Squire’s Garden Centres has revealed their top three gardening trends for 2020, gardening for wildlife, wellbeing, and the world.

Gardening for Wildlife                                                                                                                                       

Growing plants as a nectar and food source for wildlife encourages native birds and insects to thrive and increase. Sarah Squire, chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, commented: “The more the built environment expands the more vital our gardens become. What is more, gardening for wildlife can also create magical spaces for humans. There is an undoubted trend towards plants that encourage wildlife and it is our job to help gardeners recognise them.”

Gardening for Wellbeing                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Increased emphasis on mental, as well as physical health has highlighted the proven benefits of being outside and reconnecting with nature. Gardening is a great way to disconnect from screens and find some genuine reality. Squire added: “Gardening is creative – you plant your own canvas. White flowering plants remain very popular, but a lot of fun can be had with colour in the garden so don’t rule anything out. It is your garden and should reflect your own tastes and personality.”

Gardening for the World                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

“Gardeners are among some of the most environmentally conscious people I know, always on the lookout for green alternatives, committed composters and totally invested in doing their bit.” said Sarah Squire. “And the industry is working hard to make sure plant pots are made of recycled material, which can in its turn be recycled.

“Britain has some of the best nursery growers in the world and you may be surprised just how many plants in your local garden centre are grown in the UK, many very locally indeed, thus reducing plant miles. If there is one thing I think we could all do for our world fairly easily it is plant a tree. Trees are fantastic as a habitat and food source for wildlife and as a source of carbon capture. They also give structure and architecture to a garden.”

There are trees for every size and shape of garden, from a small acer in a pot on a balcony or a gorgeous flowering cherry in a back garden, to birch, whitebeam and hornbeam for larger spaces. Plant one today and make our world a better place.