Five blooming brilliant garden trends to try as Wales basks in spring sunshine
With spring in full swing and summer peeking around the corner, it’s the perfect time to dust off your trowel and put those green fingers to use.
To get you started, and to make the most of the glorious heatwave, Barratt David Wilson Homes South Wales is exploring some of the season’s most popular trends.
- Embrace the beauty of gardening chaos
Who says flower beds have to be neat and tidy? The latest trend taking TikTok by storm — chaos gardening — throws the rulebook out of the greenhouse window. Grab a handful of mixed wildflower, bee-friendly herbs, grass, and vegetable seeds and scatter them across your garden like nature’s confetti.
What you’ll get is a magical, ever-changing explosion of colour and texture that brings a softer and natural aesthetic to your garden — and a lot of happy pollinators too.
- Green thumbs meet smart tech
New build homes come with gardens that are designed to be flexible — making them ideal for planning with smart tech. Whether you’re dreaming of a floral wonderland or a veggie-packed haven, just describe your ideal garden and let AI do the work. From visual representations to design and plant recommendations, platforms like ChatGPT can re-design your outdoor space whether you have a spacious lawn or compact balcony — all you need to do is ask for what you’re looking for.
- Make it rain
If you live in Wales, you’re probably already well acquainted with rain — but did you know you can actually use it to your garden’s advantage?
Introducing the rain garden — a shallow ditch filled with hardy plants (think native shrubs and perennials) that thrive in waterlogged conditions.
These clever garden features can soak up 30%* more water than a standard lawn, helping to prevent flooding, reduce soil erosion and boost biodiversity. A win for you and the planet — plus, they work brilliantly in new build gardens.
- Planting with purpose
Natural and sustainable gardening practices are in full bloom for 2025 whether it’s transforming old wellies, furniture or even tyres into unique planters or using food or garden waste as compost — creating nutrient-rich soil and reducing waste at the same time.
Eco-friendly choices can also be made to enhance the local wildlife too! Why not visit your local park or woodland and pick up some logs and sticks to build a bug hotel — or even compile a bed of rocks to attract mason bees. Your garden will be buzzing in no time!
- Get vertical
Vertical gardens — sometimes known as green walls or living walls — are perfect for balconies, small patios or any smaller spaces where you want to add a pop of greenery.
From planting vegetables with a shallow root system (beans, cucumbers and tomatoes) or vining flowers such as sweet peas which will add a pop of colour to your outdoor aesthetic — you can create a garden that climbs as it thrives.
What’s more, vertical gardens can act as a source of insulation — helping to regulate temperatures within your building.
Richard Lawson, Director of Sales at Barratt David Wilson South Wales, said:
“Revamping your garden in a new build property doesn’t have to cost the earth — and whether you’ve got a spacious lawn or small patio, there are so many creative and eco-friendly ways to bring your outdoor space to life.
“Moving into a new build is the perfect chance to create your dream garden from a blank canvas — whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a grow-your-own paradise, or a vibrant, family-friendly space for entertaining.”
