For many of us, the new year is often considered a fresh start when we dive into the opportunity to get excited about any new plans or goals that we’d like to achieve over the next 12 months. Research shows that over 40% of new year's resolutions are related to spending more time in nature, so why not start at home by adding something fresh and inspiring to your own outdoor space? We’ve compiled some of our favourite garden trends for the 2023 season below to get your creative juices flowing.

Get the party started with a garden bar

If you’re looking to create a fun and sociable spot in your outdoor space to entertain friends and family, why not add a garden bar? Whether you want to keep the drinks and good vibes flowing after a warm summer’s barbecue or more simply want a serene spot for you and a loved one to sneak off to enjoy a nightcap once the kids are in bed, a garden bar will offer a private space to do so, all in the intimacy and comfort of your own home.

Predominantly enjoyed throughout the summer months, a garden bar can also be used for storage in the winter, offering you versatility all year round.

Get together with an outdoor kitchen

It goes without saying that the kitchen is the heart of the home, however, the person cooking is usually stuck indoors preparing food as their guests socialise in the glorious sunshine outside. Having an outdoor kitchen eliminates this separation so that no one misses out, allowing you to spend quality time catching up together as the feast simmers away.

The great thing about modern outdoor kitchens is that they are often adaptable in configuration and style, meaning you can create a bespoke unit that will compliment your existing outdoor space.

Keep it tidy with a plastic shed

Plastic sheds are becoming increasingly popular due to their value for money, convenience and functionality.

With the cost of living crisis in full force, many of us are looking to tighten our purses where we can, and plastic sheds are often the most inexpensive option when it comes to garden storage. They are gradually moving away from their reputation of being ‘flimsy’, with the majority now being constructed from polypropylene; a material that prohibits fading and has a higher resistance to the elements whilst still being lightweight.

A further advantage of plastic sheds is that they are easy to maintain - they are simple to assemble, do not need to be treated and are resistant to rot, meaning they are less likely to decay over time when compared to their metal and timber counterparts.

Turn heads with an eye-catching focal point

Add structure and dimension to your outdoor space with a striking garden arch. Wherever you decide to position it, whether it be at an entranceway to impress guests as they arrive, or in a more subtle location to draw attention to an often overlooked nook, it will certainly be a conversation starter. Why not take it a step further by adorning the structure’s frame with vibrant climbing plants, such as roses, ivy or wisteria, to create a myriad of colourful flowers that will impart their enticing scents for all to enjoy? For those of you looking to create a theme that features throughout the entire garden, perhaps consider a more detailed structure, such as a garden moon gate arch, which would fit in wonderfully with a Japanese or oriental-style space.

Turn up the heat with a fire pit

Why limit yourselves to only spending time in the garden during the warm summer months? Make your outdoor space the place to be all year round with the help of a toasty fire pit which will create a cosy and inviting atmosphere whatever the weather. Some fire pits even double up as a grill, to add a further element of functionality, transforming your garden into an even more versatile location for social gatherings with friends and family.

Go green to encourage sustainability and longevity

By now, we all know that choosing eco-friendly options is often the right choice - not only is it better for the planet, but also our bank accounts. Investing in eco-conscious products, such as solar panel lighting, water features and ponds, may indeed have some upfront costs, however, you’ll be saving long-term on heavily reduced (or completely eliminated) electricity bills. You may also wish to consider eco-friendly accessories, such as furniture made from recycled materials or planters constructed from plastics picked from our very oceans.

Final considerations

With lots of food for thought, it may seem like a daunting task choosing what’s right for you and your environment whilst also keeping your budget in check. Start by taking the time to consider which elements of your garden really need work, and then simply pick a project that would improve them - it’s really that simple. Lastly, remember that the majority of people break their new year’s resolutions within the first 8 weeks, so make sure that you choose something that excites and inspires you whilst still being achievable.