It's no secret that the Chelsea Flower Show sets gardening trends for the year ahead, and this year is no exception. With show gardens at the key RHS event featuring exciting new textures and plants, as well as traditional favourites, we are likely to be seeing lots more of these plants in people's gardens and on their social media feeds this summer.
Two trends stand out especially this year: plants with lots of texture and interesting foliage, and traditional English roses and perennials. Wyevale Garden Centres are betting on Ficinia 'Ice Crystal' (below) to become especially popular, with its textured, contemporary-looking leaves.
David Austin roses have made a big comeback at this year's Flower Show, with two new varieties unveilved: the very pretty, apricot-pink Eustacia Vye, and the deep pink Gabriel Oak. Which means a surge for anyone who wants to grow a rose garden.
Old favourites such as allium, agapanthus, and lupins have also been very popular this year, which chimes with the overall trend of British gardeners embracing traditional blooms once again.
Julian Palphramand, plant buyer at Wyevale Garden Centres, says, 'Chelsea Flower Show has long been a highlight on the calendar for the gardening community, but its influence now extends to millions via social media, where we know over a fifth of Brits get their gardening inspiration. Last year, we witnessed a huge demand from customers wanting to ‘get the Chelsea look’ and have curated a section in centres that brings together show-stoppers suited to all garden styles and sizes.
'With a central message to "reconnect with nature", themes at Chelsea this year include sustainability, climate change, pests and diseases, as well as wellbeing and the mental and physical benefits of gardening. Colours that evoke a sense of calm and happiness, such as greens, whites and yellows, will be prevalent; while the resurgence of traditional plants, which Wyevale Garden Centres defined as a key trend in gardening for 2019, will also reign strong.'
Want to introduce some of these 'Chelsea Favourites' into your garden? Read our guide to choosing plants for traditional gardens.
