When I first stepped into Rebecca Sweet’s garden in Calimesa, the vibrant red buckwheat (Eriogonum grande rubescens) was in full bloom—like nature’s own masterpiece painted with effortless flair. This drought-tolerant native plant didn’t just please the eye; it offered a vital haven for bees and butterflies alike. Increasingly, native plants—and their cultivated cousins, “nativars”—are becoming the go-to choice for gardeners who want to create beautiful, eco-friendly spaces that truly support local wildlife.
Now, you might be wondering, what exactly are “nativars”? These are native plants selectively bred to better suit home gardens, boasting traits like more compact sizes or brighter flowers. They retain all the ecological perks of their wild relatives but are easier to grow in residential settings. My friend Andrew Jager, a marketing manager in the horticulture industry, often tells me, “The demand for natives just keeps exploding. Everyone wants to learn more about how these plants fit into sustainable gardening.”
But it’s not just about plants. The very idea of a “perfect garden” is evolving. Take Megan Wade, a garden designer I know—her yard isn’t meticulously tidy. Instead, in the fall, she intentionally leaves fallen leaves and fading flowers where they fall, creating shelter for insects. “People are finally embracing a bit of beautiful chaos,” she told me. “We’re moving away from perfectly manicured lawns to something that feels more alive and natural.” This shift reflects what we see in iconic public spaces like Chicago’s Lurie Garden or New York’s Highline, where seasonal transitions and untamed corners are celebrated rather than hidden.
Practicality is also taking center stage. Last summer, I visited my friend Susan Morrison’s backyard, where she swapped out thirsty turf for an array of low-water plants—from blue hibiscus to kangaroo paw—turning her garden into a colorful, fragrant oasis. Susan said, “Gone are the days when drought-tolerant meant just cacti and rocks. Now, you can have a cottage garden bursting with blooms, while still being water-wise.”
And with the rising threat of wildfires, fire-resistant gardening has become more than just a trend—it’s a necessity. A friend living in fire-prone California transformed her yard with hardy plants like sago palms and cycads, which don’t just look great but also help create defensible spaces. “In areas new to fire concerns, like parts of the Midwest, people are waking up to the need for fire-smart plants,” says Andrew.
In cities, the revolution continues. Ugly, neglected strips between sidewalks and streets—once just patches of weeds and cracked concrete—are now alive with native wildflowers and pollinator gardens. Megan tells me, “More homeowners want to replace lawn with perennial beds to attract butterflies and bees. Even small parkways are becoming mini-habitats.” Rooftops and balconies are getting the same makeover, proving that no space is too small for nature’s touch.
For those who’ve loved classic boxwoods but lost them to blight and pests, resilient substitutes like inkberry hollies or gardenias offer a fresh solution. These plants bring back that timeless greenery without the constant battle against disease. I’ve been experimenting with these alternatives in my own garden and appreciate the reduced upkeep.
Beyond all the plant talk, gardens are increasingly becoming sanctuaries for mental wellbeing. I remember Anna, who crafted a cozy firepit nook surrounded by soft shrubs and comfy chairs. “It’s where I unwind after a long day, reading or chatting with friends,” she says. Gardens like hers offer a quiet refuge, blending the healing power of nature with personal comfort.
Nostalgia also plays a role. Many gardeners are bringing back beloved plants from their childhood—peonies, roses, irises—those timeless blooms that carry stories and memories. Some even dedicate a “memory corner” in their gardens, bridging past and present in fragrant harmony.
For renters or those with limited space, container gardening opens up a world of possibilities. I’ve seen friends turn tiny balconies into lush herb gardens or colorful floral displays, proving that garden magic isn’t limited by square footage.
Finally, learning and community play a big part in today’s gardening culture. I attended a two-day immersive workshop with Freeland and Sabrina that mixed garden tours with art and design insights. Whether online or in person, gardeners today are hungry for knowledge and connection, fueling inspiration for their own green retreats.
All in all, the garden in 2025 isn’t just a patch of plants—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem, a place for nature, beauty, and human spirit to thrive together. As a gardener, I’m excited to keep exploring this evolving dance with the earth—and I hope you’ll join me.
If you want to dive deeper into these trends, check out the video “2025 Trends in Garden Design” with Rebecca Sweet, Denise Kelly, and Jim Peterson. It’s a wonderful look at how gardens are becoming more sustainable, resilient, and soulful than ever before.