JOIN USOne can always rely on gardening for a much-needed break from the banality of everyday life. It makes for a good stress-buster and is environment-friendly. What more, it can be incorporated in your house easily. All one has to do is watch out for the latest trends and tips to build a garden of one's choice. So, here they are, a set of ergonomic gardening tips from a few brands - ranging from design styles, planting and material.
Al fresco is in
Summer is the ideal time for enjoying the outdoors and what better way to do that than by incorporating al fresco dining into your home. John Wyer, a popular garden designer, predicts that this trend is set to grow bigger over the next few years, adding that outdoor integrated lighting and drainage will be a must-have feature of gardens, along with dedicated spaces for cooking, eating and entertainment.
"Al fresco is perfect for those of us who lack space in our kitchens or dining, as we can move entertaining friends and family outside. Create a dedicated area with comfortable furniture and mood lighting, complete with a sunken firepit, BBQ or pizza oven," observes The Greenhouse People, a gardening brand.
Tropical paradise at home
Create your own happy space among the greens using a variety of plants. "If you have a small internal courtyard, you can count on the plants to lend the wow factor. Explore the tropical varieties that can withstand Indian summers and create your personal oasis," says Parul Amla, Antrik Design Studio, Delhi.
Eclectic element
Mix brass and chrome to lend an exquisite touch to your garden. In order to amplify the green quotient, put up strappy phormium, imposing palms or feather-leaved tree ferns. In no time, you'll have an enviable ensemble of a garden.
Go white
For a simple yet ethereal look, combine white-painted brickwork with matching furniture and create a near-perfect scheme that exudes symmetry. Also, limestone is all set to make a comeback to the home garden. "We'll see the introduction of harder-wearing mid-toned stones rather than the bright white varieties of a few years ago, reflecting the natural, warm colour palettes popular in interior design," says Adolfo Harrison MSGD, a design major. You can also mix different hues of lighter colours to lend a distinct voice to the garden.
Embrace wabi-sabi
Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese principle which promotes the idea of seeing perfection in imperfection. Some Japanese gardens are built on this premise, where everything appears pruned, raked and asymmetrical. The gardening brand Flymo recommends, "Try not to focus on the symmetry and longevity of objects. Choose plants and items that will change over time with seasons.'' Incorporating this principle lets your home garden make rustic and chipped edges work in its favour. Alternately, you can include wabi-sabi in lawns with vast spaces of prairie grass, as opposed to opting for manicured swaths.
Grow your own edibles
In the spirit of sustainability and self-sufficiency, it is a good idea to grow your own food. And, home gardeners are increasingly seeking new ways of growing edible plants. "Coupled with rising food prices and a growing appreciation of organic produce, in 2018, the grow-your-own movement will really see a resurgence," state The Greenhouse People. Flymo recommends that home gardeners grow several varieties such as broccoli, peas, spinach and quinoa. An easier way to begin with this is by cultivating a handful of safe herbs on a designated patch on your garden to find what works and what doesn't.
Harness the power of the sun
"Solar lighting is the answer and it's set to be even bigger in 2018 thanks to a number of factors including cost, safety. And, of course, it creates a perfect atmosphere to relax and unwind," says Flymo. Posh Shed maintains that the growth of the solar market is likely to be driven by gardens, not merely for imparting ornamental light effects, but also as a practical solution for energy problems.