Plant and Garden Trends for 2026

Sowing seeds, growing plants, loosening the soil - the garden comes back to life in spring.

So which plants and themes will shape the new gardening season?

Natural diversity instead of uniform greenery

As an expression of a conscious lifestyle, natural gardens continue to gain popularity. Instead of neatly maintained lawns, more and more people want to design their gardens as vibrant natural spaces. Perennial plants, herbs, and flowers are chosen to promote biodiversity and provide shelter and food for insects. Wild perennials and wild shrubs, or self-seeding plants, create creative green spaces through a kind of wild gardening. This creates a wild and romantic contrast to orderly everyday life.

A good climate in the garden

Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or prolonged drought are increasingly shaping our climate. This makes it even more important to have a garden that can withstand these conditions - for example, plants that can adapt to local soil and climate conditions or fruit and vegetable varieties that are highly resistant to drought and heat. Perennial plants and tree varieties that provide shade and cool the air are also becoming increasingly popular for hot summer days. Automated systems, XXL rainwater tanks, and self-watering plant containers handle efficient irrigation. Artificial intelligence-driven applications help with needs-based care.

Decorative self-sufficiency

Growing herbs, fruits, and vegetables at home is becoming increasingly popular. The reason is that self-sufficiency from your own garden is both healthy and easy on the family budget. Therefore, fruit trees, herb beds, and vegetable areas are becoming an essential part of the garden. Design elements such as raised beds or herb spirals are decorative and promise abundant harvests. Even those without a large garden can achieve self-sufficiency on their balconies or through indoor farming. There are vertical planting systems, mini greenhouses, and various gardening applications available for growing and caring for plants.

Classics for sustainability

In a rapidly changing world, the desire for stability is increasing. In gardening, this need is reflected in traditional and familiar plantings. Native flowers, local tree species, and old fruit and vegetable varieties are currently in trend. Classic romantic flowers such as roses and ranunculus are blooming as a counterbalance to the digital world. Endangered native wild plants, such as the field flower chosen as the flower of 2026, are also used to decorate gardens. Classic materials such as natural wood and ceramics are ideal for handmade garden furniture and accessories.

Trend barometer for the green sector

Whether natural gardens, climate adaptation, or self-sufficiency - the upcoming spoga+gafa will focus on the key trends in the green industry. The international garden lifestyle and barbecue trade fair, which will take place from June 22–24, 2026, will once again present everything related to garden design: from seeds and plant care products to garden tools and technologies for outdoor areas, accessories, and outdoor furniture. Specialized retailers, gardeners, and landscape designers will find the full range of products available on the market, as well as new ideas for professional gardening.