As we look ahead to the new year, it's time to revisit some of the most popular garden design trends from 2016 - and discover how they've evolved and improved over the past decade. What this really means is that the gardening world has embraced a more thoughtful, sustainable, and nature-centric approach, breathing new life into these beloved concepts.
Drought-Tolerant Natives Make a Comeback
Remember when drought-tolerant native plants were all the rage back in 2016? Well, they never really went away - in fact, they've only become more essential as climate change brings more extreme weather to many regions. What's different now is that gardeners and landscapers have a much deeper understanding of how to incorporate natives in visually striking ways, moving beyond the "messy" stereotypes. Native plants like blue mist shrub and autumn sage are being used to create lush, eye-catching borders and beds that also happen to be incredibly low-maintenance and beneficial for local wildlife.
Edible Gardening Gets a Glow-Up
The rise of edible gardening in the 2010s was driven by a desire for self-sufficiency and healthier eating. But over the past few years, home vegetable and herb gardens have become far more sophisticated and design-forward. Gardeners are now seamlessly integrating edibles into ornamental beds and borders, using them as focal points, and even creating stunning kitchen gardens that rival the best flower gardens. The result is a delicious fusion of form and function.
Houseplants Move Outdoors
The houseplant craze of the 2010s has only continued to grow, with more and more gardeners bringing their beloved indoor plants outside for the warmer months. Trailing vines, lush foliage plants, and even flowering tropicals are finding their way into summer container gardens and hanging baskets, providing pops of color and texture. The key is choosing resilient, weather-hardy houseplant varieties that can thrive in the elements.
Pollinator-Friendly Gardens Blossom
In 2016, there was a growing awareness of the plight of bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators. This has only intensified in the years since, with gardeners nationwide dedicating more space to pollinator-friendly plants and habitats. From colorful native wildflower meadows to carefully curated border plantings, these gardens provide essential food and shelter for pollinators while also bringing unparalleled beauty to outdoor spaces.
Vertical Gardening Reaches New Heights
The trend of vertical gardening first took root in the 2010s as a space-saving solution for small-space gardeners. But over the past decade, it's evolved into a sophisticated design technique that adds visual interest and functionality to gardens of all sizes. Gardeners are now using trellises, screens, and other vertical structures to grow everything from climbing vegetables to cascading flowers, blurring the lines between the horizontal and vertical planes.
Sustainable Features Become the Norm
A decade ago, sustainable garden features like water butts and permeable paving were still relatively niche. But as the urgency around climate change and environmental protection has grown, these elements have become standard in most new garden designs. Gardeners are now seamlessly integrating eco-friendly solutions that reduce water usage, promote biodiversity, and minimize their carbon footprint - proving that sustainability and style can absolutely go hand in hand.
The bigger picture here is that the gardening world has evolved in a way that prioritizes the health of our planet and the resilience of our outdoor spaces. What were once just trends have now become essential design principles that are making our gardens better than ever.