Garden writer Josephine Nuese once famously remarked, “Anyone who thinks that gardening begins in the spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year. For gardening begins in January, with the dream.” 

Although the New Year celebrations have passed, the anticipation of a fresh season of gardening adventures has only just started. However, the finest gardens don’t solely depend on dreams; they are firmly grounded in careful planning as well.  

In the spirit of planning, we've delved into insights about what's trending for the 2025 garden season. To begin, 2025 has been designated as the year of the “wilder garden” — where creating habitats at home transitions from a niche trend to a solid foundation for the future.

Priorities will include planting for pollinators, wildlife, and the planet, leading to a rise in the use of native plants. Overly manicured spaces are slated to fall out of favor while the "less lawn movement” becomes mainstream, as more people recognize the detrimental environmental and health impacts of maintaining those pristine lawns from the past.  

As we enter the new year, gardens are expected to serve a purpose; individuals are seeking plants that are edible, functional, and sustainable. You'll start to hear about “hunt and gather spaces” — these are practical foraging yards that creatively incorporate various berry bushes, herbs, vegetables, and even small fruit trees and vines woven throughout the landscape. Many of these spaces feature lesser known edible plants, such as North America’s only native tropical fruit tree, the Paw Paw or the superfood berry Aronia (chokeberry) a native shrub whose spring blooms offer critical nourishment for native pollinators.  

In 2025, gardeners will have elevated expectations for their outdoor environments. Landscapes should not only manage floodwaters and enhance biodiversity, but also demonstrate water efficiency and climate resilience. In essence, the latest generation of gardeners is moving beyond purely decorative spaces; they seek functional areas that serve their needs while benefiting the planet. These goals may seem ambitious, but they are certainly valuable and long overdue.  

Exciting trends are also emerging. Living fences are gaining popularity, replacing dull boundaries created by traditional fences and uniform hedges. These vibrant living fences consist of a mix of native shrubs at various heights, combined with an assortment of flowering perennials and low ground covers. This diverse approach creates a welcoming habitat for songbirds and adds playful charm to the edges of landscapes.  

Landscapes and beyond

Whimsical forest gardens are set to gain traction. These gardens are thoughtfully designed to replicate a forest just outside residential doors by skillfully layering tall and small trees, shrubs, and an array of herbaceous plants into richly diverse ecosystems. They provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with nature and enjoy its numerous benefits, such as stress relief, enhanced mental health and well-being — all from the comfort of home.  

A prominent trend will involve the integration of gardens into the surrounding landscape. This idea encompasses two interconnected aspects. Gardens will no longer have defined borders; they will extend beyond traditional limits to encompass entire yards. Simultaneously, nature will encroach, blending the boundaries between yards and the wilder areas that lie beyond.  

Every year, the Garden Media Group selects a color of the year, and for 2025, that color is teal. This choice symbolizes a return of joy and vibrancy to the garden. Upcycled accent pieces such as planters, benches, and chairs can be transformed with a lively teal hue, while plants with silvery leaves complement this color beautifully.

Pycnanthemum muticum, also known as Clustered Mountain Mint, features stunning silvery-blue tones and is an excellent choice for a teal-themed garden, with added benefits as a native pollinator powerhouse. Additionally, it has earned the title of 2025's perennial of the year, a well-deserved recognition for this low-maintenance garden favorite.  

Do any of these enchanting trends resonate with you? If so, the wintry months ahead are the ideal time to embark upon the planning needed to manifest them into reality. To assist you on this magical journey, we invite you to join us for a captivating lineup of workshops—an enchanting “Living Landscapes Learning Series”—crafted to unite the artistry and science of ecological gardening.  

Life in the Garden” brings eco-friendly garden tips from Cindy and Ed Moura of Prickly Ed’s Cactus Patch Native Plant Emporium, where they are passionate about helping people realize the essential role everyone can play in supporting life right outside their own doors.