As the calendar turns to December and we reflect on the highlights of 2024, it’s natural to look ahead to what the new year might bring. At Nature Hills Nursery, we’re already gearing up for an exciting 2025, and we’re here to share some of the hottest garden trends on the horizon. If you’re planning your landscape for the upcoming year, these insights will help you stay ahead of the curve and make your outdoor space truly shine.
Garden Trends for 2025
Climate-Resilient Landscaping
With climate change continuing to shape the way we approach gardening, climate-resilient landscaping will be a major focus in 2025. Homeowners are looking for plants that can withstand extreme weather, droughts, and unpredictable conditions. At Nature Hills Nursery, we offer a wide range of hardy, native species that thrive in local climates without requiring excessive maintenance.
Top Picks:
- Arborvitae (Thuja spp.): Perfect for creating privacy screens and hedges, these evergreens are tough and adaptable.
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): A resilient ornamental grass that adds movement and texture to landscapes.
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.): A beautiful, multi-season shrub or small tree that’s drought-tolerant and supports local wildlife.
The Return of Bold Color
After several years of muted tones, vibrant colors are making a comeback. Gardeners are opting for bold, eye-catching blooms and foliage that stand out in their landscapes. Think jewel-toned flowers, variegated leaves, and plants with bright berries that pop against winter backdrops.
Top Picks:
- Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.): With stunning foliage in shades of red, purple, and lime green, these perennials bring year-round interest.
- Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.): Known for their vibrant summer flowers and striking bark.
- Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata): A deciduous holly with brilliant red berries that brighten up the cold months.
Edible Landscaping
The farm-to-table movement continues to inspire gardeners to incorporate edible plants into their landscapes. Edible landscaping combines beauty and utility, offering both ornamental appeal and a bountiful harvest.
Top Picks:
- Blueberry Bushes (Vaccinium spp.): Not only do they produce delicious fruit, but their foliage turns a stunning red in the fall.
- Scarlet Sentinel Columnar Apple Tree (Malus domestica 'Scarlet Sentinel'): Perfect for small spaces and a striking visual element.
- Strawberries (Fragaria spp.): Whether you plant one or twenty, strawberries offer a space-saving way to grow your own right at home.
Focus on Pollinators
Pollinator-friendly gardening is here to stay, as more people recognize the importance of supporting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Designing landscapes that attract pollinators is not only environmentally friendly but also adds life and movement to the garden.
Top Picks:
- Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Essential for monarch butterflies, these native plants are a garden must-have.
- Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.): Beloved by pollinators and gardeners alike for their cheerful blooms.
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.): A fragrant favorite that attracts bees and butterflies while deterring pests.
Indoor-Outdoor Connections
The trend of blending indoor and outdoor spaces is growing stronger as homeowners seek to create seamless transitions between their homes and gardens. Houseplants, patio trees, and container gardening are key elements in this trend.
Top Picks:
- Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata): A statement houseplant that brings a touch of the tropics indoors.
- Dwarf Citrus Trees (Citrus spp.): Compact and perfect for containers, they can be moved indoors during colder months.
- Calathea (Calathea spp.): Known for its strikingly patterned leaves, this houseplant adds a designer touch to interiors.
Sustainable Gardening Practices
Sustainability remains a guiding principle in gardening trends. Gardeners are embracing techniques like composting, rainwater harvesting, and planting natives to create eco-friendly landscapes that conserve resources and reduce waste. Make sure to take a look at our Plants By State tab to see natives for your state!
Top Picks:
- Native Oak (Quercus): These trees are keystones for local ecosystems, supporting countless species.
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): A cheerful, low-maintenance native wildflower.
- Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): A drought-tolerant ground cover that’s as practical as it is pretty.
Small-Space Gardening
With urban living on the rise, small-space gardening continues to grow in popularity. Vertical gardens, container gardening, and dwarf varieties allow even those with limited space to enjoy the benefits of plants.
Top Picks:
- Hydrangea ‘Little Lime’ (Hydrangea paniculata): A compact version of the popular Limelight Hydrangea.
- Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’): Perfect for small landscapes or containers.
- Herbs (Basil, Mint, Parsley): Easy to grow in pots, herbs offer both flavor and fragrance.
What’s Next for Your Garden?
2025 promises to be a year of innovation, color, and connection in the gardening world. Whether you’re revitalizing your landscape, starting a pollinator garden, or exploring the joys of edible plants, Nature Hills Nursery has everything you need to bring your vision to life.
Ready to get started? Explore our wide selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and houseplants, and make 2025 your garden’s best year yet. Shop Now and take the first step toward creating a stunning, sustainable outdoor space that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
