Even though we’re not spending quite as much time at home these days, most of us still crave a personal outdoor retreat. We want our gardens to be an extension of our homes, a place that feels cozy and welcoming, and a sanctuary that connects us to nature and helps us feel at peace in a chaotic world.
But like any design aesthetic, new garden trends emerge over time. With research from Monrovia about consumer insights and tips from Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer and trend spotter at Monrovia, we’ve explored the biggest trends in gardening for the year ahead.
Many concepts, such as edible gardening and upscale outdoor living spaces, have been going strong for several years. Other trends, such as front yard redesigns, are just beginning to take off.
There are plenty of ways to incorporate these ideas in your own outdoor spaces, whether you’re planting one show-stopping flowering tree or designing a whole new cottage-style garden. Just be sure to choose plants that are suited to survive winters in your region.
This year, a new USDA Hardiness Zone map has been released for the first time since 2012 (find your zone here). Depending on where you live, there are subtle shifts in hardiness zones in about half the country, which means you may be able to experiment with plants that are slightly less cold-hardy than those you’ve previously planted. For the other half of the country, the zones remain the same.
Read on to learn the biggest garden trends for 2024, plus the plants that can help you achieve the look.
The Lure of Romance and Nostalgia
Classic flowers such as hydrangeas, roses, peonies and other flowering shrubs that are often thought of as old-fashioned are in demand. “The connection to the past is merging with the need for attractive, low-maintenance elegance,” says Tamony.
Think big, beautiful blooms and softer colors, but with the benefit of modern breeding that has made these plants easier to grow.
Get the look in your own yard by planting Bridal Veil Agapanthus, White Lady Banks Climbing Rose, and Seaside Serenade Cape Cod Hydrangea.
Drought-Tolerant Plantings
Concerns with extreme weather are causing gardeners across the country to seek out water-wise plantings (or plants that can stand up to drought).
“This trend has been prevalent in California and the Southwest, but it is now spreading to the Mountain West and even parts of the Midwest,” says Tamony.
Need drought-tolerant plantings? Opt for water-wise plants such as Safari Rose Aloe, Vibe Ignition Fuchsia Salvia, and Black Hens and Chicks.
Wellness Gardens
The connection between gardening and well-being continues to strengthen, with increased interest in fragrant plants and must-have plants that bring gardeners joy.
“Our research shows that this trend has been on the rise since 2020,” says Tamony. “Gardening has increasingly become an activity that allows us to remove ourselves from the noise of life.”
Want feel-good scented plants? Go with Swan Lake Mock Orange, Scent from Heaven Angel of Hope Dianthus, and Summer Soul Arabian Jasmine.
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Gardens of Abundance
Pollinator gardens have been popular for several years, but now gardeners are embracing the idea of spaces that are productive on all levels. That includes a focus on growing edibles, as well as supporting biodiversity.
“This trend focuses on more than just pollinators. We are seeing an increased interest in soil health, doing good for the environment, and creating a space that is our very own Garden of Eden," says Tamony.
Want to support biodiversity? Plant Bountiful Blue Blueberry, Evolution Colorific Coneflower, and Tuscan Blue Rosemary.
Front Yard Redesign
Many gardeners are interested in redesigning the front yard this year. “There are many reasons for this, but one that stands out is that people are staying put in their current homes and want to improve the look and usability of their front yards,” says Tamony.
Try something new in your front yard with Angel's Blush Abelia, Little One Blue Holly, and Pink and Pretty Hydrangea.
Upscale Luxury
Most gardeners say gardening is good for their mental health and well-being, so people want a private place that’s theirs so they can unwind—but without plants that need tons of maintenance. This also means bringing lush colors and welcoming textures to the garden space, much as you would to any indoor space.
Capture the feel with plants such as Forever Purple Heuchera, Velvet Viking Japanese Maple, and Jade Waves Fernspray False Cypress.
Arricca Elin SanSone
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
