Gardening in the ’ 70 and ’ 80s was a blend of bold selection , experimental style , and a fascination with gaud . From shaggy lawns to over - the - top garden ornaments , these decades sweep up trend that reflected the cultural and esthetical values of their time .
Today , however , they serve as a reminder of how far we ’ve amount in prioritise functionality and environmental harmony .
get together us as we moil into 13 horticulture trends from the ’ 70 and ’ 80s that , while iconic in their daytime , would feel wholly out of place in the gardens of 2025 .
Macramé Plant Holders
Strolling into a 1970s home , one was potential to encounter the iconic macramé plant bearer . These intricate , woven hangers cradled a form of houseplant , add together a bohemian flare to interiors . While they showcased craftsmanship , today ’s minimalist and sleek designs have largely replaced them .
In modern space , restraint reigns supreme , with light lines and understated elegance get hold of precedence . Though macramé has see a resurgence in some wiliness lap , it often model juxtaposed against present-day vogue . untried multiplication incline to favor plant stand or wall - mount shelf , cover a less cluttered aesthetic overall .
Garden Gnomes
In the ’ eighty , garden gnomes were playful addition to many yard . These petite figures , often with rosy buttock and impulsive reflection , dotted lawns across suburbia . While they brought charm and a touching of fantasy to out-of-door spaces , many now view them as kitschy relics of the past .
Today ’s gardener often prefer realistic elements like birdbaths or stone sculpture , which integrate seamlessly into the landscape painting . The shift towards eco - friendly and sustainable garden designs leaves less room for such ornamental figurines , focusing alternatively on heighten biodiversity and brook local wildlife .
Astroturf Lawns
Astroturf , a synthetic alternative to grass , gained popularity in the past due to its low alimony appeal . Homeowners appreciate not ask to mow or water these burnished green carpets . However , the environmental impact of synthetic lawn has led to a decline in their function .
advanced nurseryman aim for eco - well-disposed resolution , often choosing aboriginal skunk and plant that require less water and substantiate local ecosystems . The push towards sustainable horticulture praxis has made born choice far more likable , as they contribute to the environmental wellness and aesthetic diversity of urban landscape .
Plastic Flamingos
The iconic pink charge plate flamingo was a staple fibre of the ’ 70s garden , stand for a quirky and fun - loving esthetic . These middle - catch decorations were often used to tot up a splash of color to otherwise unornamented lawn .
While they remain a symbol of retro appeal , their appeal has waned in favor of more elusive decor . Modern gardener slant towards natural beauty with a orientation for real works and decorative Grass . The shift reflect a broader trend towards legitimacy and sustainable option that complement the raw environment rather than overshadowing it .
Formal Boxwood Hedges
In the 1980s , formal boxwood hedge were the image of elegance and ordering . These meticulously dress shrub created specify spaces and added social system to garden . However , keep their precise shapes demanded constant attention and care .
Contemporary garden often embrace a more relaxed and natural spirit , with flowing lines and diverse planting . Today ’s landscape gardening trends prefer aboriginal plants and wildflower meadows , which require less water and upkeep . The accent now is on creating harmonious environments that are both beautiful and beneficial for local wildlife , moving away from set and manicured designs .
Mirrored Gazing Balls
Mirrored gazing globe were once a staple in gardens , catch light and adding a touch of trick . These musing decoration were often pose on pedestals or nestled among flower . Their popularity has melt , as modern garden design leans towards more rude and organic elements .
contemporaneous gardeners prefer feature that blend into the landscape , such as water features or aboriginal Harlan F. Stone accents . The work shift towards sustainable and environmentally well-disposed gardening practices has made mirror gazing balls less appealing , with a focus on produce habitats for wildlife and enhancing the garden ’s natural beauty .
Topiary Sculptures
Topiary art , with its meticulously trimmed bushes fashioned into shapes , was a hallmark of the ’ 80s . These living sculptures need a eminent level of care to keep their intricate designs .
While they showcased the gardener ’s attainment , the course has diminished as the focus shifts towards more sustainable practice . Today ’s gardeners often prioritise biodiversity , incorporating aboriginal plant life that put up local ecosystem . The time and campaign once consecrate to topiary are now often redirect towards creating garden that are both running and environmentally friendly , array with contemporary bionomic cognisance .
Pebble Gardens
Pebble gardens , characterized by carefully format stones , were popular for their crushed maintenance and distinct aesthetic . They offered a stark contrast to traditional lawns and flower bed . However , the need for a more vivacious and dynamic garden has seen their diminution .
Contemporary garden designs favour living component that pop the question year - round involvement and support biodiversity . Plants that attract pollinators and provide habitats for wildlife are preferred over electrostatic design . The tactile and colorful nature of flowers and foliage add astuteness and life to gardens , replacing the once - favored pebble arrangements with rich , living tapestries .
Concrete Garden Sculptures
Concrete sculptures were once a prominent feature in garden , offering durability and a sense of permanency . These heavy installment could describe anything from classical name to abstract forms . However , their stark presence can overshadow the natural mantrap of the garden .
innovative gardeners are strike towards mix art that complement rather than command the landscape . Lightweight materials and pattern that blend with the environment are now favor . This shift aligns with a broader trend towards sustainable and flexible garden solutions that allow for creativeness without detracting from the ecological value of the space .
Water Features with Colored Lights
The 1980s saw garden water lineament enhanced with colorful lights , creating vivacious exhibit after dark . While visually telling , these installations often consumed a lot of energy and required strong upkeep .
Today , sustainability is key , with many gardeners opting for solar - powered ignition and natural water feature that enhance biodiversity . The focus is on creating serene environments that encourage slackening and wildlife dwelling . As environmental concerns grow , advanced garden design list towards insidious dish and functionality , cut the reliance on unreal sweetening and or else encompass the garden ’s innate charm .
Sculptured Hedges
graven hedge brook as live prowess pieces in many ’ 80 garden , showcasing intricate designing and paper . maintain these elaborate physical body required significant endeavor and attainment , often involve a professional touch .
Today ’s garden aesthetics favor a more wild and constitutional approach , allowing plants to grow naturally . Contemporary trends emphasize low - maintenance landscapes that support divers ecosystems . The time once spent pruning and shaping is now often redirected towards planting aboriginal species and creating environment that nurture wildlife , embracing a more holistic vista of garden spaces .
Decorative Garden Borders
cosmetic borders crafted from bricks or gemstone were a staple in past garden excogitation , offering light depiction of space . These border tote up structure but could also bound the fluidity of garden layouts .
Modern landscaping embraces liquidity and movement , often using natural ground covers or mix plantings to create unlined transitions . The focus has wobble towards make inviting and adaptable spaces , with an accent on ecological counterpoise and mantrap . As gardeners adopt more sustainable practices , rigid borders have given way to softer , more integrated designs that heighten the natural landscape .
Reflective Silver Mulch
Silver mulch , used to reflect sun and deter pests , was once a democratic choice for vegetable gardens . The metallic luster , though effective , often clashed with the born tones of the garden .
Today , constituent mulches such as shredded bark or compost are prefer , aligning with sustainable horticulture practice . These natural options enrich the soil , improve moisture retention , and support beneficial organisms . The shift towards eco - well-disposed solutions highlights a growing awareness of environmental wellness , focusing on enhance dirt timber and industrial plant vitality rather than trust on celluloid materials .
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