We looked into the crystal ball with the experts and found out what is happening in Finnish gardens this year.
Garden trends 2024 emphasize the well-being of both nature and people. The reciprocal whole could be summed up in the term green reciprocity: when we want good things from yards and gardens, we also have to take care of them on their own terms.
Ecology is the biggest trend. Think, for example, about pollinators and diversity and, for example, stormwater and irrigation water collection. This also includes carbon sequestration. Ecology has been talked about for some time, but now we are starting to do it.
It’s the same with accountability. It has been talked about for several years, and although it has already become the default, its importance does not diminish. Responsibility must be reflected in the entire manufacturing chain and the products must be used responsibly.
On the rise is being part of the environment and enjoying the garden. People want to do things in the yard, not just look out the window or terrace. Doing can be many things, self-sustaining farming or just enjoying the healing power of the garden. If the family plays sports, you can make a neighborhood gym, a playground or a yard weight room in the yard.
The garden becomes a natural part of the home and the surrounding landscape. Living at home turns into spending time in the yard, the garden lounges are an extension of the interior spaces.
The plantings are layered and imitate nature, and naturalness is emphasized in maintaining the well-being and health of the plants.
Staying at home is now playing in the yard. In the summer season, the garden is a natural extension of the interior of the home, where you can entertain, tinker and stay. © iStock
The well-being garden and wildness will surprise you
In Finland, what is already familiar from elsewhere is emerging wellness gardena wellness garden that takes into account, among other things, the senses and the idea is to promote both physical and mental health.
In Finland, the health effects of the forest have traditionally been talked about, but from your own garden you can get well-being close by, without going anywhere.
Self-sufficiency continues to rise. The garden is not only a relaxing hobby, but also we are self-sufficient in a certain, even small matter: we can get our own cut flowers or herbs from the yard.
Useful plants are more and more part of the ornamental garden. A magnificently blooming pear tree can be planted on the parade ground. Herbs and vegetables are grown with summer flowers and perennials. With mixed plantings, pests and plant diseases can also be combated naturally.
The slowly increasing trend is a craze, which can already be seen in many public areas. Wilding means that at least some areas can be in the garden with lighter care and more naturally, thus giving room for diversity. There is no need to collect clippings and all twigs, they are practically fertilizer and a home for insects.
The new waste law increases the recycling of bio-waste. Although there is an obligation behind it, composting can become a fun trend that will pleasantly surprise you.
Leave part of the yard for less maintenance, especially if there is a lot of space. You save work and make room for natural diversity. © iStock
Garden trends 2024: The traditional bench takes a back seat
The trend of restrained monochrome, both in plants and in pots, for example, is being left behind. They will be replaced by bright and pastel shades, as well as in interior design and clothes.
Traditional flower beds are becoming increasingly rare. Diverse and layered and naturally demarcated plantings will replace carefully demarcated flowerbeds with fewer species.
A construction that does not fit the place is being left out. For example, you don’t try to forcefully turn a dry pine forest into a flourishing garden, but see the characteristic features of the place and work on nature’s terms.
Single-use and the use of plastic is giving way. Garden waste is no longer carted to landfills, but is recycled and composted in one’s own yard.
Harmful alien species, such as white aspen-eel and black rose, would be allowed to leave the yards.
Read also Anna.fi: Yard designer Helga says: everyone wants a yard like this right now
Choose plants suitable for the conditions of the plot, take humidity and light into account. Let nature bring its own addition and even cover the stones with moss. © iStock
Experts: Mari Kaartokallio, Kekkilä’s garden expert, Satu Laurell, managing director of Viherrinki Oy, Sari Weckström, hortologist and fengshui consultant, Minna Harju, managing director of Viherkuutio Oy, and Taavi Forssell, executive director of the Green Environment Association.
The story has been published in Kotiliede 6/2024.
Source: kotiliesi.fi
