8 Garden Trends You're Going to See EVERYWHERE This Spring

Just like interior design, gardening is subject to a trend cycle—and this year, gardening experts are all about going natural. "We're looking to connect more with nature, especially as the indoor-outdoor living approach rises," says Laura Janny, an independent botanical stylist based in New Jersey. "It's about being at one with the environment and fostering a diverse landscape, which is very different from the cookie-cutter, one-note designs of the past."

But that's just one strong trend for 2025! There are so many other fun options to choose from. We've tapped a handful of landscape and lawn professionals to provide their insight this growing season, to help you get ahead of the gardening trends this year. Whether you have an expansive lawn or only have a tiny city balcony garden to tend to, there’s a garden trend you’ll be able to get behind. From sanctuary gardens to naturalistic aesthetics, this year's trends will inspire you to pick up that shovel and get busy.

But before you get started, to be sure whether or not these plants, growing techniques, and lawn treatments will work in your space, we recommend looking up your USDA Hardiness Zone. This map is the best way to determine if certain plants will thrive and grow in your climate. Once you know where you stand, read on for the top gardening trends of 2025, according to the experts.

Naturalistic Planting

"There is a noticeable shift toward a more organic, nature-inspired approach to planting design," says Cory Morris, Associate Principal of landscape architecture firm Hoerr Schaudt. Translation: Gardeners seem to be yearning for immersive, biodiverse landscapes that foster a deeper connection with nature. "This emphasizes the integration of native and naturalized plant species to create modern meadows that not only enhance a naturalist aesthetic, but also support essential pollinators,” Morris adds. As a result, traditional lawn areas are being scaled back, primarily reserved for recreational use, to make room for meadow-like gardens.

"Sanctuary" Gardens

Another popular trend is the garden as retreat, or what designers call a sanctuary garden. "With busy schedules and hectic lifestyles, people have started wanting a place to escape to," says Janny. "Most of these sanctuary gardens are cut off, secluded areas with plants that enliven the senses, like lavender and ornamental grasses." To incorporate this trend into your own home, Janny suggests including plants with muted hues—think light pinks, whites, or pale yellows.

Large Vegetable Gardens

"Blending aesthetics with functionality, clients are increasingly seeking expansive, productive gardens where they can cultivate their own fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers," says Morris. "These multifunctional spaces not only serve as sources of fresh, homegrown produce, but also integrate thoughtfully designed areas for relaxation, dining, and social gatherings." When used as an extension of a kitchen or as an outdoor dining room, these designs create a seamless connection between nature and everyday living. Plus, who wouldn’t want fresh zucchini or tomatoes from their garden every day?

Vertical Gardening

"To maximize limited space, especially in our smallest New York City gardens, vertical gardening is not only becoming a big trend, but an essential part of the process," says landscape designer Kat Aul Cervoni, founder of Staghorn Living. "When possible, we take advantage of walls and fences to train vines on to—either with self-clinging varieties like climbing hydrangea or with the help of supports for climbing roses or clematis."

Another tip is to use stylish, durable planters that can be wall-mounted to bring a unique green, clustered effect to an otherwise unsightly or boring wall. "It can feel almost like an art installation, but with plants!" says Aul Cervoni.

Environmentally Conscious Design

"The emphasis on climate-conscious design continues to grow, with a strong focus on site-specific material and plant selections," says Morris. "This includes the use of locally sourced hardscape materials, as well as drought-tolerant and fire-resistant plant species. Additionally, as environmental challenges intensify, gardeners are prioritizing resilient, disease-resistant species, ensuring long-term adaptability and ecological balance." Some examples include largeleaf phlox, lavender, and wild pansies.

Pergolas

"Pergolas have always been popular, but nowadays, people are really leaning into the indoor/outdoor lifestyle," says Kristin Monji, principal of Birch & Basil design firm in New York. "Shade and privacy are a must, and so pergolas have naturally begun to dominate." Luckily, there are plenty of different pergola design ideas to choose from, so you can easily find the one that'll feel most at home in your garden.

All-Green Gardens

"I've had a number of clients specifically request lush plantings with a focus on interesting, layered foliage in various shades of greens, forgoing highly floral options in their planting palette entirely," says Aul Cervoni. "This suggests a pull to laid-back contemporary, and you can easily incorporate shrubs and ornamental grasses with a variety of leaf types and sizes, in varying shades of greens—including variegated options to add dimension." An added bonus: All-green gardens maintain a steadiness throughout the seasons, since they're not leaning on the bloom cycles of flowering perennials

Pollinator Gardens

"As homeowners are more tuned into the environment, the trend is to incorporate pollinators into the garden that can attract bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife," adds Janny. Gardeners are recognizing that shooing away all these essential pollinators is a detriment to our local landscape. According to Janny, adding plants like salvia, coneflower, bee balm, and yarrow can help bring them back—which means your garden won't just look good, but it will do good, too.