Gardening season will be here before you know it, which means it’s the perfect time to use that green thumb of yours to try out some new ideas this year. Rather than being stumped on what to do, you can find inspiration to freshen up your outdoor space with the gardening trends for 2025.
We went straight to gardening experts to learn what trends you can expect to see this year, and they include everything from edible landscaping to natural garden designs. Let’s dig into what you can look forward to for the coming seasons.
Climate-Resilient Gardening
We can’t deny the climate has been quite chaotic the last few years. That’s why Jane Dobbs, expert gardener and gardening team lead at Allan’s Gardeners, says that this year gardeners will embrace drought-tolerant plants, rainwater harvesting, and resilient landscaping.
Plant species that are native to the region and require little maintenance are becoming more popular as a way to cope with unpredictable weather.
Foodscaping & Edible Landscaping
Many people are beginning to grow their own food to cut grocery costs and become more self-sufficient. Mike Murphy, expert gardener and owner of You Had Me at Gardening, says that integrating more fruits, vegetables, and herbs into garden designs has been gaining popularity. This allows for both beauty and functionality in home gardens.
He suggests finding people in your area to connect with to learn tips for creating an edible landscape.
“There are likely Facebook groups in most cities. I’m a member of Utah Foodscaping and Utah Rare Fruit Growers, both of which are fantastic communities with local events and loads of people wanting to help others learn and succeed,” he says.
The American Horticultural Society is another great place that helps connect gardeners with resources and knowledge. Tapping into others’ knowledge can give you the know-how to grow a prosperous edible garden.
Gardening Practices that Promote Sustainability
Dobbs says a growing number of gardeners are focused on sustainability this year. Sustainable gardening consists of implementing practices like using compost and reducing chemical use. Permaculture and mulching are also being used to minimize waste.
Conserving water by using rain barrels and watering when evaporation is minimal is another way gardeners are being more sustainable.
Wildlife and Biodiversity-Friendly Gardening
Murphy says that supporting local ecosystems with native plants, wildflowers, and pollinator-friendly species like milkweed and lavender remains a top priority for eco-conscious gardeners. “I love honeybees, and more and more people are becoming educated about how important they are,” he says.
Dobbs also says you can support and encourage pollinators like bees and butterflies to your yard by planting wildflowers and hedgerows and giving them access to water, such as ponds. Enhancing biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems is one trend we should all try in our gardens this year.
Organic and Natural Garden Designs
Dobbs expects this year to consist of more natural and organic garden designs. “Creating wild, unstructured spaces mimics the beauty of nature through organic shapes and natural materials. This approach aligns with environmental harmony and sustainability,” she says.
Cottage gardens are a good example of this type of layout. These gardens do not have a strict structure like other gardens, and plants and flowers flow freely. Instead of having the same old standard layout, why not transform your backyard into an elegant English garden this year?
Wellness Gardens
People are seeking different ways to improve their well-being now more than ever. In fact, a survey by McKinsey & Company found that 82% of American consumers consider wellness a top priority in their daily life. That explains why wellness gardens are predicted to be one of the top gardening trends for 2025.
Dobbs says gardeners can implement meditation corners, sensory plants, and soothing water features to contribute to mental health and self-care.
Green Walls & Vertical Gardens
Just because you don’t have lots of growing space doesn’t mean you can’t have a gorgeous garden. Dobbs says that vertical gardens and green walls are still popular space-saving solutions. Urban dwellers should consider these options as they improve air quality and insulate buildings while providing aesthetic appeal.
Herbs, vegetables, and other plant types can be grown vertically. Whether you have a small backyard or live in an apartment, you can start this gardening trend, thanks to this clever technique.
Rare & Unusual Plants
Murphy says that many common gardeners are on the lookout for hard-to-find plants and trees, such as purple smoke trees and cold-hardy pomegranates. People tend to like unique things, and plants are no exception.
Unusual plants you don’t see often can feature bright, vibrant colors and uncommon leaf patterns or foliage. Plus, some people just love the challenge of caring for a rare plant.
Utilizing Porous Materials to Manage Water Resources
Dobbs says that hardscaping that is impermeable is being replaced with porous materials. Backyards with porous pavers that can be filled with grass or gravel are becoming more popular. Using these options will help you conserve water, reduce runoff, and replenish groundwater.
Finding ways to conserve and manage water resources is also another way to make your garden more sustainable.
Transform Your Outdoor Space
It looks like this year’s gardening trends are all about supporting biodiversity, being sustainable, and growing your own food. By implementing these trends, you can turn your backyard into a space that can help improve your well-being, provide healthy food, and help save the bees and butterflies.
