Novelty value

摘要

The show season has started in earnest, providing both the trade and consumer sectors with a snapshot of trends to come in the upcoming year. So what has surfaced at this year's shows and does this represent the direction of the broader market? Judging by the gardens at this year's Chelsea Flower Show, one of the key trends is wild flower or naturalistic gardens. Herbaceous plants such as Verbascum and Allium were seen throughout the gardens and are selling well according to plant buyer Ian Howellfrom B&Q, based in Southampton. "Chelsea was about softer planting and this will support the already buoyant herbaceous market," says Howell. "I think the wild flower-type planting is making a come back, although the meadow planting that's fashionable doesn't really work in gardens. People like to see it, but don't really want in their gardens. It looks unkempt and is difficult to maintain in a small space. People take parts of natural planting ideas, but not really as a whole look." Plant fashions arebeing influenced by the way we garden, moving more towards container-style gardening. "We're becoming less reliant on borders as we see more decking," adds Howell. Bedding plant trends are also reflecting the move to more exotic-style planting. Wyevale Garden Centres marketing assistant Ruth Parry says: "Mediterranean-style plants, such as Solanum and Campanula, are being used as bedding, although more traditional plants like roses are still very popular."