year and the design trends for high-end gardens that will be coming our way. With a decade of experience in the industry, our team of skilled garden designers is accustomed to witnessing a continuous influx of new trends when it comes to creating luxurious garden spaces. In this article, we will be looking at the most predicted garden design choices for 2024.

1. Bringing The Outdoors In

In the new year, we predict that there will be a trend of bringing the outdoors in. We love our homes and our gardens are no exception. In 2024, we feel that many people will begin integrating their indoor and outdoor space to make their garden more cohesive with their houses. This can be achieved through many different methods. For example, using natural materials and organic design elements can elevate a garden and make it feel more ‘homely’. This can also be true when it comes to luxury outdoor spaces – particularly when it comes to outdoor structures. 

2. Designed Wildlife Habitats

One of the biggest trends of this year, that we are sure to see continue into 2024 is the idea of creating a happy home for wildlife. Even the most manicured garden or estate has the space for a wildlife habitat and according to Home & Garden ‘perforated wooden bee posts, gabion planters and fencing or sheds’ are going to be all the rage.’

As well as thinking about all creatures big and small, there is also a predicted emphasis on incorporating sustainable practices and materials into gardens. We will see more eco-conscious landscaping techniques, such as rainwater harvesting, water conservation and wildlife-friendly features in our future landscapes. 

3. Personalised Privacy

Also in 2024, there will be a continued need for personalised privacy. Our gardens should be seen as sanctuaries- a place we can escape to and feel at peace and our design process should reflect this. 

Numerous options exist to create a safe and private space which is uniquely yours. As we go into 2024, you can opt for long bamboo stems for a blend of light and privacy, hedges for lush green boundaries, or tall trees like Italian Cypress or Holm Oak, or a solid, towering fence.

Alternatively, you could also explore wall gardens—these vertical surfaces adorned with either artificial or natural plant life offer both added privacy and the visual appeal of a flourishing garden on your wall. Consulting a professional garden design team can help you assess your garden space and narrow down what will suit your specific privacy requirements. 

4. Creating a Personal Sanctuary

According to Houzz.co.uk ‘the link between gardening and wellbeing has become increasingly visible in recent years’ and as we look at what the trends for high-end garden design are going to look like in 2024, we predict this will truly come to fruition. Houzz.co.uk recommends carving out a space for gentle exercise. Creating a garden that not only looks beautiful, but can also  help you when it comes to ‘decompressing, playing and reconnecting’, can be extremely beneficial.

Our gardens serve not only as spaces for entertaining and outdoor socialising but have gained significant importance for mental health and well-being. In the post-pandemic era, the emphasis on being outdoors, connecting with nature, and reaping the physical benefits of gardening has heightened. This shift is undeniably influencing the garden styles we now prefer.

5. Future-Proofing Your Garden

Acknowledging the often extreme weather in the UK, a prominent technique trend addresses this by creating climate-resilient gardens. Embracing xeriscaping, with its use of slow-growing, drought-tolerant plants, has become particularly appealing. 

For a luxurious garden appearance, we would recommend considering phygelius instead of fuchsia and choisya in place of hydrangeas. Our ability to selectively remove dead or faded flowers throughout the season, depending on the species, enhances and prolongs the overall flowering period.

6. Embracing Gravel Gardens

Here at BZ Gardens, we understand how time-consuming a large garden or estate can be to maintain. As well as hiring a professional gardening team, GardenDesign.com are suggesting that we embrace gravel gardens in 2024.  According to their article, gravel gardens are ‘a low-water, low-maintenance garden bed primarily consisting of gravel instead of soil, with carefully chosen plants throughout’. Whilst you may not want to incorporate gravel into your entire landscape, for expansive estates, incorporating a gravel garden can present a captivating aesthetic choice.

7. Cottage-Core Garden Spaces

The term ‘cottage-core’ has emerged this year, and as we transition into the new year, we observe this recent aesthetic influencing our garden spaces. GardeningKnowHow.co.uk defines cottagecore gardening as a ‘popular aesthetic that brings a charming essence to the landscape. A cottagecore garden is simply one where various plants, fruits, vegetables, and especially flowers reside’.

As we embrace a closer connection to natural and sustainable living, the resurgence of cottage gardens is notable. Picture vegetable plots, herb gardens, and a vibrant array of flowers complementing terracotta pots and rattan chairs. Envision creating your own miniature meadow. In 2024, elevate your garden’s allure with topiary, introducing a touch of sophistication. 

8. Solar Gardening Lighting

Every year, garden lighting is a hot topic. But in the new year, with a focus on sustainability and eco-conscious gardening, we predict that there will be an emphasis on solar lighting. As well as offering a versatility in design options, with an increasing awareness of environmental impact, gardeners are leaning towards the more sustainable practices. Solar lighting aligns perfectly with this ethos, harnessing energy from the sun, reducing reliance on conventional power sources.

9. Pollinator Trends

In line with the sustainability focus, and growing awareness around animal habitats, in 2024, there will be an increased interest in pollinators. Wildlife planting is a huge hit for gardeners and garden owners alike. Planting flowers that attract bees is not only fantastic for our honey-making friends, but it keeps them coming back every year. The more pollination, the more reproduction of flowers.

10. Terracotta Making A Return

Will we be seeing the return of terracotta in 2024?  This style gripped us all in 1970, but will it be back in 2024? Towards the top of our predictions, we see garden and landscape design service teams suggesting the classic pairing terracotta with copper and eggshell to pull a more natural feel into a space. Terracotta is known to add a level of warmth and vibrancy in the garden, which we will feel will be extremely popular in 2024. 

Elevate Your Garden For 2024 With Our Garden and Landscape Design Services

Our garden design and landscape experts at BZ Gardens want to help you enhance your outside space by using current design trends and techniques. From year-round comprehensive horticultural services to landscape construction, we’re here to bring to life the garden you’ve always imagined. If you’re ready to start designing your dream garden, contact us at 01483 967160 or email us at info@bzgardens.co.uk.