trends in gardening
A chief landscape designer from a prominent studio outlined the major shifts shaping outdoor spaces today.
He described a global shift toward giving gardens a fresh purpose. In moments of uncertainty and stress, people look for places to replenish their energy. The garden is increasingly seen as a space for renewal, a point where individuals can regroup and reassemble themselves.
Among the notable directions are minimalism, a forest-inspired approach, practical design, and ideas rooted in manufacturability.
“Minimalism comes to us from architecture. Clean, geometric paving and monolithic plantings of shrubs and conifers create a calm, ordered look. The forest trend emphasizes keeping existing trees and adding new conifers where appropriate,” the expert explained.
The architect notes a growing desire to preserve pristine nature on a site and recreate it with elements like moss and berry-producing groundcovers. This emphasis on native textures and hues helps gardens feel authentic and resilient.
“Technology now solves two problems: reducing maintenance and enhancing visual appeal. This includes natural landscape lighting, automated irrigation, heated pathways, fogging effects, robotic mowing, and expandable patios,” the expert said.
Regarding practicality, gardens should be well zoned: a large terrace, an ornamental area, a recreation zone with a barbecue, and a gazebo that can double as a remote workspace. Efficient logistics matter too, with clear main and secondary zones and plans for snow removal.
“A practical garden naturally requires low maintenance. In our experience, a high-quality service interval is about once every 1-2 months.”
An interior design professional adds that naturalness remains fashionable, with an emphasis on local plant selections, understated landscape groups, and concise, monochrome borders.
“Organize a party zone in the garden with a stove and barbecue. Extending the season on a covered terrace or in a large gazebo is practical. Consider an open kitchen, or even a luxurious minimalist kitchen crafted from stainless steel and wood, or built from brick and concrete with stone countertops and wood accents,” the designer advised.
They recommended planning for winter too: a mix of evergreens, shrubs, and all-season plants. Use a layered approach with small, dwarf plants in the foreground and larger varieties farther back. It helps the landscape read beautifully from indoor windows, creating a cohesive view all year long.
Among the anti-trends, a simple herb garden, a design without a plan, fragmented stone paths, plastic furniture, and low-quality lighting were cited as avoidable missteps.
landscape trends
A regional expert from a popular online marketplace notes rising interest in cordless garden equipment for design and maintenance. Lawn mowers, trimmers, saws, and other tools are no longer noisy, bulky, or difficult to handle. Battery-powered options are cleaner, easier on the environment, and often compatible with a single universal battery, which can save money and space for the gardener.
Another trend is reducing the need for ongoing human intervention. Robotic mowers and automated irrigation systems can be programmed once and perform routine tasks on a schedule, giving gardeners more free time.
“Aesthetic evolution is also clear. Ugly compost pits are fading as modern plastic compost units gain popularity. An old barn can be replaced with prefabricated structures that are stylish, comfortable, and quick to assemble,” the expert observed.
There is a growing preference for natural materials. Rattan garden furniture remains popular for its look and durability. For storing small items around a garden or recreation area, a sturdy chest is useful and can even function as extra seating with a cushion on top. The idea is to keep spaces orderly without sacrificing convenience, according to the market expert.