Although we don't spend much time indoors these days, most of us crave the comfort of the great outdoors. We want our gardens to be an extension of our home, comfortable and welcoming, connecting us to nature and a refuge where we can feel calm in a chaotic world.
But as with any design aesthetic, new garden trends emerge over time. With consumer research and advice from Monrovia Marketing Director and trend expert Katie Tamoni, we've explored the best gardening trends for next year.
Many ideas, such as edible gardens and luxury outdoor living spaces, have been gaining popularity for several years now. Other trends are now starting to emerge, such as campus reforms.
Whether you're planting a single flowering plant or designing a whole new cottage garden, there are many ways to incorporate these ideas into your own outdoor spaces. Be sure to choose plants that can withstand winter in your area.
A new USDA hardiness zone map was released this year for the first time since 2012 (find your zone here). Depending on where you live, about half the country is experiencing a slight hardiness zone change, meaning you can experiment with plants that are a little less cold-hardy than those planted in the past. For half the country, the zones will remain the same.
Read on to learn about the top gardening trends for 2024, as well as the plants that will help you achieve the look.
Appeal to love and desire
Classic flowers such as hydrangeas, roses, peonies and other flowering shrubs are often considered old-fashioned. “The connection to the past matches the desire for an elegant, low-maintenance aesthetic,” Tamoni says.
Think big, beautiful flowers and delicate flowers, but with the benefits of modern breeding that makes these plants easy to grow.
Create this look in your garden by climbing agapanthus 'Bridal Veil', rose 'White Lady Banks' and hydrangea 'Seaside Serenade' in Cape Cod.
Drought-resistant plants
Concerned about extreme weather conditions, gardeners across the country are looking for water-tolerant plants (or drought-tolerant plants).
“This trend used to be common in California and the Southwest, but now it is spreading to the Mountain West and even parts of the Midwest,” Tamony said.
Looking for drought-tolerant plants? Choose plants that are suitable for watering, such as Safari Rose Aloe, Vibe Ignition Fuchsia Salvia and Black Hens and Chicks.
Health Garden
As the connection between gardening and health continues to grow, gardeners need to grow aromatic plants and herbs.
“Our research shows that this trend has been increasing since 2020,” Tamani said. “Gardening is an escape from the hustle and bustle of life.”
Looking for plants that smell good? Add zesty orange Swan Lake, Angel of Heavenly Hope, clove and Arabian jasmine Summer Soul.
Lots of gardens
Pollen gardens have been popular for several years, but gardeners are now embracing the idea of creating productive spaces at all levels. This includes focusing on growing edible food and supporting biodiversity.
“This trend is not just about pollinators. We are seeing a growing interest in soil health, which benefits the environment and creates our own Garden of Eden,” Tamani said.
Do you want to support biodiversity? Lots of blueberries, colorful echinacea and Tuscan blue rosemary.
Front yard updated
Many gardeners are looking to update their garden design this year. “There are many reasons for this, but one of them is that people are staying in their current homes and want to improve the appearance and usefulness of their yards,” Tamani says.
Try something new in your yard: Angel's Blush Abelia, Little Blue Holly, Pink and Pretty Hydrangea.
Luxury is luxury
Most gardeners say gardening is good for their mental health and well-being, so people want a private space where they can relax, but without high-maintenance plants. This means bringing rich colors and attractive textures to the garden, just like any other indoor space.
Capture that feeling with plants like Forever Purple Heuchera, Velvet Viking Japanese Maple, and Jade Waves Fernspray False Cypress.
You may also like this
