Gardening trends move a bit slower than fashion or home design, but they still evolve with the seasons. This year, there are some new and exciting ideas that will inspire your outdoor spaces. From eco-friendly designs to stylish features, gardeners everywhere are embracing change and trying out fresh, practical styles.
Let’s dive into the 9 hottest garden trends that landscapers and gardening experts say will take over our yards this year. Get ready for plenty of inspiration to transform your garden!
1. Regenerative Gardening
In today’s world, gardening is more than just about looks—it’s about taking care of the planet. “Regenerative gardening focuses on healing the environment, from the soil to the local wildlife,” says Nic Howard, a garden designer at We Love Plants. It’s all about growing a healthy garden that gets better each year by focusing on the health of the soil and encouraging local animals and insects.
This type of gardening uses plants that adapt well to the environment, like gravel gardens or perennial meadows, making your space beautiful while helping the environment.
2. Multi-Functional Spaces
As more people move into smaller homes and gardens, every square foot counts. “People want gardens that aren’t just for looking at—they need to serve as a space to relax, work, or play,” says landscape designer Colin Boggon. From garden rooms to cozy corners, multifunctional spaces allow you to enjoy your outdoor area all year long.
Even if you have a small garden, you can create zones for different activities, like a dining area that can double as a workspace, or a seat that works as both a coffee spot and a storytelling nook for the kids.
3. Indoor-Outdoor Cohesion
One of the biggest trends in garden design is blending indoor and outdoor spaces. “Using natural materials like stone can help your outdoor area flow seamlessly from your home,” explains Oli Webb, director at Cullifords. Whether it’s a marble-topped table or textured stone paving, the goal is to make your garden feel like an extension of your home.
Outdoor kitchens are also growing in popularity, bringing the comforts of the inside outside, perfect for hosting and cooking in nature.
4. Embracing Native Plants
Native plants are gaining popularity as more gardeners choose to work with nature instead of against it. “We’re seeing a shift towards plants that naturally thrive in the local climate,” says landscape designer Rob Cooper. This trend helps create a garden that’s not only beautiful but also low-maintenance and drought-resistant.
By incorporating native grasses and shrubs, your garden will look great and be better prepared for extreme weather conditions, all while supporting local wildlife.
5. Cast Concrete Features
Concrete is making its way into gardens in a big way. “Cast concrete is perfect for outdoor kitchens or unique garden features like planters, benches, or steps,” says Jennifer Hamilton, director of The Vawdrey House. Its industrial style is well-suited to outdoor spaces and adds a modern touch. Concrete is durable and can be shaped into many different forms, making it a versatile material for garden design.
6. Limestone Paving
Limestone is making a comeback this year, especially in outdoor spaces. “Limestone’s natural beauty and durability make it perfect for gardens,” says Mark Latchford from HollandGreen. Whether it’s for patios, walkways, or pool areas, limestone provides a warm, soft look that blends well with different garden styles.
With its beautiful tones of beige, cream, and grey, limestone complements both modern and traditional homes, making it a top choice for garden designers.
7. Edible Gardens
Homegrown food is no longer just a trend—it’s becoming a lifestyle. “Edible gardens are all about growing your own vegetables, herbs, and fruits,” says Larry Dominique, a landscape architect. People are increasingly looking for ways to live more sustainably, and growing your own food is a great place to start.
From herb gardens on windowsills to front yard vegetable patches, edible gardens are a great way to connect with nature and eat healthier. Plus, they look great and are practical, too!
8. Low-Maintenance Architectural Designs
Garden designs are becoming more streamlined and easier to maintain. “Low-maintenance gardens are all about using native plants that thrive without constant attention,” says architect Laura Marion. This trend focuses on creating beautiful spaces that require less upkeep, using materials like native grasses and drought-resistant plants.
The key is designing gardens that are easy to care for but still offer a natural, relaxed look.
9. Sustainable Gardening
With growing concerns about the environment, sustainability is at the forefront of garden design. “Sustainable gardens focus on using native plants and eco-friendly materials that help conserve water and energy,” says Kat Aul Cervoni, a landscape designer. These gardens not only look beautiful but also support local ecosystems,making them a great choice for anyone who wants to garden responsibly.
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a way of making sure our gardens are in harmony with the planet, while still being stunning and easy to care for.
