The chaos gardening obsession is growing.
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Just like interior design, gardening is subject to a trend cycle. However, rather than shift with the years, gardening trends tend to follow the seasons and growing cycles. Maximalist gardens and structured hedges are no longer the "it" element of a trendy garden, but what is? We've tapped a handful of landscape and lawn professionals to provide their insight into the garden trends for this growing season.
To know if these plants, growing techniques, and lawn treatments will work in your space, we recommend looking up your USDA Hardiness Zone. This map is the best way to determine if certain plants will thrive and grow in your climate, aka the data behind why orange trees love Florida but not Vermont.
No matter if you live in the heart of the suburbs or on a sprawling country estate, there is a garden trend for everyone. From chaos gardening to a more minimalistic approach, this year's trends are all about allowing nature to do its own thing. Feeling inspired to pick up the gardening gloves? Read on for the top garden trends for the 2024 growing season.
1
Minimalist Gardening
"I jokingly refer to a minimalist, green-focused plant palette as the '50 shades of green' style. This garden style is quite adaptable in that it can be used in both sunny and shady spaces with plenty of options," landscape designer Kat Aul Cervoni says.
"TruGreen’s most recent research found that many homeowners are leaning toward a minimalist landscape in that they identify the basics—flowers (67 percent), a healthy lawn (66 percent), and healthy plants and shrubs (62 percent)—as the top three essentials for what makes an outdoor space attractive," Morelli adds. "A sea of green grass is a welcome mat that invites friends and family to sit back, relax, and enjoy nature."
2
Chaos Gardening
"We're seeing a rise of natural planting and tapestry lawns," landscape architect Janice Parker says. "Not only is this low-maintenance landscape trend aesthetically pleasing, but it's eco-friendly, supports biodiversity, and attracts pollinators."
Get started with our Chaos Gardening Tutorial.
3
Experience Gardens
"Our garden spaces became far more important during the pandemic, and people don’t just want to admire a beautiful garden but to truly experience it as well," Doug ho*rr, co-founder of landscape architecture firm ho*rr Schaudt, says of the rise in requests for "experience gardens."
"This can be an herb-cutting garden placed close to their outdoor kitchen, beekeeping, or creating a landscape with a larger variety of garden rooms to satisfy the interests of the family and give them an outdoor space they can experience and enjoy on multiple levels.”
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4
Rewilding Gardens
One of the biggest topics in landscape design is currently 'rewilding gardens,' or restoring the natural landscape and plant selection of your space. The rise in interest around this trend is thanks, in part, to "a renewed interest in sustainability and the use of native plants and materials," Parker says. "By rewilding, you’re helping to restore the natural ecosystem, creating a natural habitat for pollinators, and encouraging a return of wildlife."
5
Pollinator Gardens
"They're not only gorgeous but simple to create," Parker says. "Deeper yellows and purple blues will attract pollinators and satisfy your eye. Expect to see more jewel tones like reds and oranges accented by chartreuse and other bold combinations."
6
Ornamental Grasses
"Ornamental grasses, like pampas, provide a soothing sound throughout your landscape, especially on a breezy day," Matt Morelli, TruGreen’s region technical manager, says. "Not only do they sway in the wind, but these grasses can also provide privacy, depth, and character to the landscape with minimal maintenance requirements."
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7
Liquid Fertilizers
"The preference for liquid fertilizers among homeowners is increasing, with a 10 percent demand growth observed from 2016 to 2021," Steve Peeler, Internal Agronomist of Simple Lawn Solutions, says. "This surge can be attributed to the user-friendly features offered by leading brands, such as Simple Lawn Solutions, which facilitate effortless application through hose attachment and pre-calibrated sprayers to avoid over-application. Market research forecasts continued positive growth trends for liquid fertilizers throughout the next few years."
8
Gravel Walkways
"The easy-going look of large stepping stones set in pea gravel is very popular this year," Aul Cervoni says. "These can be used in pathways and transition spaces or as a sort of entrance to a larger patio space."
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