As summer unfolds, a striking shift in gardening trends has emerged across Britain, with purple flowers capturing the heartfelt preferences of gardening enthusiasts. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has revealed that a recent survey conducted at RHS Garden Wisley’s Hilltop indicates a remarkable trend: over 11,000 visitors have chosen purple as their favourite plant colour, signalling a departure from the previously popular grey tones that have dominated outdoor spaces in recent years.
The Rise of Purple in British Gardens
In a detailed exploration of colour preferences, the RHS found that a substantial 26.67% of respondents favoured purple, closely trailing behind red at 25.24%. This enthusiasm for purple blooms, including beloved varieties like lavender, salvias, and catmint, highlights a growing desire among gardeners to infuse their spaces with vibrant hues that evoke emotion and enhance the natural beauty of their surroundings.
Tom Massey, an award-winning garden designer based in London, has observed this trend firsthand, noting that clients are increasingly drawn to rich, lively colours. “We’ve moved away from the era of large expanses of decking, paving, and lawn towards richer, more naturalistic planting inspired by meadows and natural plant communities,” he explained. This evolution signifies not only a shift in aesthetic preferences but also a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and the natural world.
Transforming Outdoor Spaces
The transformation of outdoor spaces has been particularly pronounced, with garden designers like Laura Carey reporting that purple has become the top choice for her clients. “There are so many purple flowering plants to choose from, including national favourites like lavender, alliums, and geraniums,” she remarked. The versatility of purple allows it to harmonise beautifully with greens, silvers, and the warm tones of ornamental grasses, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Massey emphasised that the appeal of purple goes beyond its aesthetic value; it also plays a crucial role in attracting pollinators and fostering a calming environment. “Purple has always been a hugely important colour in gardens because it combines beautifully with other shades and tends to have a calming quality,” he stated, reinforcing the emotional impact that colour can have in garden design.
The Emotional Connection to Colour
The emotional resonance of colours in gardening has been corroborated by further research. Studies indicate that shades of purple and blue can evoke feelings of calm and relaxation, while yellows and oranges tend to inspire joy. This understanding of colour psychology is becoming increasingly integral to garden design, as noted by Dr Ashby Sachs, a wellbeing fellow at the RHS. “Colour is a key consideration when it comes to garden design, but little is known about how it interacts with our sense of wellbeing,” he observed.
The findings of this research were published in the study “Flower Power: How favourite flower colours shape how we feel” in the journal Acta Psychologica. This groundbreaking work illustrates how different shades can elicit anticipated emotional responses, providing valuable insights for designing spaces that cater to specific purposes, such as schools and hospitals.
A Confident Embrace of Colour
Massey noted a broader trend of growing confidence among the public when it comes to colour. This can be seen in prominent landscapes such as Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London and the High Line in New York, where bold combinations of colour create visually striking and ecologically rich environments. The seasonal displays at RHS gardens like Wisley further demonstrate this trend, showcasing the beauty and vibrancy that can be achieved through thoughtful planting schemes.
The shift towards embracing colour in gardening not only reflects changing aesthetic preferences but also speaks to a collective desire for spaces that promote wellbeing and connection to nature.
Why it Matters
The increasing preference for vibrant colours, particularly purple, in British gardens is more than a mere trend; it signifies a profound cultural shift towards embracing nature and emotional wellbeing. As gardeners seek to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also nurturing to the soul, the implications extend beyond individual gardens, influencing community landscapes and public parks. This movement towards colourful, biodiverse planting schemes fosters not only aesthetic enjoyment but also a deeper connection to the environment, promoting mental health and ecological awareness in an ever-changing world.
