Vertical gardens, allotments, and raised flower beds biggest trends for green fingers this year

• comparethemarket.com reveals the top gardening themes, plants, and accessories for spring/summer 2021
  
• Vertical gardens and allotments are set to be big
  
• Macramé hangers revealed as the plant accessory of choice

Now we’re in spring, many will be using their spare time whilst still in lockdown to spruce up their outdoor space ready for the warmer months ahead. But what trends are set to dominate?

comparethemarket.com has analysed¹ search data and teamed up with Nikki Hollier, founder of Border in a Box, to reveal the top trends, why they’re set to be big and how to incorporate them into your space. From growing our own produce to plants that help our wellbeing and DIY accessories that are sure to turn heads, the trends to watch out for this spring/summer are as follows.

Vertical gardens, allotments, and raised flower beds are the biggest trends 

It probably comes as no surprise that vertical and allotment gardens are set to be the biggest trends as Brits look to make the most out of limited outdoor space and grow their own healthy produce. In fact, Google searches for vertical garden are up by +485%, and allotments +92%. For gardening enthusiasts looking for something a little edgy, a vertical garden allows plants to grow along vertical surfaces such as fence panels. Coming in third are raised flower beds (+47%), which are also perfect for growing vegetables. Raised flower beds are also recommended for dog owners to help prevent their dogs from damaging plants.

Swiss Cheese, Devil’s Ivy, and Lavender top choice of plants

Swiss Cheese Plants (+254%) are set to continue growing in popularity over the next few months and are “the” choice of plant on Instagram, loved by influencers, celebrities, and interior designers. Another top choice is Devil’s Ivy (+117%). Technically known as Epipremnum Aureum, their noteworthy leaves have a pointer heart shape, which instantly makes them highly Instagrammable. English lavender (+56%) is also set to cause a stir with its calming medicinal qualities. Lavender can be highly beneficial for our mood, heart rate, and quality of sleep.

Macramé hangers, rattan, and window boxes revealed as the go-to accessories

Macramé (+103%) is also going to be big with plant hangers, which tap into the 70s style that’s making a huge comeback, set to top the accessory trend list closely followed by rattan (+71%) plant pots. We also can’t forget window boxes (+40%). The ultimate DIY project, window boxes are easy to make and require minimal tools.

Perfecting your gardens with flowers, plants, and accessories doesn’t come cheap, so your prized possessions should be protected. Chris King, head of home insurance at comparethemarket.com, says: “As we approach the warmer months, there’s no doubt we’ll be looking to spend more money perfecting our gardens with new flowers and plants, which can run up costs of hundreds of pounds.

“Homeowners and renters might not be aware that their home contents insurance could cover their garden too and should check their policy to ensure they have the right level of cover in case an issue arises. Some insurance providers offer cover for the loss or damage of certain plants and shrubs. It’s best to check your T&Cs as there can be a total monetary limit on each policy. Loss or damage caused by pets, insects, and natural causes, including storms and floods, are not often covered”.

For further trends and tips on keeping your garden safe, head across to https://www.comparethemarket.com/home-insurance/content/top-gardening-trends-2021/