gardening book trends

20th March 2023

It’s that time of year when we crave more time outdoors, and start thinking about sorting out the garden for summer or planting some blooms or veg.

Selection of gardening books scattered on a table

Gardening books have been really popular during our trade show outings this year, and we’ve spotted some clear trends emerging, including rewilding, gardening indoors and more.

Whether you’re from a garden centre looking to expand your product range or a gift shop catering for local gardening enthusiasts, we have book recommendations to match the latest gardening trends from the Royal Horticultural Society* and other gardening experts.

1. Thriving houseplants

The trend for houseplants is here to stay, providing a gateway into gardening for people who don’t have outdoor space but love to watch things grow.

The Little Book for Plant Parents

One of our bestsellers, this compact guide is packed full of tips and ideas for plant parents of all abilities.

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2. Regenerative gardening

With peat-based compost set to be banned in the UK in 2024, gardeners will be seeking more environmentally friendly alternatives. Charles Dowding’s popular No Dig gardening movement, uses organic matter and avoids unnecessary interference with the soil’s ecosystem.

No dig by Charles Dowding

Practical yet beautifully produced, the hardback manual shares how to grow veg using no dig techniques, from the authority on this new gardening approach.

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3. Herb gardens

Another trend that’s easily accessible for people who don’t have gardens. Herbs are easy to grow indoors and can add extra flavour to meals, so what’s not to like? The RHS reported a 600% increase on searches for herbs last winter, compared with the same period in 2021.

My Tiny Kitchen Garden

This popular guide, also from Felicity Hart, will introduce budding growers to the basics behind micro-gardening for herbs and other edible plants.

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4. Climate resilient gardens

Increasing exposure to weather extremes highlights how our changing climate may affect outdoor spaces. Gardeners will need to think about how they adapt what and how they grow to ensure gardens are resilient to the effects of climate change now and in the future.

The Climate Change Garden

This colourful guide shares all the practical advice and guidance needed for growing a resilient garden.

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5. Rewilding

With movements like No-Mow May gathering momentum, garden owners are being encouraged to let lawns grow long in a bid to promote greater native biodiversity. Attracting weeds, bees and other insects and birds to our outdoor spaces is now something people are actively striving to do.

Planting for Wildlife

This illustrated series is so popular with customers. Planting for Wildlife demonstrates how to attract wildlife in even the tiniest of urban gardens.

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6. Dried and pressed flowers

Dried flowers have been trending in interiors and home décor for a while, so the appetite to learn more about the skill and craft involved can only grow in popularity.

Modern Dried Flowers

This stylish book shares step-by-step instruction on how to grow, cut, dry and style your stems to perfection, accompanied by beautiful photography.

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7. Gardening for mental health

Increased popularity of gardening perhaps links to our urge to use the outdoors and nature to self soothe. As a hobby, more and more people swear by its mental health benefits.

Gardening for Mind, Body and Soul

This book is a popular choice for anyone who wants to better understand how to maximise health and wellbeing benefits when gardening.

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8. Gardening for children

Gardening shouldn’t be an adult-only pursuit. Introducing gardening skills early is a great way to teach the next generation more about why plants matter and how we can live in harmony with our natural environment.