As we look ahead to 2025, it's important to note that many of the ideas I'm about to highlight aren't entirely new but represent a growing focus in the gardening world. These enduring principles are shaping the future of garden design, reflecting a deeper understanding of our environment, well-being, and our role in nurturing the natural world. As more people recognise their importance, these practices are widely implemented, making them appear trend-like. However, their significance goes far beyond mere popularity.
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10 key trends set to influence garden design in 2025
The new naturalism - embracing wildness
Gardens are increasingly adopting a wilder, less structured aesthetic, moving away from rigid geometric designs. This approach embraces naturalistic planting schemes featuring diverse colours, textures, and heights. Expect to see informal borders that mimic untamed landscapes. This trend enhances visual interest, increases biodiversity and makes gardening more achievable for those with busy lifestyles, encouraging a relaxed attitude towards outdoor spaces.
Maximalist planting designs
The focus in garden design is shifting from rigid colour palettes to maximalist planting designs that create harmonious plant communities. This approach encourages gardeners to select plants based on ecological roles and interactions rather than purely aesthetic appeal. In natural ecosystems, plants are chosen for their functional contributions rather than superficial characteristics.
Nature prioritises interconnectedness and symbiotic relationships among plants. Some provide structural support; others fix nitrogen or attract pollinators while offering ground cover or protection. By mimicking these processes, gardeners can create resilient landscapes that function like living ecosystems.
While aesthetics remain important—gardens are spaces for enjoyment after all—there is growing recognition that ecological health and biodiversity are equally vital.
Soil health
There is a growing emphasis on soil health as the cornerstone of successful gardening, with the no-dig method emerging as a key approach to maintaining robust ecosystems. This technique minimises soil disturbance while enhancing soil structure and biodiversity.
By using raised beds and layered planting techniques, gardeners maintain healthy microbial activity, improve water retention, and reduce weed growth—all while avoiding chemical fertilisers. The no-dig approach saves time and labour while promoting a deeper understanding of soil as a living system.
This represents a fundamental shift in gardening philosophy, moving away from intensive soil manipulation towards a more holistic, nature-aligned method of cultivation.
Gravel, sand, or waste gardening
This concept is gaining traction as a sustainable approach to creating resilient landscapes. It repurposes materials often considered waste—such as gravel, sand, and on-site concrete—to craft gardens that thrive in drought-prone areas. These gardens utilise plants adapted to harsh environments, typically featuring species occurring in well-drained, nutrient-poor soils.
By mimicking these conditions, we encourage plants to develop deep root systems that enhance drought resistance and overall hardiness. Using materials like gravel creates a free-draining environment that compels roots to grow deeper in search of moisture and nutrients. Waste gardening offers a sustainable alternative to traditional lawns and water-intensive landscapes.
Read more about the pictured project
Repurposing materials
There is a growing trend in garden design toward repurposing materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. By utilising reclaimed or up-cycled materials in our landscapes, we minimise environmental impact while infusing outdoor spaces with unique character.
In urban gardens where space is limited, there is also increasing recognition that garden elements—such as furniture—should serve multiple functions. This emphasis on multi-functionality maximises the utility of small spaces while ensuring they remain practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Wildlife-friendly gardens
Creating habitats for wildlife is increasingly becoming a priority for gardeners seeking to enhance biodiversity in their outdoor spaces. Incorporating features such as water sources, log piles, and native plant species can transform a garden into a sanctuary for birds, insects, and small mammals.
Water features like small ponds provide essential hydration and attract various wildlife species. Log piles create shelter for beneficial insects and small creatures, fostering thriving ecosystems. Additionally, diverse planting schemes offer food for many species, enhancing biodiversity. This trend highlights the crucial role gardens play in supporting ecological health.
Vertical greenery
As urban spaces become more compact, vertical gardening is on the rise as an innovative solution for maximising limited space. From living walls to balcony gardens, people are finding creative ways to bring greenery into unexpected places. This trend beautifies urban environments while positively contributing to air quality and green corridors for biodiversity.
The importance of trees
Trees play a crucial role in enhancing garden ecosystems by providing shade, improving air quality, creating micro-habitats, and supporting wildlife. There is increasing recognition of their benefits as gardeners seek to incorporate more trees into their designs that offer multiple ecological advantages while adding sculpture and beauty to a space.
Read more about the project pictured
Gardens designed for enhancing mental and physical well-being
As our understanding of gardens' vital role in enhancing mental and physical health expands, interest in creating tranquil and interactive spaces rise. By incorporating sensory elements such as fragrant plants and soothing water features, these gardens significantly enhance the calming atmosphere they provide—a much-needed escape from daily stresses.
This connection to nature has been demonstrated to significantly enhance both psychological and physical well-being, highlighting the importance of these serene environments for overall wellness.
Biophilic spaces - gardens as extensions of the home
A growing trend sees gardens no longer viewed as separate entities but as extensions of our living spaces. This shift reflects a desire to connect with nature daily through outdoor 'rooms'—from kitchens to dining and living areas—that seamlessly blend indoor comfort with outdoor freshness. This trend goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about crafting multifunctional spaces catering to our needs for relaxation while reconnecting with nature.
These principles reflect a broader shift towards sustainable garden design focused on well-being and ecological health. As we move through to 2025 and beyond, these themes will continue shaping how we interact with our outdoor spaces and the natural world around us. By embracing these approaches, we can create gardens that enrich our lives while positively impacting the environment.