At The RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival, we sponsored an upcoming new designer; Sarah Mayfield. She created a stunning and what turned out to be an award-winning outdoor space with a focus on attracting one of the UK's most overlooked pollinators, the moth.

Whilst helping Sarah show off her Moonshadow Moth Garden, Stuart and I also took the opportunity (naturally) to have a look at the rest of the show. If you've not been before, it's a big show with a lot to take in, but we observed some common trends and thought we’d share our top ones with you here, as well as how our products might help you incorporate them into your own outdoor space.

1. Bright Yellow or Dark & Mellow?

Yellow was the dominant colour that we noticed featuring in many of the gardens on display. Infusing the joyful shade to your space can be done with our Miel Fermob furniture. For more subtlety, try using yellow cushions, tablecloths, or plant pots to add bright accents that draw the eye and uplift the mood.

When paired with darker shades like deep blues, rich browns, or dark greys like Fermob's Anthracite, yellow's vibrancy is amplified. This interplay can be particularly effective in creating focal points, such as a sunny yellow seating area set against a backdrop of dark-stained wood or a yellow flowerbed surrounded by lush, dark green foliage.

The result is a balanced yet dynamic outdoor space that feels both cozy and vibrant.

2. Impress with "Edimentals"

Many of the gardens at the Festival, including Sarah's, employed edible plants in their garden design, one garden even consisted exclusively of plants that could be used in the kitchen. Creating a sustainable outdoor space that not only looks good, but also tastes good, is a rewarding endeavour that combines beauty and functionality. We were also introduced to the concept of 'edimental' wildflowers such as musk mallow, field scabious and cornflower - all plants that make a delightful addition to salads or can be used to decorate cakes or cocktails.  These edimentals (edible & ornamental) are a great step towards a more sustainable outdoor space.

Consider also planting an array of herbs such as thyme & fennel. These versatile herbs are not only easy to grow but also add delightful fragrances and textures to your garden. Thyme, with its low-growing, evergreen nature, serves as a beautiful ground cover, while its tiny flowers attract pollinators like bees. Fennel, with its feathery foliage and tall, graceful stems, adds height and visual interest to garden beds. Both herbs are also excellent companion plants, helping to repel pests and improve the health of nearby plants.  Stuart also learnt that planting mint close to his new wildlife pond will help deter mosquitoes from laying eggs.

Alternatively, we have a wide selection of edible flowers that can fill in flower beds & window boxes.

3. Water Pools & Tanks

There’s something undeniably relaxing about incorporating water elements into your outdoor space. The soothing sound of water trickling or gently cascading can create a serene atmosphere that invites you to unwind and enjoy your garden. Even a still reflection of the sky can reward.

At the RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival, designers showcased water bowls, which not only add depth and reflect light but also bring a modern, industrial chic to urban gardens. Adding a pump can create more dynamic water features that are treat for eyes & ears, but requires a bit more work.  Thankfully no-one was seen using the rather tacky solar pumps that seem to be around a bit at the moment and have a questionable life outside of summer.

Alternatively, larger water tanks and features can serve as dramatic centrepieces in your garden. Surrounding the pond, you could plant a variety of lush, moisture-loving plants such as hostas and ferns, which thrive in damp soil and create a verdant, tranquil setting.

4. Embrace Wildflowers

Many designers at the show chose to embrace native wildflowers in their garden designs, transforming what some might dismiss as pesky weeds into stunning displays. These innovative gardens celebrate the untamed beauty and ecological benefits of wildflowers. Instead of hiding these plants, designers brought them to the forefront, giving them the spotlight they deserve.

Pastel coloured wildflowers were used by Sarah Mayfield in her design to attract moths, this is because the pale colours are the last things pollinators can see as dusk approaches, making them perfect for nocturnal insects like moths.

Moreover, by incorporating native wildflowers into your own outdoor space, you enhance the biodiversity of the area and contribute to the health and resilience of your local environment. To help you get started, we have seed kits packed with meadow flowers that will certainly add a little wildness to your outdoor space. Or you could try throwing a few Seed Boms for an even more wild approach.

5. Think in All Dimensions

Designers at the show showcased a brilliant use of vertical spaces and thoughtful planning of their plots' square footage, demonstrating how to maximise every inch of a garden. One of the most captivating trends was the use of landscaping features to provide new perspectives and enhance the garden's visual experience.

By incorporating paths that meander through different sections, you create a more dynamic journey through your outdoor space, encouraging guests to explore and discover the various facets of your space.

If vertical expansion is challenging due to space or structural limitations, consider taking your garden design downwards. Sunken areas were a standout feature at the show, providing intimate and secluded seating areas that invite relaxation and conversation. They can be surrounded by lush greenery and are naturally sheltered from the wind.

Taking inspiration from the professional designers at the garden show and incorporating these design trends can transform your outdoor space into a stunning and functional retreat. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant charm of native wildflowers, the serene elegance of water features, or the dynamic use of vertical and multi-level spaces, there's something to inspire every gardener, regardless of the size & shape of your space.

We’d love to hear from you! Which of these trends are you excited to try in your own garden? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below, and let's grow our green spaces together.