Gardening is shifting in some noticeable ways this year — and if you’ve been paying attention, you can already feel it.
In this Greenhouse Chat, I’m walking through the 5 biggest gardening trends for 2026 and why they’re happening. From bolder plant choices to identity-driven gardens, and the growing focus on emotional connection, this year is shaping up to be one of the most intentional seasons we’ve seen in a long time.
These trends aren’t just about what’s popular — they reflect how gardeners are adapting to climate, experience, and lifestyle shifts. Whether you’re building a tropical-inspired space, leaning into native plants, adding large statement pieces, or simply wanting your garden to feel more personal, these are the patterns you’ll see everywhere this year.
My name is Nicole Roggeman and My Carolina Garden is in growing zone 8B in coastal North Carolina. If you’re planning your garden for 2026, this is a great place to start.
Here’s a link to my other Greenhouse Chats:
#MyCarolinaGarden
#GardeningTrends2026
#Zone8Gardener
#GardenInspiration
#GreenhouseChat
8 Comments
I love the statement pieces. I'm trying to do that with smaller ornamental trees 🙂 Speaking of trees, they are all starting to leaf out and that makes me sooo HAPPY!!! Home Depot has the mulch 4 bags for $10 right now so I started laying mulch down yesterday. Not a fun job, but a satisfying job for sure!
Hi Nicole 🌺 Cool video . Our love for planting unique and distinctive plants and trees adds beauty to the garden and attracts people's attention. Garden design is a vast ocean. When I plant irises, I remember my grandmother's irises, and when I plant dahlias, I remember my aunt's dahlias. We thrive when tropical plants are cultivated, and how wonderful it is to have a pair of parrots visit your garden every day! It's amazing; I enjoy watching them every day. Have a wonderful day! 🌺🌻🌷🌻🌺
Hi Nicole I LOVE this video and your enthusiasm. you have been blessed with a gift of speaking! 👍👍👍Liz
I love this vidieo I’m a emotional gardener work is stressful this is my getaway from people and things in life menhaden and chickens ducks turkeys they just make me feel good and my garden is semi tropical and southern plants all in one I just don’t know how to name it lol Mike 8 a north Alabama ❤❤
Great video, Nicole!!
Nice
hi nicole, loved video. thanks for sharing with us. great info and this year i'm going to plant in three's for more color. hope you have a great day!
🎉🎉🎉🎉