- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
10 Garden Trends for 2026—and How to Embrace Them Without a Complete Overhaul
From pet-friendly plants to Grandma's prized blooms, these ideas inspire a yard that's uniquely you
Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:07pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Whether you gravitate toward the casual feel of a cottage garden, the overflowing bounty of a cutting garden, or a more formal and manicured look, your garden should bring you joy. Choosing what you love makes it a place where you want to spend time, puttering with the pruners or connecting with nature and the people you love. But if you feel like your garden could use an update, there are plenty of fun, new design concepts trending this year.
Why it matters
The article highlights the latest garden design trends for 2026, providing readers with ideas and tips on how to incorporate these trends into their own outdoor spaces without having to do a complete overhaul. The trends focus on creating personalized, low-maintenance, and pet-friendly gardens that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living.
The details
The article covers 10 key garden trends for 2026, including blending indoor and outdoor living, small-space plantings, a sense of nostalgia, embracing color, incorporating fruit trees and shrubs, maximalism, personalized spaces, pet-friendly areas, ambient lighting, and enhanced privacy. Each trend is accompanied by a design tip to help readers implement the trend in their own gardens.
- The article was published on January 30, 2026.
The players
Kristian Thiem
A landscape and outdoor living designer with Tidal Creek Designs.
Corrina Murray
A garden expert for Encore Azalea.
Natalie Carmolli
A public relations specialist with Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.
Kat Aul Cervoni
A landscape designer and founder of Staghorn NYC and The Cultivation by Kat.
Diane Blazek
The executive director of the National Garden Bureau and All-America Selections.
Kelly Funk
The President & CEO of Jackson & Perkins.
What they’re saying
“Design trends now blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, with furniture and accessories built for exterior use yet styled like indoor pieces. Planters bring nature inside, while performance fabrics and outdoor furnishings are increasingly used both indoors and out, creating cohesive and flexible living spaces.”
— Kristian Thiem, landscape and outdoor living designer
“More and more, homeowners' outdoor spaces are getting smaller: new homes are being constructed closer together, and renovations are cutting the size of existing yards. In response, homeowners are gravitating toward eye-catching landscape plants that thrive in tight spaces and do double duty with benefits like year-round interest, fragrance, flowers, and privacy.”
— Corrina Murray, garden expert
“Garden classics like lilacs and forsythia are hugely popular, especially now that smaller, more floriferous varieties are available. These plants make it possible to add some old-fashioned loveliness to almost any size garden.”
— Natalie Carmolli, public relations specialist
“All flower colors seem to be in, though the dusky muted pinks, peaches, orange, and purples offer a more moody aesthetic. Alternatively, butter yellow is also in because it pairs nicely with everything. Colorful foliage is also hot, including red, purple, and bronze foliage.”
— Kat Aul Cervoni, landscape designer and founder
“It's all about big and bold and the opposite of minimalism that was so hot for a while. It's perfect for plant collectors as maximalism encourages quantity and groupings with diverse colors and textures.”
— Diane Blazek, executive director
“In 2026, gardens are less about perfection and more about meaning, connection, and lived experience. People want gardens that reflect who they are and how they live; spaces that invite interaction, support wildlife, accommodate pets, and tell stories. Garden design is becoming a form of cultural expression: a place where beauty, functionality, and belonging intersect.”
— Kelly Funk, President & CEO
The takeaway
The article highlights the growing trend of personalized, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly gardens that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. By embracing these 2026 garden trends, homeowners can create outdoor spaces that reflect their unique style and lifestyle, while also supporting local wildlife and creating a more sustainable environment.
