Fashion Gets Green Fingers – Here’s Why Haute-Iculture Is Having A Moment

Yes, there were XXL earrings, mini bags and barely-there sandals aplenty to woo you on the SS20 catwalks but one of the most talked-about pieces from the collections was a little more unexpected: Dior’s gardening bag. Complete with trowel and gardening gloves, the Pockets Book Tote was just one part of Maria Grazia Chiuri's green-fingered spring mission. For the show, the house partnered with Coloco, a collective of botanists and urban landscapers, for the lush garden show space. Florals for spring might not be groundbreaking but growing your own makes for an unlikely new hobby for the fashion pack.

Dior isn't the only brand that's been tuning in to Gardeners' World this season. Arket has just launched its own gardening edit complete with stainless steel watering cans and flower pots that look more like objects of desire than shed clutter. There's a clothing edit, too, including easy poplin shirts that you might begrudge getting dirty.

The arrival of the haute-iculture movement couldn't be better timed. We're hankering after the authentic right now, and there's nothing like a fistful of soil to make you feel more connected to the world around us. As we’re all currently craving less screen time and savouring any moment out of the house, the impressive mental health and wellbeing benefits of gardening only confirm that this should be your new hobby. Dubbed ‘Green Therapy’, a report in theMental Health Journal cited the benefits of gardening as being able to reduce stress and improve mood, and decrease the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Sounds good, doesn't it?

But where should you begin if your biggest plant commitment to date is a sorry little succulent? Instagram is a hotbed of inspiration about everything from cultivating small spaces with tropical-looking plants and herb gardens to backyards full of colourful blooms, We recommend following the hashtag #coolplantkids for endless plant devotion.

If your outdoor space is limited, fear not. According to Marli Pumford of Gold Leaf Gardening services, 'It’s easy to create a beautiful blooming garden even in the most shaded of spaces.' He recommends hanging troughs on balconies with trailing plants like nasturtiums (the leaves are edible - bonus) or trailing lobelia, which is a beautiful, fragrant plant. Place herb gardens at height in order to save floor space; thyme, sage, chives, rosemary, oregano are just a few that will grow well in shaded areas. You could also try creating a living wall - they are widely available online, or if you're feeling creative have a go at making your own out of wooden pallets.

For the beginners among us, Marli’s Urban Gardening Starter Pack consists of Secateurs by Felco for plant pruning, a small trowel for soil, watering can and gloves as certain plants can irritate your skin. Elsewhere, London-based Botanical Boys' online terrarium courses will help you go green from the comfort of your own home. Their recommendations for decorating outside spaces? Choose plants such as Alstroemerias, Taxus Bacata or Arum Lilies for a Japanese-inspired roof space or shaded area.

So, what are you waiting for? With spring finally here (even though it might not feel like it) and time to spare, wouldn't you agree there's never been a better time to go back to nature?

Feeling inspired? Shop our gardening starter kit below...