Avoid These 5 Garden Trends in 2026
As the days grow longer and the sun becomes more inviting, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to refresh your garden. While there are countless elements to consider when designing or maintaining an outdoor space, some trends have started to fall out of favor. Experts in the field are sharing which styles they’d rather leave behind in 2026 and what they’re excited to see instead.
Artificial Turf: A Trend That’s Out of Step with Nature
Artificial turf has long been a go-to for those looking for low-maintenance landscaping. However, many landscape designers are now moving away from this material. Gina Taylor, from East London Garden Design, says, “This has to be one of the most outdated garden trends at this point — and arguably one that should never have taken off in the first place.”
The issue with artificial turf goes beyond its appearance. It doesn’t support local ecosystems, as it prevents insects and soil-dwelling creatures from thriving. Nick Woodhouse, creative director at Woodhouse & Law, explains that artificial turf is an impenetrable surface, which removes food sources and habitats for wildlife. Additionally, while it may save on water and chemicals, it contributes to urban heat and doesn’t biodegrade, eventually ending up in landfills.
Gina also notes that artificial turf isn’t as low-maintenance as people might think. It can develop unpleasant odors, especially if you have pets, and requires more upkeep than expected to maintain its appearance.
Forced Fits: Planting That Doesn’t Flow Naturally
Another trend experts are moving away from is forced planting styles that don’t feel natural. This includes the “gap-filler” approach, where plants are chosen solely to fill a specific spot in a garden bed. While this might seem practical, it often leads to a disjointed look over time.
Nick Woodhouse explains that this kind of planting can create a mismatched mess rather than a cohesive, beautiful garden. Similarly, tight, regimented borders that are pushed against garden boundaries can make it difficult to achieve a varied, natural planting scheme. Instead, the focus is shifting towards a more holistic, wild gardening approach that mimics nature.
Bright, White Landscaping: A Style That Doesn’t Fit Urban Gardens
The Mediterranean garden style, with its bright white finishes and raised beds, was once very popular. However, in the UK and other urban areas, this style doesn’t always translate well. Gina Taylor points out that these white surfaces rarely age well in the damp, cloudy climate.
“The combination of damp weather, algae growth, and general winter gloom makes bright white finishes feel stark and quickly grubby,” she says. Plus, in cities like London, muddy fox prints can add to the unappealing look of such designs.
Forced Formality: A Shift Towards Curved Designs
Rigid lines and formal layouts are becoming less popular in gardens. Magdalena Gierasinska from Barker and Stonehouse argues that curved designs and relaxed dining set-ups are proving more appealing.
This shift extends to garden furniture, with a move away from sharp lines and hard materials toward softer, organic forms. Curved outdoor furniture echoes the flow of nature, creating a more harmonious relationship between man-made objects and the environment. As Magdalena notes, “It softens spaces and creates a more welcoming atmosphere.”
Fixed Furniture: A Move Toward Flexibility
Fixed or built-in furniture is another trend that’s falling out of favor. Jonny Brierley, managing director of NUMA, says, “Fixed or built-in pieces that feel bulky and imposing no longer reflect how people want to live outdoors.”
These permanent fixtures can dominate a garden and limit its potential for change. They are also ill-suited to the British climate, as they can trap moisture and lead to mold and fungus. Instead, modular and flexible outdoor seating options are gaining popularity, allowing gardens to evolve with their owners.
The Future of Garden Design
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Pamapic 3 Piece Rattan Bistro Set
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Natural Boucle Florence Curve Corner Sofa and Table Lounge Set
With its curved form and modular design, this garden sofa set is checking all of our expert’s boxes.
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Swivel Garden Lounge Chair Pacha
Search for pieces that look as luxurious and stylish as the furniture you’d put in your home, like this cool swivel chair, which has a striking, low-slung design.
The best garden design is the one that is most well-suited to your surroundings, helping support your local ecosystem with a thoughtful use of climate-appropriate plants and trees. Now more than ever, climate-resilient gardening should form the foundation of your design. And that doesn’t mean you’ll have to make any sacrifices on style — combine your climate-sensitive plants with this year’s hottest outdoor furniture trends.
