TRANSFORM YOUR GARDEN INTO AN ECO-FRIENDLY HAVEN: TOP 2025 TRENDS FROM BROADNOOK GARDEN VILLAGE

Laying the Groundwork: Start with the Soil

Creating a garden from scratch begins with healthy soil. Before you start planting, check your soil’s pH and nutrient levels to make sure it’s primed for growth. Most garden centres near Broadnook offer affordable soil testing kits.

“For a strong start, blend farmyard manure into the soil to pack in nutrition and improve structure,” says Ash.  “If you’re looking for quicker results, a balanced feed like GrowMore or tomato feed works well.” This simple preparation will give your plants the best chance to thrive, aligning with Broadnook’s commitment to sustainability.

Lush Lawns & Natural Beauty

A healthy, low-maintenance lawn remains a classic feature in British gardens, but 2025 trends call for an eco-friendly twist. Drought-resistant grass varieties keep lawns green through all seasons, while adding sections of wildflowers enhances biodiversity—perfect for supporting pollinators and giving your garden a natural edge.

Ash encourages embracing “No Mow May,” a popular initiative that fits Broadnook’s eco-ethos. “It’s a win-win: less mowing and more wildlife,” he adds.

Designing Borders for Year-Round Interest

Well-designed borders can keep your garden lively all year. Native plants and perennials offer colour and structure through the seasons while reducing maintenance. “Evergreen shrubs like Photinia Red Robin and Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ add structure and keep the garden vibrant, even in winter,” Ash suggests.

By planting flowers like daffodils in spring, lavender in summer, and holly in winter, you can ensure your garden offers continuous interest. This year-round appeal reflects the Garden Village’s vision of creating balanced, thriving spaces.

Multi-Sensory Gardens for an Immersive Experience

One of the strongest trends for 2025 is creating multi-sensory gardens. This involves using plants that engage not just visually, but through scent, texture, and even taste. Lavender, rosemary, and thyme bring fragrance and support pollinators, while also being edible.

“Roses are a classic choice for scent and colour,” Ash advises. “If you want an evergreen climber with fragrance, Trachelospermum jasminoides is perfect—it blooms in summer and fills the air with its sweet perfume.” Incorporating multi-sensory elements adds a new dimension to your garden, perfectly aligned with Broadnook’s focus on creating a vibrant, nature-connected community.

Hard Landscaping for Structure and Style

No garden is complete without hard landscaping to provide structure. The 2025 trend leans towards natural materials like stone, gravel, and wooden decking, which blend beautifully with the landscape. Raised beds, stone walls, and defined patio areas not only offer visual appeal but make planting and maintenance easier.

“Raised beds are great for adding depth and creating designated planting areas,” says Ash. “They’re also practical, giving you better control over soil quality and drainage.” This practical, beautiful approach fits perfectly with Broadnook’s ethos of integrating homes with nature.

Sustainability at the Heart of Your Garden

Sustainability is at the core of Broadnook Garden Village, and the 2025 garden trends reflect this priority. Simple eco-friendly features, such as rainwater harvesting and composting, are essential for reducing environmental impact while enhancing garden health.

“Collecting rainwater is a must, as it reduces waste and is better for plants,” Ash advises. “Composting is another easy way to live sustainably while enriching your soil. And if you’re really embracing the eco-lifestyle, growing your own fruit and veg is a great step.”

Adding wildlife-friendly features like hedgehog houses, insect hotels, and bird boxes not only boosts biodiversity but also turns your garden into a sanctuary for local wildlife, further supporting Broadnook’s eco-vision.

Extending Your Garden’s Appeal All Year

A well-designed garden should be enjoyed in every season. By incorporating features like fire pits, weatherproof furniture, and solar-powered lights, you can turn your outdoor space into a cozy retreat even in the cooler months.

“Lighting adds a magical atmosphere as the nights draw in,” Ash suggests. “Solar-powered lanterns or fairy lights are eco-friendly and create a beautiful ambiance.” These touches extend the usability of your garden, ensuring it’s a space for relaxation and socialising year-round.

The Broadnook Garden Village Vision

Iona O’Carroll of Broadnook Village Trust highlights how the garden is an integral part of the Garden Village lifestyle: “We see the garden as an extension of the home—a place for beauty, relaxation, and community. By incorporating sustainable practices, residents can create gardens that are not only practical but also reflective of Broadnook’s core values.”

New homeowners at Broadnook Garden Village have the unique opportunity to craft outdoor spaces that reflect the Garden Village ethos of eco-friendly living, community, and year-round enjoyment. By following these expert tips, residents can create enchanting, sustainable gardens that will flourish for years to come.

For more garden design inspiration and updates from Broadnook Garden Village, visit www.broadnook.co.uk.