1Experiential Landscapes
In 2026, gardens will be more than just aesthetically pleasing areas to maintain and admire. This year, Haiman is seeing budding interest in experiential landscapes that offer tactile, interactive experiences. Sensory plants with soothing aromas, sounds, and textures are blossoming across backyards, and gardeners are fusing the modern and natural worlds by creating outdoor living rooms made of boxwood walls and wellness-focused hubs with greenery-clad saunas, for instance.
2Regenerative Systems
Another gardening trend that’ll sprout this year, according to Haiman, is regenerative systems that restore soil, sequester carbon, and support biodiversity. Expect to see a shift toward soil-first designs with weather-resistant layering and less emphasis on tilling and composting. Haiman believes gardeners will also return to more wild-grown constructions like meadows instead of manicured lawns, plus natural features like wildlife habits, woodland plants, and native blooms.
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3Plant Propagation Parties
While it isn’t a new concept, 2026 has seen a resurgence in plant propagation. “Thanks to Instagram and TikTok, influencers are showing viewers how easy it is to take cuttings and divisions from not just houseplants but also annuals, perennials, and even shrubs to produce more plants for their own garden or to share with others,” Moore notes. This has given way to plant propagation “parties” and “stations,” where groups of people come together in community to enjoy this activity.
4Smart Irrigation
Like every other area of our lives, the gardening world is also embracing technological improvements in 2026. Haiman says many people are implementing more efficient systems with maximal benefits like “reducing water use by 30 to 50 percent while improving plant health and reducing maintenance costs.” One way they’re achieving this? Smart irrigation systems, where the weather determines watering frequency and sensors detect soil moisture.
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5Adaptable Gardens
In regions with ever-changing weather patterns, gardens are becoming more adaptable to climate shifts rather than resistant to them. How? Haiman suggests home gardeners are trying new techniques to help their vegetation weather any storm: “Key strategies include layered planting for resilience across conditions, deep-rooted perennials and native grasses for drought-tolerance, and reduced lawn areas to limit irrigation demand.”
6Earth-Kind Roses
Historically, many new gardeners have steered away from planting roses, since they require regular care and are prone to pests and diseases, Moore explains. But in 2026, that’s no longer the case. Thanks to newer varieties, there’s renewed interest in roses. Earth-kind roses, in particular, are disease-resistant, drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly while still bursting with romance and fragrance, making them a popular choice.
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7Pelargonium Resurgence
This year, geraniums are making a comeback! Since they’re long-blooming, drought-tolerant, and pest-repellant, geraniums are the perfect pick for new and experienced home gardeners alike. Not to mention, this low-maintenance flower comes in many vibrant shades that beautify any outdoor area. “They can be fragrant and fabulous for hanging baskets, but—best of all—they’re drought resistant, meaning less daily watering needs,” Moore explains.
Lilly Blomquist is the associate editor at The Pioneer Woman, where she writes lifestyle stories across a wide range of topics—including news, entertainment, holidays, food, and more.
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