Research Garden DesignBrowse photos, get design ideas & see the hottest plants
Gardeners are adapt to the challenges of a changing domain by espouse raw approaches to garden : traditional methods are being updated , along with a impudent perspective on the role of gardens in daily life . Prioritizing the needs of wildlife and follow out sustainable practices that nurture local ecosystems ( and ourselves ! ) are all coming together to make deeply personal and more environmentally friendly garden that are a true pleasure to lay eyes on .
Check out the television " 2025 Trends in Garden Design , " with Rebecca Sweet , Denise Kelly , and Jim Peterson , where they hollow deep into each of these 10 trend coming your way in 2025 .
1. The Rise of Native Plants and ‘Nativars’: Meeting the Demand for Eco-Friendly Gardens
The vibrant , colored blooms of red buckwheat ( Eriogonum grande rubescens ) are a perfect example of a humble - water system native perennial that thrives attractively in traditional repeated borders . The Macomber Garden . Design and pic by : Rebecca Sweet .
The demand for native plants is skyrocketing as more gardeners recognise their many benefits .
“ From the industry linear perspective , native plants and the conversation about the public-service corporation of aboriginal plants continues to be a spicy topic . We probably get the most requests from our client for literature , messaging , and information on this subject . ” — Andrew Jager , Marketing Manager for Walters Gardens ( Proven Winners Perennials )
To contact this requirement , breeders and cultivator are offer a wider variety of natives , let in ' nativars , ' which are cultivated native works specifically designed to thrive and fit into residential gardens . While aboriginal plants are typically define as growing in nature without human intervention , ' nativars ' are created by selecting and cross aboriginal flora seedling to bring forth desired traits such as compact size of it or bright non-white flush . In many case , they provide intellectual nourishment and home ground for pollinator and wildlife , just like their idle counterparts , but with the added welfare of being more adaptable to family gardens — thus attracting more place gardener to expend them .
“ The interestingness in native plant continues to heave , and our plant breeding program for aboriginal has for yr focused more on fresh size and habits for native metal money that make them easier to use in residential preferences . This is dissimilar than what most people think a plant genteelness programme does , as they assume it ’s about new bloom colors and shapes . " — Stacey Hirvela , Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs and theGardening Simplified podcast .
2. Redefining Perfection: Finding Harmony in a Less Tidy Garden
In Freeland and Sabrina Tanner ’s fall garden , shine leaves and fading perennials are purposely pass on in place to cater shelter for burrowing insect while offering a unique perspective on the quiet , fading peach of the downslope landscape . Photo by : Sabrina Tanner . See more of the Tanner Garden .
In reply to the apace dwindling insect and bird universe crisis , nurseryman are re - defining what it means to have a harmonious garden . Nature is encouraged to thrive in our garden which means , in part , adopting a more relaxed and organic gardening style . Perfection is being re - fix as we do n’t hotfoot to neaten up fading perennials , remove seed heads , or rake up every foliage in the garden .
“ I feel like citizenry are more willing to take the esthetic that may be a little less tidy appear . There are still those who are looking for the perfect lawn and not a leaf out of place , but they are fewer and far in between . Most multitude have settle that , if there ’s lawn , there can be some trefoil and that ’s hunky-dory . And , thanks to public garden like the Lurie Garden and the Highline , masses are bulge out to see the beauty in all phase of a perennial ’s life sentence . Our esthetical lense has germinate , and now , more of us are capable to appreciate this different kind of beauty . " — Megan Wade , Founder of Fieldwork Design Group
3. The New Look of Low-Water Landscapes
exuberant , down - water plant have metamorphose this suburban garden into a vivacious paradise brim with colorful blooms , contrast textures , and heavenly scent . This refreshing update enhances the garden ’s ocular appeal and underpin sustainable gardening exercise , making it a welcoming spot for residents and pollinators alike . Designed by Susan Morrison . Photo by : Rebecca Sweet .
While cacti and succulent are great for modest - urine garden , the options do n’t quit there ! Manydrought - tolerant plantsoffer succulent , leafy foliage and vibrant blooms , make them idealistic choices for those need to shorten water usage in their garden .
“ Replacing lawn with low-pitched - water plants in drought - prone areas is not a new idea . What is young is that designers and gardeners are moving beyond succulent and rock gardens and recognizing that any garden style can be reinterpreted with a lower - water pallet . My clients are excited to learn they can have the flower - filled cottage garden they hunger while still using water responsibly . Incorporate shrubs like grevillea and drab hibiscus , and perennial like Achillea millefolium , catmint , and kangaroo paw for a long time of year of colorful blooms . ” — Susan Morrison , landscape house decorator with originative Exteriors Landscape Design .
Exploring new opening indrought - liberal landscapingallows gardener to make lucullan , diverse surround that fly high with minimum water , blending beauty with sustainability .
4. Fire-Resistant Gardening
The Sago palm ( Cycas revoluta ) is not only visually striking with its bluff , feathery fronds , but its leathery , thick leaf makes it a hardy , fire - adaptive plant that can act a all-important role in creating defensible space around homes . Photo by : Rebecca Sweet .
Due to the hike in extreme weather condition conditions , ardour - resistant gardeningis becoming increasingly popular not only in flaming - prone areas of the West Coast but also across the country . gardener are focus on creating gardens that are not only beautiful and environmentally favorable but also more resilient in the face of wildfire , or at the very least , will not exacerbate a wildfire .
“ I know this is n’t new to the West , but here in the Midwest , I ’m beginning to try more about fire - resistant plants and what makes a good , attack - resistive perennial . Perhaps going hand - in - hired man with concerns about fervidness resistance is an on-going desire for plants with good passion and drouth tolerance . ” — Andrew Jager , Walters Gardens ( Proven Winners Perennials )
5. Creating More Living Spaces for People and Wildlife
What was once a parking strip of ankle - twist cobblestones and a water - athirst lawn is now a vibrant , low - water garden awake with coloured blooms and fluttering butterflies . Photo by : Rebecca Sweet .
Expanding outdoor living spaces for both hoi polloi and wildlife is becoming increasingly pop . homeowner are rethinking traditional lawns and transforming often overlooked spaces — such as parking strip , rooftop , and idle drive — into areas sate with native plants , pollinator gardens , and outdoor animation spaces .
“ In Chicago ’s northside neighborhoods , there is an increase in parkway gardens . The requests I see from client is to reduce lawn and to increase the country they can plant perennials in , both for pleasure and to help create home ground for pollinator . There ’s an increment in both parkways with a composite of perennials , as well as lawn alternatives such as genus Liriope and ground cover . ” — Megan Wade , Fieldwork Design Group
Get inspired to prolong your garden infinite with these gorgeous gardens :
6. Turning to Resilient Plants to Manage Environmental Stressors
Boxleaf genus Euonymus ( Euonymus japonicus’Microphyllus ' ) is an excellent reserve for disease - prostrate boxwood in this reimagined parquet circle garden , volunteer a fresh take on classic borders . The Miller garden . conception and pic by Rebecca Sweet .
pick out springy plants is indispensable when gardening in areas with rough environmental conditions . These plants are well - adapted to withstand stressors like pollution , climate modification , and diseases , give up them to expand where other mintage sputter to exist . Boxwood is a classic example , with the dreaded box blight fungus rapidly destroying vast area of established plant life .
‘ Everyone loves the classical look of boxwood , and it ’s such a fantastic trouble - resolve works . But it ’s not without problems — wintertime damage in cold climates , the olfactory property of many varieties , and pests and diseases , both Modern ( boxwood blight , box tree moth ) and old ( psyllid , leafage miner , spider speck , etc . ) . So , there is tremendous interest in evergreen plant shrubs that service a standardised artistic role in the garden but without the liabilities . This could signify plants likeinkberry holly , new genera likePyracomeles , and even rethinking honest-to-goodness ducky likegardeniaas possible replacements . " — Stacey Hirvela , Proven Winners ColorChoice bush
Other works selections that are known for their resilience to environmental stresses include Ginkgo ( Ginkgo biloba ) , redbud ( Cercis ) , honeylocust ( Gleditsia triacanthos ) or silver maple ( Acer saccharinum ) trees ; many grasses , includingswitchgrass(Panicum virgatum ) , and perennials such asyarrow(Achillea millefolium),catmint(Nepeta ) orconeflowers(Echinacea ) .
7. Focus on Mental Well-Being in the Garden
A front garden firepit , paired with cozy seating and surrounded by a relaxed , intimate garden , offer the unadulterated spot to unwind with family and friends . Photo by : Rebecca Sweet .
Given the increase challenge of gardening ( as shown by the above trends ! ) , there ’s a turn style to make intimate , still spaces within the garden that proffer peace and purpose while naturalize genial well - being . garden are being designed with relaxation in mind , incorporating space for speculation , reading , or cozy areas for gathering with bang ones . These tranquil spaces attend to as sanctuaries where gardeners can recharge , blending the therapeutic power of nature with personal well - being .
research these inspiring stories and get tip on produce your own peaceable garden place :
8. A Nod to Nostalgia
This delicious , lush garden bed be the appealingness of a cottage garden , bursting with vibrant colour from beloved classics like cottage pinks ( Dianthus ) , roses , and poppies . pic by : Rebecca Sweet .
There ’s a noticeable increase in requests for nostalgic touches in the garden to wreak a horse sense of comfort and familiarity . Elements such as oversized dramatic blooms , relaxed colour schemes , or proficiency such as sloping brick border all give a nod to gardens by .
With their informal charm , bungalow - style gardensare also resurge , evoking cherished retentivity while bringing a sense of unbridled joyousness , peace , and continuity . And while it ’s always fun to try the recent and peachy plant introduction , nurseryman are look to add plants that remind them of their female parent or grandmother ’s garden ( often including classics likepeonies , whiskered iris , andhydrangeas . )
For a skin senses of nostalgia and timeless beauty , here are some penetration and plant idea to aid you wreak the charm of cottage - style gardens into your own outer space :
9. Portable Plants: Gardening While Renting
luxuriant and vivacious container groupings dead transform a thin parking strip into a prospering garden . Consider incorporating a few evergreen bush with colourful foliage or fragrant blooms to evoke the feeling of a traditional garden seam . aggregate these with tonic herbs and seasonal , one-year container to make a lush and inviting garden filled with life , scent , and color . Photo by : Rebecca Sweet .
If you ’re a renter who love to garden , container gardeningis a fantastic solution for bring nature into your distance . Containers are affordable , adaptable , and easy to relocate , allow renters to bosom the joys of gardening while navigating the unique challenge of rental living . Whether it ’s a pocket-sized balcony , a sunny windowsill , or a shared courtyard , with a minuscule resource and a few pots , you’re able to create your own vibrant oasis no matter where you call home .
Make the most of pocket-size spaces with originative container horticulture ideas perfect for renter looking to add a touch of unripened to any setting :
10. Grow Your Garden Knowledge: Exciting Gardening Education Opportunities
This charm- and art - filled vegetable garden is just one of the spaces studied in Freeland & Sabrina ’s Garden Experience , a two - day in - individual learning event . The vibrant colors , unique works combinations , and distinctive artwork scatter throughout the garden explore the connection between art and nature . This immersive experience is designed to set off vision and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the sweetheart of our gardens . Photo by : Rebecca Sweet .
With the raise of virtual applied science and on-line breeding , gardener can now connect with earth - course designers and fellow gardening enthusiast from anywhere , with the flexibility to read at their own rate . Still , many are also enjoying a return to in - individual event , which bid immersive , deal - on learning and the chance to experience gardens at first hand . Both options provide unique ways to grow and connect , work a sense of inspiration and deal mania for horticulture .
Explore these expert - led opportunity to transform your garden into your own personal hideaway :
2025 Trends in Garden Design
BOOK REBECCA AS YOUR NEXT GARDEN SPEAKER!
Fun , passionate , and knowledgeable , three words that distinguish Rebecca Sweet!See what discussion subject are usable and catch a myopic videoas Rebecca explicate how her talks will revolutionize , entertain , and educate nurseryman at all skill levels .
