10 Surprising Trends At The 2024 Rhs Wisley Flower Show

For those passionate about gardening, the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) Wisley Flower Show is a garden lover's dream, and the 2024 show has left us absolutely astounded with its trends. From innovative plant pairings to cutting-edge garden design, this year's event is truly pushing the boundaries of what we expect from a garden show. Here, we delve into 10 surprising trends that stood out at the 2024 RHS Wisley Flower Show, offering you inspiration to elevate your own green spaces.

🌱 Sustainable Gardening: A Green Thumbprint

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Sustainability has become more than just a buzzword in the gardening world. This year, RHS Wisley has taken a significant stride towards eco-conscious gardening:

• Water-wise plants: Gardeners are embracing drought-tolerant species like Sedum, succulents, and native plants adapted to the local climate.
• Permeable surfaces: From gravel paths to porous pavers, water management has become key, allowing rainwater to infiltrate the soil rather than run off.

🌎 Note: Sustainable gardening isn't just a trend; it's a long-term commitment to reducing our ecological footprint.

🎨 Color Palettes: Painting the Garden with New Hues

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The 2024 show has brought forth a color revolution:

• Unusual color combinations: Think pink and purple, or black and gold, creating visually striking and unconventional garden scenes.
• Fluorescent and metallic hues: Using painted pots, metal sculptures, or even dyed plant parts, gardeners are making their mark with bold, shiny colors.

🔍 Note: Experimenting with color can transform the ambiance of your garden, turning it into a personal oasis.

💡 Tech in the Garden: The Future is Now

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Technology has found its way into the garden, making gardening easier and more efficient:

• Smart irrigation systems: Automated watering that responds to soil moisture levels, ensuring neither over-watering nor under-watering.
• AI-driven plant care: Apps and devices that recognize plant health, diagnose issues, and provide real-time advice.

📲 Note: While tech in the garden is a game-changer, maintaining a balance with nature's rhythm is essential.

🌿 Edible Landscaping: Gardens That Feed

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This year, the emphasis is on ornamental and productive plants growing together:

• Fruit trees in formal landscapes: Apple and cherry trees are not just for orchards anymore.
• Herbs as borders: Making every part of the garden useful, with herbs like lavender and rosemary serving dual purposes.

🍏 Note: Edible landscapes are not just practical; they're also a visual feast for the senses.

🌼 Vertical Gardening: Reaching New Heights

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Vertical gardening has taken on a new dimension:

• Green walls: From living artworks to functional walls that insulate and purify the air.
• Tiered planters: Allowing for diverse plantings in smaller spaces, maximizing yield and beauty.

🌱 Note: Vertical gardens are perfect for those with limited space but an unlimited desire for greenery.

🧘 Mindfulness Gardens: Spaces for Serenity

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Designs aimed at reducing stress and promoting wellbeing:

• Sensory paths: Incorporating textures, scents, and sounds to create immersive experiences.
• Meditation corners: Spaces carved out within the garden for quiet reflection and relaxation.

🙏 Note: Mindfulness gardens are not just for meditation; they're designed to soothe and reconnect us with nature.

🍃 Wild and Unruly: Embracing Nature's Chaos

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A return to more naturalistic designs:

• Meadows: Incorporating native plants, grasses, and even "weeds" to support local wildlife.
• Wildflower borders: Moving away from the manicured look, embracing biodiversity and spontaneity.

🌺 Note: Wild gardens are not just about aesthetics; they're about fostering ecosystems and biodiversity.

🏡 Microclimates: Gardens within Gardens

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Designing areas in the garden with their own unique environmental conditions:

• Sun traps: Using reflective surfaces and architectural elements to funnel sunlight into shaded areas.
• Bog gardens: Creating habitats for moisture-loving plants that might not survive in the general garden conditions.

☀️ Note: Microclimates allow for a greater diversity of plant life within the same garden, offering endless possibilities.

🌳 Urban Jungles: Cityscapes Going Green

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In urban settings, gardens are becoming more ambitious:

• Rooftop gardens: Making the most of vertical space in cities, these gardens are not just for aesthetics but also for cooling buildings and reducing urban heat islands.
• Compact garden designs: Tailored for balconies and terraces, maximizing greenery in minimal space.

🌇 Note: Urban gardens are transforming city life, bringing nature into every corner of the concrete jungle.

🎨 Floral Installations: Art Meets Horticulture

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The show featured exquisite floral arrangements that challenge the traditional idea of garden design:

• Living sculptures: Using plants and flowers to craft intricate, living art pieces.
• Themed floral shows: From underwater themes to futuristic landscapes, floral art has become a storytelling medium.

🎨 Note: Floral installations are not just for viewing; they're meant to provoke thought and emotion, bringing gardens to life in unexpected ways.

In closing, the 2024 RHS Wisley Flower Show has proven to be a melting pot of innovation, sustainability, and beauty. From tech-forward solutions to the rewilding of urban spaces, these trends are not just fleeting fashion statements but steps towards a more conscious, interconnected way of gardening. Whether you're an amateur gardener or a seasoned pro, these trends offer endless inspiration to enhance your garden's appeal while fostering ecological health and personal wellbeing.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the significance of the RHS Wisley Flower Show?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The RHS Wisley Flower Show is a premier event showcasing the latest in garden design, horticulture, and landscaping, providing inspiration and education to gardeners and enthusiasts worldwide.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are these trends suitable for home gardens?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! Many of the trends can be adapted to home gardens, whether you're dealing with a spacious backyard or a tiny urban balcony.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I start with sustainable gardening?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Begin by choosing native plants, reducing water usage, and employing composting techniques to enrich your soil naturally.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What's the most surprising trend at the 2024 show?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The integration of technology in gardening, from AI-driven plant care to smart irrigation, was both surprising and revolutionary, setting the stage for the future of gardening.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can anyone visit the RHS Wisley Flower Show?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, the show is open to the public, offering a chance for everyone to learn, explore, and get inspired by the latest trends in gardening.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>