Gardening Trends for 2025

While many of us like to garden in the same familiar way year after year, embracing the traditional planting schemes and recreating our own favourite outdoor style there is no doubt that gardening is increasingly becoming influenced by ‘trends’ and new styles which rise an popularity every season. 

Nowhere are these trends more apparent than at major events like RHS Chelsea Flowers Show where each year there are solid favourites in terms of planting and themes that tend to run throughout the show – more on our predictions for Chelsea later!

Although many of the trends come and go – in vogue colour palletes and plants of the moment are soon old hat but there are some themes which are here to stay - the desire for sustainability and creative ways to maximise space, whether your garden is large or small, are really shaping our habits as gardeners with many of us prioritising choices that include making our garden multifunctional, reducing water use, and supporting wildlife.

Here’s a few things that we predict will feature strongly in 2025:

1. Climate-Conscious Gardens

The ongoing concerns around climate change are prompting gardeners to rethink their landscapes, focusing on species that thrive with minimal water and withstand changing temperatures. Native and drought-tolerant plants, such as lavender, yarrow, and hebe, already feature strongly the garden scene, chosen for their ability to thrive without excessive watering.

Rain gardens are another growing trend, designed to collect and filter rainwater while retaining a sense of style as part of a focus on climate resilience in gardens and the broader trend toward thoughtful, water-efficient landscapes.

2. Vertical and Small-Space Gardening

With a rise in urban living, small-space gardening solutions are always in high demand.

Vertical gardening is a practical and glorious way to add greenery to a limited space – Arches, Trellis and Obelisks are all instant ways to add another dimension no matter how small your garden.

Living walls and trellises adorned with climbing plants, such as ivy, jasmine, and clematis, allow for lush, green backdrops even in tiny balconies or terraces and are becoming common place in cutting edge building design  

Arches continue to be a must have feature in any garden - not only as a frame for climbing plants but also creating focal points that add depth and dimension to compact spaces.

3. Zinc Planters and Modern Materials

The use of durable, contemporary materials such as zinc and corten steel have become THE stylish choice in UK gardens over the last few seasons. Zinc planters, in particular, are trending for their weather-resistant qualities and sleek, industrial look, blending well with modern and rustic designs alike.

Agriframes Zinc Planters are versatile and available in a range of sizes and styles, making them ideal for everything from small herbs to large ornamental shrubs. Their understated, neutral tones enhance the natural beauty of plants while providing a clean, sophisticated look that aligns with minimalist aesthetics.

4. Edible Landscaping

2025 will see a continued interest in edible landscaping as gardeners embrace self-sufficiency and the pleasure of growing their own food. Herbs, vegetables, and even fruit trees are being incorporated into decorative landscaping.

Traditional flower beds are now home to kale, rosemary, and strawberries, blending beauty with functionality – The Agriframes Kitchen Garden Range develops this trend allowing you to create a growing space that is both beautiful and functional.

Raised beds and container gardens make it easy to cultivate a variety of edibles, even in urban spaces and with  an emphasis on organic practices, gardeners are looking to eliminate pesticides and promote biodiversity, ensuring a safe environment for pollinators and other beneficial insects – A Crop Cage or Cloche is the ideal way to keep pests at bay without the need for harmful chemicals.

5. Wildlife-Friendly Gardens

We are all aware of the importance of supporting local wildlife and gardens in 2025 will increasingly include features like pollinator plants, bird feeders, and insect hotels to encourage biodiversity – a Birdfeed Obelisk is an instant way to join this trend!

Wildflower meadows are a huge hit at all the flower shows and are becoming popular even in domestic gardens as low-maintenance and highly beneficial for bees and butterflies, replacing traditional lawns in many spaces.

Native plants that provide food and shelter for local wildlife are also gaining popularity, contributing to healthier ecosystems. Additionally, water features such as ponds and birdbaths will attract a variety of creatures, turning gardens into thriving microhabitats – don’t forget to use a Pond Cover to prevent leaves from polluting the water in Autumn.

6. Sustainable Practices and Organic Methods

Sustainability continues to be a major trend, with gardeners seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact. Organic gardening methods are on the rise, including the use of compost and natural fertilizers to enrich the soil.

Composting reduces waste and creates nutrient-rich soil, while natural mulches like bark chips help retain moisture and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers – If you don’t have room for a Tradition Compost heap there are many space conscious alternatives – a Rotating Composter is a really effective option for a small garden.

Insect-friendly pest control solutions, such as companion planting and barrier methods are replacing pesticides, preserving the health of both the garden and the broader ecosystem – A Crop Cage will help keep butterflies and birds away from your crops.

7. Colorful Foliage and Textured Plants

For a vibrant, multi-dimensional look, gardeners are turning to plants with interesting foliage and textures. The exquisite gardens of designer Kazuyuki Ishihara have been showstoppers at Chelsea for the last few years and rely on foliage, moss and lichen to create a stunning and dynamic effect.

Japanese maple, heuchera, and grasses such as miscanthus add colour and movement to gardens, especially in smaller spaces where every plant choice counts. Silver, burgundy, and deep green tones are being used to create dynamic contrasts, while textured plants bring depth to garden beds and planters. These plants also offer year-round visual interest – great value in any garden but especially where space is limited or for an area that is in direct view from a window.

8. Outdoor Living Spaces

For one reason or another many of us are spending more time at home in recent years and gardens are increasingly becoming extensions of indoor living spaces. Outdoor kitchens, seating areas, and cosy fire pits will be sure to remain popular in 2025, allowing people to entertain and relax in their gardens.

Pergolas and Gazebos provide shade and shelter meaning we can eat or relax outside in any weather and adding stylish Garden Furniture really helps create an indoors-outdoors feel.

As part of the outdoor living trend, gardens are also being designed with lighting to create an inviting ambiance, extending usability well into the evening – Agriframes newly launched Outdoor Lighting Range has options for any garden.

9. Minimalist and Low-Maintenance Gardens

The trend towards simplicity and ease is shaping garden designs with a minimalist aesthetic. Clean lines, simple layouts, and low-maintenance plants are key for those who want beautiful spaces without high upkeep demands. Gravel gardens are becoming popular as they require minimal watering and are ideal for drought-tolerant plants.

Evergreens and perennials that don’t need frequent trimming or special care are the plants of choice. This approach not only saves time but also supports the broader trend of water conservation and resource efficiency.

10. Shade Gardening

As outdoor spaces shrink and urban living continues to rise, shade gardening is gaining popularity.

Many urban gardeners are working with spaces that don’t receive full sunlight, which has led to an increased demand for shade-loving plants.

Ferns, hostas, and astilbes are common choices, providing lush greenery even in low-light conditions. Vertical shade gardens and container setups for shaded areas are also trending, making it possible for urban gardeners to enjoy greenery in locations that would traditionally be considered challenging for plant growth.

11. Terrace, Courtyard and Rooftop Gardens

Courtyards, balconies and rooftop gardens are flourishing as people make the most of every inch of outdoor space. Stylish containers, multipurpose planters, and vertical Screens are are a great way to fit multiple plants in compact areas.

Rooftop gardens are being designed not only for greenery but also as usable spaces for relaxation and entertaining. These small gardens often focus on hardy, low-maintenance plants and robust structures due to exposure to the elements at higher elevations – Agriframe structures offer a 10 year guarantee to give you confidence in the quality of materials and construction.

Rooftop gardens are increasingly being integrated into new construction projects, blending urban living with the benefits of green spaces - the Coutts Skyline Garden in London is a great example of how Agriframes Arches bring an extra dimension to a spectacular project.

We look forward to seeing whether our predictions for 2025 are on the money with  top gardening trends reflecting a growing passion for sustainability, creativity, and efficiency.

From climate-conscious plant selections and modern materials like zinc planters to the celebration of small space growing, gardeners are creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.

As more people turn to gardening as a way to connect with nature and enhance their living spaces, the emphasis on eco-friendly practices, small-space solutions, and wildlife-friendly designs will continue to shape the future of gardens. garden.