Looking to give your landscape an update? These 2025 garden trends will be popping up all over the neighborhood soon.
5 Garden Trends That Are Growing Fast in 2025
Published on Jan. 16, 2025
Plant a Modern Meadow
“One of the garden trends we’re watching for 2025 and beyond is a design we’re calling the Modern Meadow,” says Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer and trend spotter at Monrovia. “Twenty-eight percent of those we surveyed say they want their garden to have a more natural look. That number grew 6% since last year.”
Provided that you choose the right plants for your growing conditions, meadows can be low maintenance and drought tolerant once established. And don’t worry, you don’t need to let your lawn grow out of control. The goal is to achieve the feeling of a wild meadow with ornamental grasses and pollinator-friendly perennials, just on an easier-to-manage scale.
The modern take on this natural garden style has the appeal that people seek with native plants, but it’s less unruly and easier to care for. You don’t need a large acreage to make this look work. “The key is choosing climate appropriate diversity for your meadow,” says Katie.
Add Bright, Bold Color
While classic neutral hues are standards in residential design, bolder, more vibrant colors are emerging in paint and fabrics. Color is quickly becoming one of the top growing garden trends, too. “Color is another way to infuse the garden with joy,” says Katie.
To punch up your flower beds with reliable perennials, Monrovia recommends the new Panama Red Coneflower, Eau de Parfum Bling Rose, ‘Seaside Serenade’ Newport hydrangea, and ‘Garden Candy’ Evie Jane itoh peony.
“We are craving the depth and energy of strong color in the landscape,” Katie says. “Breeders are delivering on that need with blooms and foliage in deep, color saturated hues.
Another option is to try framing your favorite flower and foliage colors with cool whites and greens in a layered effect.
Grow a Garden of Abundance
Fewer people live on farms or homesteads nowadays, but many gardeners aim to develop a productive landscape that also supports wildlife. The Abundant Garden trend features fruits and vegetables mixed with ornamental and pollinator friendly plants in interesting combinations. The end result feeds both body and soul and expands gardeners’ connection to nature.
Think of pairing hydrangeas with blueberries to create a charming edible hedge. Use strawberries as a ground cover to grow underneath roses or peonies, not only to maximize space, but also to spark wonder and discovery.
If you think you don’t have room for an apple tree in your yard, think again. Fruit Snacks columnar apples are compact and upright, growing only to about 2 feet wide and 10 feet tall.
You can also look for ways to mix vegetables and flowers in containers.
The Lived-in Garden Look
Think about the joys of relaxing in summer under tall shade trees. As a society craving serenity and authenticity, this translates to a premium value on established landscapes with mature trees and attractive borders.
Think beyond the basic green lawn. Modern landscapes are carefully designed to appear as if they were planted decades ago. If you’re starting from scratch, look for fast-growing shrubs and trees to boost your curb appeal, and shop for larger perennials at the garden center that will make an impact sooner. Consider incorporating architectural elements or repurposing found objects as containers to boost the vintage feel. Stick to a calming palette with cool and pastel colors that are restful to the eyes.
Check out the top 10 big flowers for your garden.
The appeal of lived-in gardens goes beyond mere aesthetics. According to recent research from Virginia Tech, a well-landscaped home can enjoy up to a 12.7% increase in property value. By embracing the lived-in garden trend, you are not just creating a beautiful space to enjoy now but also nurturing an investment that grows more valuable with time.
Design Diverse Living Fences
In a world where we are increasingly sharing online, we crave privacy and security these days in our homes and gardens. Hedges probably don’t seem trendy or exciting – picture a row of arborvitae. But you can perk things up by designing a hedge with a mix of plants.
Diverse living hedges provide countless environmental benefits over a manmade fence. They reduce soil erosion and water runoff, plus in many cases they are often more cost effective over time.
A mixed hedge provides visual interest in multiple seasons, with color and varied textures (from flowers to foliage). But more importantly, it supports birds, butterflies and insects by providing food, shelter, and nesting sites. With a little planning, you can transform a simple privacy boundary border into wildlife habitat.
Try creating a layered hedge using native plants. Tools like the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder to select plants that are well-suited to your growing zone and climate.
Sources
- Monrovia
- Proven Winners
- Garden Media Group: 2025 Garden Trends Report
