Purple reign: how shade became British gardeners’ favourite

Britons move away from trend of grey paving and pristine lawns in an embrace of colour, with lavender a top choice

If you manage to spot a garden in bloom this summer, beyond the strips of bleached and torched grass, there may be one colour you see more than any other: purple, the horticultural hue of the season.

Plants such as lavender, salvias and catmint are in vogue, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which conducted extensive research into the colours Britons best love to see in their gardens.