Garden experts share the top design trends for 2026
Matt Austin Images
Matt Austin Images
As the weather heats up, we naturally turn to this season’s garden projects. From relaxing retreats to being the stage of summer entertaining, our outdoor spaces deserve just as much attention as our interiors.
Elements such as lighting and furniture can play a big role in how our gardens look and feel – and how they can be used – but paying attention to the overall flow and the plants you grow can also have a big impact.
As garden and flower shows continue to provide inspiration and ideas, two garden experts are sharing the trends that people can easily recreate at home:
Andrew White, sales and marketing director at Rhino Greenhouses comments on creating different zones to fully enjoy the space: “By creating different zones in your garden, you can make full use of it without it feeling overwhelming. If you have a greenhouse, this could act as a focal point, with a seating and cooking area nearby making it easy to use homegrown produce straight on the grill or in salads. Being able to nip into your greenhouse to snip some freshly grown herbs to finish a dish really helps us lean into the idea of growing what we eat and living more mindfully.
“For relaxed, coastal-inspired gardens, the rest of the surroundings might include edible bedded plants for greenery or even a small water feature. If you’re more taken by English cottage gardens, then plenty of raised flower beds and interesting pieces of decor and outdoor furniture will add colour and interest.
“Adding personality is also important, whether that’s what you choose to grow or the overall look and feel of your garden. Naturally, greenhouses are designed to blend into the surroundings, but soft shades such as olive, sage, grass and slate offer a stylish way to incorporate colour without being overbearing.
“Often, the most-enjoyed gardens are developed over time. The joy in growing and gardening is seeing how things change every year and how something you planted in a previous season blossoms.”
Matt Evans, co-founder at The Garden Room – Living and Landscape Studio, adds: “One of the key trends we’re seeing is a move towards more considered, holistic garden design, where every element works together to create a cohesive space. Thinking about fundamentals such as flow, scale, colour palettes, texture, and planting structure can make a huge difference, helping gardens feel both functional and visually balanced.
“There’s also a growing focus on how people interact with their outdoor spaces. Whether it’s incorporating areas for entertaining, growing your own produce, or simply creating a place to unwind, successful gardens are those that are designed around the lifestyle of the user, rather than just how they look.”
For those looking to spruce up their gardens this summer, Rhino Greenhouses and The Garden Room – Living and Landscape Studio have collaborated to give away a Rhino Greenhouse and accessories worth up to £7,000 and a bespoke concept garden design package from the experts at The Garden Room.
