Top Design Trends for 2025: What’s Hot in Garden Design
As we step into 2025, garden design is embracing sustainability, resilience, and personality. From hardy plants to wildlife-friendly spaces and outdoor kitchens, here are the top garden trends reshaping residential landscapes this year.
1. Bombproof Plants
Gardening in 2025 is all about durability. With unpredictable weather patterns and busy lifestyles, homeowners are opting for super-hardy, low-maintenance plants that can withstand the elements. Think drought-tolerant Lomandra grasses, resilient natives, and perennials like gaura, salvia and lavender that thrive in tough conditions without constant care.
2. Petite Feature Trees
Compact and characterful, bijou trees are making a big impact in small spaces. These hardy feature trees add structure and charm without overwhelming a garden. Favorites include the Cercis family, ornamental olives, and flowering Michelia & Crepe Myrtle. They’re perfect for creating focal points in courtyard gardens or framing pathways.
3. Inspiration from New Zealand’s Best Gardens
Hamilton Gardens continues to set the benchmark for world-class garden design. Unlike traditional botanical gardens, it offers an immersive experience with themed spaces that tell stories through plants and architecture. Rated among the top 1% of attractions globally on TripAdvisor, it’s inspiring homeowners to create outdoor spaces that reflect personality, style, and storytelling.
4. Gardening for Fun
In 2024, gardeners broke free from traditional rules, and 2025 is continuing the trend of gardening for enjoyment and self-expression. People are planting to reflect their personalities, mixing edibles with ornamentals, and incorporating quirky features that make their gardens uniquely theirs. It’s about creativity, not perfection.
5. Wildlife-Friendly Spaces
Sustainability and wildlife support are front and centre. Clients are prioritising eco-friendly practices such as leaving leaves and organic debris to decompose naturally, creating habitats for pollinators, and reducing the use of hard landscaping materials. This approach not only saves on maintenance but also supports biodiversity and reduces costs.
6. Outdoor Kitchens and Edible Gardens
Al fresco dining is here to stay, with homeowners investing in outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas surrounded by edible gardens. Think fruit trees, herb beds, and raised planters for vegetables that make outdoor cooking a sensory delight. It’s all about combining practicality with beauty.
7. Coffee Tones
Pantone’s 2025 ‘Colour of the Year’, Mocha Mousse, is making waves in garden design. This warm, earthy hue pairs beautifully with cream-coloured pots, cushions, and natural textures. Look out for plants like Cappuccino Rose, as seen here, Cosmos 'Choca Mocha', and foliage favourites like Heuchera 'Chocolate Ruffles' and Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate'
8. Natural Materials
Concrete is out; natural materials are in. Homeowners are opting for stone pavers, wood, and gravel to create softer, more permeable surfaces. These materials not only reduce runoff but also blend seamlessly with surrounding greenery for a timeless, organic look.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a complete garden makeover or a few stylish updates, these 2025 trends offer plenty of inspiration. From hardy plants and sustainable gardening to stylish outdoor living spaces, it’s time to create a garden that reflects your lifestyle and values. Need help bringing your dream garden to life? Get in touch with us at Sculpt Gardens today!
9 Huron Street
Takapuna, Auckland
hello@sculptgardens.co.nz
Phone 021 549 161