Top outdoor trends from Europe

Play along with the quiz. Spoga+Gafa is: a) the European Champions league football runners-up. b) a controversial point of contention at this week’s G-20 Summit in Brussels; or c.) The name of the world’s largest garden fair.

The answer is c.) and it’s coming to Cologne, Germany’s massive Koelnmesse exhibit hall Sept. 3-5, 2017. Around 2,000 exhibitors will demonstrate all of the trends and innovations for the outdoor season.

Organizers have produced the following list of top outdoor trends.

• Edible urban gardening. According to a representative GfK survey carried out on behalf of "Apotheken Umschau" (pharmacy publication), 39% of the consumers, who own a balcony or garden, use them for growing fruit, vegetables and herbs for their dinner table.

• The sophistication of the city space. The sophisticated balcony world is rounded off by compact sunshades, carpets and lamps as well as plant systems and gardening equipment for urban gardening that allow small areas to be optimally utilized.

• Multifunction is the trump card. At the flick of a wrist a lounger becomes a bench or a daybed becomes a sofa with a table. Stools can also be used as a side table, sunshades offer light and heating functions and plant pots provide additional storage space. The barbecue manufacturers are leading the charge. Their models can smoke, roast and bake as well as offering special features such as LED lamps and power bank compatibility.



•Things are getting comfortable. According to the experts, every second Euro spent in Germany is spent by someone over 50. Hence, at the moment high-quality furniture that excels with comfort-providing aspects is conquering the outdoor stage.

• Color trend: Green. No explanation needed.

• To the stoves. An old tradition is being rediscovered: Plank grilling. Here, fish, meat and vegetables are cooked on planks made of special woods (i.e. alder, hickory or cedar), which produces a special smoking aroma. Also available: Versions made of salt. 

• Intelligent equipment. Robot lawn mowers and battery-powered devices are part of the story. Also, raised flowerbeds and window boxes that score points with their convenient features (i.e. water reservoir). Protection systems for the garden are also gaining in popularity.