RHS’ Chelsea Flower Show is here – and with it a prediction of the most provocative trends you can expect for the rest of 2022. While the festival offers a variety of striking statements and unconventional inspirations, there is an indoor show garden trend this year will change everything you know about houseplants.
The “plant” in question is in the form of mushrooms – mushrooms that made a surprise appearance at the RHS showground this week. Mushrooms are not usually counted among the best indoor plantsbut this year’s show might make you want to learn how to grow mushrooms indoors.
Why the mushroom houseplant trend is here to stay
(Image credit: GettyImages)
Stylist and curator James Whiting (opens in new tab) worked with Malvern Garden Buildings (opens in new tab) to create the Planet Studio. In his studio (below) he used mushrooms as decor around the bar. In conversation with H&Gexplains James that people are drawn to this trend because the funghi knows how to make a statement – but it’s also easy to care for and multifunctional.
1. Mushrooms are edible
James recommends choosing mushrooms that you can cook with (e.g. oyster mushrooms) – adding that the trend is related to the increasingly popular plant-based movement.
“People cook these at home and they’re pretty expensive to buy in stores. So if you enjoy growing things and love houseplants, then mushrooms are stunning. They’re yellow, they’re pink, they’re real, and it’s just mesmerizing,” says James.
“Growing things like the oyster mushrooms is that connection to nature. You can observe how things develop and change and you can take your plant on a journey. In the end you get proud of what you create.” So if you’re looking for one kitchen garden idea With a twist, this trend is made for you.
Planet Studio designed by James Whiting and Malvern Garden Buildings
(Image credit: Malvern Garden Buildings)
And the stylist isn’t alone in his observation of this edible garden trend. dobbies (opens in new tab)Horticulture director Marcus Eyles also saw an increasing demand for edible statement pieces at Chelsea – from chillies and peppers to the popular mushrooms. He suggests this feeds into the Protege garden movement – a garden that’s more decorative but includes salads and other veggies you can use in your cooking.
“It’s all about picking the special plants that grow well together and give you that meaningful trait,” he says. “Some things grow well — and they look decorative…People want to try different things.”
2. Mushrooms are easy to care for
And despite its unique style and edible qualities, James suggests mushrooms are easy to care for in your home.
“It’s a very simple setup with mushroom kits,” he says. “You just spray it and set it on a plate on your kitchen windowsill or whether you want to set it up. If you put it next to an armchair, you can sit and watch it develop into something.”
“Although it’s an unusual cultivar, you can trust the fungus to elevate your decor — and dining table — to magical new heights,” says digital editor Jennifer Ebert. “A tasty and healthy addition to your diet, when you learn how to grow mushrooms you will be able to enjoy many different varieties that you may not always find in the grocery store.”