Garden Design and Planting Trends for 2026
Happy New Year! Before we dive into this week’s blog, we want to remind you that while January 1 marks the calendar start of the new year, nature reminds us that January is still a time for rest and reflection. The year does not truly begin until spring, when the earth wakes up for a season of growth and renewal. So if you are feeling pressure to start a brand new life this year, take a deep breath and ease into it.
2025 was a year marked by significant growth. Gardeners leaned into whimsy by embracing a more naturalistic vibe in their outdoor spaces, and we expect this year to be just as magical. In this blog, we will explore our predictions for what the garden landscape will look like in 2026.
2026 Garden Trend Predictions
A Strong Focus on Fragrance
2025 placed a strong emphasis on whimsical romance in the garden, and we expect that trend to continue into the new year. Several sources suggest that scent stacking perfumes is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, and this concept is also carrying over into the garden. It is common practice to garden with the eyes by selecting pleasing color palettes, shapes, and textures. But what if this year we gardened with the nose?
Fragrance is more than just delightful. There is a phenomenon known as the Proust Phenomenon that highlights the powerful connection between scent and memory. Scent signals travel directly to the brain’s hippocampus, which controls memory, and through the amygdala, which governs emotion. This can trigger vivid emotional memories more quickly and intensely than other senses. Since life is ultimately composed of our memories, incorporating this practice into the garden is a powerful way to enhance our connection to it. Plants like lavender, lilacs, roses, and gardenias are excellent choices for creating a sensory-rich atmosphere.
Calm Tones and an Emphasis on Simplicity
Another trend we expect to see more of in outdoor spaces is a shift toward calm tones and simplicity. This aligns beautifully with Pantone’s Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer. White is not boring. It is dreamy, serene, and calming. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, the garden becomes a place of retreat and restoration.
We expect this trend to be reflected in simplified plant palettes that resonate with the soul. Imagine White Cloud Muhly Grass gently swaying in the wind, paired with soft white blooms of Calamintha Nepeta, buzzing with bumblebees. 2025 was a lot. Let 2026 be soft.
Micro Gardens and Containers
In the same spirit of simplicity and the idea that less is more, we expect micro gardening to continue gaining momentum. You do not need rolling hills of landscape to grow a meaningful garden. All you need is soil, sunshine, water, and plants.
Our plant partner and creator @So_Juli has mastered the art of micro gardening. Living in New York City with limited space did not stop her from creating a lush terrace oasis. She designed a whimsical, Japanese-inspired retreat that brings life into the concrete jungle. To achieve a similar look, we recommend Japanese Maples, Emerald Petite Arborvitae, and mixed container gardens featuring perennials like Hellebores and Pachysandra.
Defined Spaces
Last on our list of emerging garden trends is definition. We saw hints of this in our project with home and garden icon @Ourforeverrhome, who created a European-inspired outdoor living space that feels both intentional and inviting. We do not see this trend slowing down.
This approach views the garden as a functional extension of indoor living, offering the same level of comfort, style, and usability. Think perennial-lined gravel pathways, spiral topiaries, and hydrangeas arranged to frame the coziest lounge space imaginable.
Garden Practices Here to Stay
Alongside newer trends, there are also practices we consider evergreen, meaning they are not going anywhere anytime soon.
Sustainability
Sustainability remains a key focus in the garden. While gardening itself benefits the environment, there are additional steps that can make your landscape even more supportive. We expect continued interest in water-wise gardening, organic lawn and garden products, and planting native species. Some of our favorite native options include Annabelle Hydrangea, Echinacea Magnus, and the Eastern Redbud Tree.
Homesteading
Closely tied to sustainability, homesteading has experienced a significant surge in popularity in recent years. As preservatives and chemicals become more prevalent in food systems, growing your own food offers peace of mind and a deeper connection to what you eat. Homesteading emphasizes self-sufficiency and reduces reliance on external consumer systems, significantly lowering environmental impact. Some of our favorite homestead-approved plants include Honeycrisp Apple Trees, Kieffer Pear Trees, and Patriot Blueberry Bushes.
Indoor Oases
Rounding out our list of lasting green practices is the cultivation of indoor jungles. Houseplants surged in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as many sought comfort and creativity within their homes. Although interest has dipped slightly in recent years, we anticipate a strong resurgence in 2026. Breathing cleaner air and supporting mental well-being never go out of style, and houseplants remain a simple way to enhance everyday life.
Stay On Trend in The Garden & Shop Online Today!
As we move into 2026, the garden continues to reflect a more profound desire for intention, softness, and connection. Whether you are designing a fragrant retreat, simplifying your landscape, or cultivating greenery indoors or out, this year invites you to garden in a way that feels nourishing and personal. Growth does not need to be rushed. Sometimes the most meaningful beauty unfolds when we slow down and let nature take its course.