Thursday 25 February 2021 Eva Nemeth The single dominating factor when it comes to gardens this year is of course Covid-19. The virus has completely changed the way we view and use our gardens, which can only be a positive thing, and more people than ever are waking up to the benefits of the physical and mindful act of gardening. From the basic concept of the garden as an outdoor room to its role in our mental health, the garden will continue to play a huge role in our lives in 2021. The outdoor room Entertaining in our gardens has become a necessity, and we have all equipped our gardens to accommodate this, turning our gardens into an extension of our homes. 2021 will see this trend continuing, with more products than ever available to help us decorate our outside spaces. Weather-proof soft furnishings such as rugs, cushions and tablecloths will be popular, as well as the all-important sources of heat such as fire pits and chimineas. Outdoor cooking is a top trend, with more people building their own outdoor kitchens and pizza ovens as they get more accustomed to spending time outside.