Top 10 emerging garden trends for 2021 – inspired by Instagram

Any outdoor space has been a saviour of late. Reflected by the fact gardening has experienced an unprecedented surge, with Google data showing an impressive 39 per cent increase in online searches, year-on-year.

From making quirky squirrel picnic tables to taking on last year’s top trend of growing our own fruit and veg, we've become a nation of budding green-fingered amateur gardeners.

The team at Love the Garden have analysed over 100 different garden-related hashtags on Instagram, to uncover the growing trends.

More to inspire: Garden trends  – the key looks and must-haves for your garden

See what the study predicts to be bigger than ever for the year ahead...

Top 10 emerging gardening trends for 2021

1. Balcony gardening

Not having a garden hasn't stopped budding fans from getting stuck in – as the number one trend of #balconygardening shows. From potted plants to trailing tendrils, balconies are getting greener by the day.

Related: Balcony garden ideas to transform a tiny space into a mini horticultural haven

2. Wild gardens

A wild garden is the less polished version, but don't be fooled it can still involve a lot of hands on gardening to get the look right. but it'll be time well spent, creating the perfect 'imperfect' outdoor space.

It's also a popular choice for welcoming wildlife with planting choices. For more on this read Wildlife garden ideas – how to turn your outdoor space into a haven for wildlife.

3. Inside outside

This trend, as the name suggests, is about seamlessly blending the indoor with the outdoor. From outdoor rugs that make the patio feel like an extension of our living rooms to garden mirrors, this trend is one that is set to grow and grow.

Related: Outdoor living room ideas – how to create the perfect living space in your garden

4. Tiny gardens

Small but mighty, tiny gardens are being seen thanks to the #tinygarden trend. This is about making the most of what you have, and being able to appreciate the value of any outdoor space – no matter how small.

Related: How to make a small garden look bigger in 9 easy steps

5. Raised bed gardens

With both garden zoning and grow your own, raised beds are growing massively in popularity. Look out for some fine examples on Instagram using #raisedbedgarden.

6. Permaculture gardens

As sustainability influences our everyday choices more and more it's great to see the rise in popularity for #permaculturegarden. This is quite simply a more holistic approach to gardening, living off the land – where the elements provide all the resources needed to do so.

7. White gardens

This trend is The White Company of gardens, where a serene scene of all-white creates the perfect garden retreat. Search #whitegarden to behold a whole host of inspiration.

8. Window sill gardens

Pub orig. Kitchen sink, modern and vintage style, potted narcissi, window with cafe curtain

The #windowsillgarden is another trend proving that space isn't an issue when it comes to gardening. If all you have is a window sill, filling it with plants is the current trend – especially herbs in the kitchen.

9. Grey gardens

Consider it the Mrs Hinch-effect, grey is taking over our gardens now too, as well as our interiors. From grey painted fences to all-grey everything, when it comes to furniture and furnishings #greygardens are trending.

10. Cottage gardens

The classic cottage country garden is a popular choice, as #cottagegardens are on the rise. Could this be as a result of wanting to escape to the country? Whatever reason, a garden filled with cottage-inspired plants and flowers is always going to offer an idyllic space to enjoy.

Related: Cottage garden ideas – create a charming country-style garden in any setting

Which of these garden trends is your favourite?