With spring around the corner, keen gardeners will be thinking about how they might approach 2026 to create a modern and relaxing sanctuary.
Gardens are an unsung hero of property sales – buyers are heavily influenced by the beauty of a garden, especially if it’s also low-maintenance.
If you’re thinking about selling your property this coming spring or summer, then investing some thought and a little cash in your garden will be an excellent investment.
Don’t get too caught up with selecting the perfect shrub or tree, though. Instead, make sure the garden is trimmed and neat with a splash of colour to make it attractive to buyers.
In terms of 2026 trends for gardens, you may be happy to hear that perfection is out – rigid layouts and over-paving are giving way to more stress-free designs that delight rather than achieve symmetrical perfection.
Here are some trends that may influence your approach to your garden this year.
No to Instagram – Don’t feel obliged to create the perfect garden to show off on social media platforms. Instead, garden experts are encouraging gardens that are reflective and even playful in their design.
Think romance – As a guide, consider how you might create a romantic garden rather than one that is modern, harsh and sparse, which has been the look for the last few years. Go for abundance and surprise.
Respect nature – This year, gardens should reflect the local environment. Your garden should support local pollinators that seek shelter and water. Try to attract local biodiversity.
Lawn overhaul – Wide open lawns are now being scorned. Consider planting pollinator-friendly shrubs and perennials along the edges to soften the garden beds and make the entire space feel more integrated.
Take care – Set and forget gardens are under the microscope, too. This is especially true if you’re planting North American natives. Don’t simply plant and walk away. Make sure your natives integrate into the design and scale of the garden. Oversized plants are discouraged.
Winter clean-up – Most gardeners will break out the broom before any other tool after the winter’s break. Experts say we should be more discerning with our clean-up. As you go about your work, try to ensure insects are not swept away. It’s estimated 40% of caterpillars and moths, which are prey for local birds, are swept away during a big clean-up.
No chemicals – Garden designers are urging us to think twice about the chemicals we use on our gardens. They’re pointing us towards organic materials and “integrated pest management” (IPM).
Fake nature – Perhaps the biggest sin will be using fake nature. Installing artificial turf is possibly the worst crime you might commit. Many authorities say it has become a wastage nightmare because so much of it is getting thrown out. Also, resist the temptation to buy plastic plants and rocks, and even plastic mulch.