RHS's Chelsea Flower Show is here – and with it comes a prediction of the most provocative trends you can expect to see for the rest of 2022. While the festival provides a host of striking statements and unconventional inspirations, there is one indoor garden trend that is set to change everything you know about houseplants this year.
The 'plant' in question comes in the shape of mushrooms – funghi that has made a surprise appearance at the RHS showground this week. Mushrooms are not typically counted amongst the best indoor plants, but this year's show may make you want to learn how to grow mushrooms indoors.
Why the mushroom house plant trend is here to stay
Stylist and curator James Whiting (opens in new tab) collaborated with Malvern Garden Buildings (opens in new tab) to create the Planet Studio. In his studio (below) he used mushrooms as decor surrounding the bar. In an interview with H&G, James explains that people are drawn to this trend as the funghi knows how to make a statement – but it is easy to maintain and multifunctional too.
1. Mushrooms are edible
James recommends choosing mushrooms that you can cook with (such as oyster mushrooms) – adding that the trend relates to the plant-based movement that is becoming increasingly popular.
'People are cooking these at home, and they're quite expensive to buy in the shops, so if you love growing things and you love houseplants, then mushrooms are stunning. They're yellow, they're pink, they're real, and it's just fascinating,' James says.
'Growing things like the oyster mushrooms it's that connection to nature. You can watch things develop and change, and you can go on a journey with your plant. You become proud of what you create at the end.' So, if you're looking for a kitchen garden idea with a twist, this trend is made for you.
Planet Studio designed by James Whiting collaborated and Malvern Garden Buildings
And the stylist isn't alone in his observation of this edible garden trend. Dobbies' (opens in new tab)Horticultural Director Marcus Eyles similarly observed a rise in demand for edible statement pieces at Chelsea – from chillis and peppers to the popular funghi. He suggests this feeds into the protege garden movement – a garden that is more decorative but includes salads and other vegetables that you can use in your cooking.
'It's about picking out the particular plants that will grow well together and give you that statement feature,' he says. 'Some things are rewarding to grow – and they look decorative…People want to try different things.'
2. Mushrooms are easy to maintain
And even with its unique style and edible qualities aside, James suggests that the funghi is easy to take care of inside your home.
'With mushroom kits, it's a very simple set-up,' he says. 'You just mist it and stand it on a plate on your kitchen windowsill or whether you want to put it. If you put it next to an armchair, you can sit and watch it develop into something.'
'Although they are an unusual crop to grow, you can trust the mushroom to elevate your interiors – and dinner table – to magical new heights,' says Digital Editor, Jennifer Ebert. 'A tasty and healthy addition to your diet, if learn how to grow mushrooms you will be able to enjoy many different varieties that you might not always be able to find at the grocery store.'
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