Predicting the future of gardens in 2025 can be a tricky business. A reliable source for such forecasts is Katie Dubow’s Garden Media Group, experts in the green industry. Their annual Garden Trends Report tracks how various trends, from fashion to food, will influence gardening. Over the years, they have accurately predicted movements like the rise of native plants and forest bathing becoming mainstream.
Looking ahead, one trend expected to gain traction is the concept of living fences. With a growing number of homes falling under Homeowners’ Associations, homeowners seek ways to distinguish their properties while adhering to regulations. Planting living fences with a mix of plant species, including natives that support wildlife, can provide a unique and eco-conscious touch to property boundaries.
Floral foraging is another trend on the horizon, allowing people to gather natural elements from gardens or the wild to create beautiful indoor arrangements. This practice fosters a deeper connection to nature, which many individuals seek in today’s fast-paced world.
Adding to the whimsy of future gardens is the trend of “tyrannical cuteness,” inspired by surreal pastel colors and never-before-seen plant variations. Unique plants like the bioluminescent Firefly petunia and whimsical varieties such as alliums and sea holly are expected to gain popularity. Fairy gardens may also make a comeback in this enchanting garden aesthetic.
Embracing the idea of “lived-in” gardens, where imperfections and aged elements are celebrated, will likely become more prevalent. Just as fashion trends embrace the worn and aged look, gardens may reflect this concept with a nod to authenticity and character.
As we look ahead to 2025, these trends offer a glimpse into the evolving landscape of gardening, blending innovation with a deeper connection to nature and a touch of whimsy.
The surge in popularity of vintage Rolexes over new models raises intriguing questions about cultural preferences. According to Dubow, this trend suggests a desire for objects with a rich history and a sense of longevity. She notes that the appeal of a perfectly manicured landscape falls short in providing the same allure as something that has aged gracefully over time.
Looking ahead, Dubow foresees a shift towards more natural and “lived-in” garden designs. These envisioned gardens would feature elements such as sprawling roses, lawns dotted with bulbs, indigenous flora, well-established trees, and densely populated, multi-layered flower beds.
A curious connection emerges between the fashion world’s fascination with cutout dresses worn by celebrities and the rising popularity of fenestrated plants. These plants, characterized by their leaves’ perforations, like the split-leaf Philodendron and Monstera, have captured the attention of enthusiasts for years. Notably, Dubow highlights a remarkable 600% surge in Google Trend searches for Monstera during the first half of 2024.
The juxtaposition of plant aesthetics and human fashion preferences raises a thought-provoking question: are we merely imitating nature with our choices, or is nature, in turn, inspiring our tastes and trends?
Jessica Damiano, an esteemed contributor, delivers insightful weekly gardening columns for the Associated Press (AP) and curates the acclaimed Weekly Dirt Newsletter. For a steady stream of gardening tips and advice, readers can subscribe to the Weekly Dirt Newsletter through the provided link.
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