Gardening in 2025 is all about bringing nature’s beauty into your own backyard. Whether you're dreaming of a peaceful moonlit garden, embracing nature with a "modern meadow" wildflower garden, or bringing back nostalgic plants that remind you of the past, the top gardening trends of 2025 are all about expressing yourself, sustainability, and creating a calm atmosphere.
As more people spend time outside, gardens are becoming more than just pretty—they’re places that bring joy and peace. Experts like Katie Tamony, CMO and trend spotter for Monrovia, and Gail Pabst, marketing director for the National Garden Bureau, are noticing exciting changes, with people drawing comfort from memories, focusing on sustainability, and soaking in the therapeutic power of nature. From the rise of perennial gardens to the growing love for maximalist spaces, there’s a trend to inspire every gardener this year.
So, if you're planning your garden for 2025, here’s a sneak peek at the top trends to watch.
Nostalgic Gardens
Nostalgic gardens are making a big return as gardeners seek comfort and a connection to simpler times. As Pabst explains, “The gardens are deeply personal and reflect the gardener’s history and taste.” They often reflect memories of childhood or beloved family gardens, but with modern improvements to enhance their performance. For a nostalgic touch, consider plants like peonies, hollyhocks, or roses—flowers that bring back memories of old-fashioned gardens, now available in varieties with better disease resistance and longer blooming times. These updated varieties will add charm and performance to your nostalgic retreat.
White or Moon Gardens
Moon gardens are designed to be enchanting at night, featuring white blooms and silver foliage that reflect moonlight and create a calming, peaceful atmosphere. To build a beautiful moon garden, include flowers like white gardenias, moonflowers, and white lilies, along with silvery foliage such as lamb’s ear or dusty miller. “These gardens can create a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day," Pabst says. White flowers like jasmine or evening primrose also release their fragrance at night, attracting pollinators and enhancing the sensory experience.
Maximalist Gardens
Maximalism in gardening is all about embracing bold, eclectic styles. This trend focuses on filling your garden with abundant plants, vibrant colors, and unique decorative elements that reflect the gardener’s personality. Consider mixing unusual plant varieties like bright-colored dahlias, purple cone flowers, and exuberant marigolds. Pabst says, “Maximalism breaks the rules and brings diversity, abundance and ecologically rich plants to the garden.” For a truly maximalist look, add garden art, colorful pots, and other decorative elements to showcase your style and creativity.
Perennial Gardens
Perennial gardens are increasingly popular for their ability to offer year-round texture, color, and movement. Grasses and sedges, in particular, are being highlighted for their versatility and beauty that last beyond the flowering season. Try planting varieties like feather reed grass, blue fescue, and sedges, which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide valuable food and shelter for birds in fall and winter. Pabst emphasizes, “The appeal of perennial gardens goes well beyond the flowering season, offering beauty in the fall and winter.” For best results, plant these perennials in groups or drifts to create a natural and impactful look.
Modern Meadow Gardens
As gardeners continue to embrace nature, the modern meadow trend is gaining traction. These gardens focus on creating a more relaxed, organic aesthetic that mimics natural landscapes. “People are craving gardens that feel wild but are still manageable,” said Tamony. “It's all about blending beauty with function, offering a space where native plants thrive and provide ecological benefits.” Wildflowers, native grasses, and flowing plants like goldenrod or black-eyed Susans can transform any backyard into a peaceful sanctuary that attracts wildlife and requires less maintenance.
Hummingbird Gardens
With the growing focus on pollinators, the hummingbird garden trend is taking flight in 2025. These vibrant, bird-friendly spaces are designed to attract the colorful creatures that help pollinate plants and bring beauty to the garden. "Hummingbirds have become more than just a delightful sight—they’re part of a larger movement toward sustainable, eco-friendly gardening," Tamony shared. Brightly colored flowers such as bee balm, columbine, and trumpet vine will entice these tiny visitors, making your garden buzz with life and color.
Green Drenching
Another 2025 garden trend that's gaining popularity is green drenching, where gardeners focus on creating lush, verdant spaces full of greenery. “Greenery has the power to calm and uplift a space,” Tamony said. “People are opting for an abundance of plants, from evergreens to ferns, to create serene, green-drenched spaces that offer a sense of tranquility year-round.” The key to this trend is layering different types of plants—think soft ferns, dense ivy, and towering evergreens—to create a soothing, peaceful environment that's perfect for relaxation.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
