As we approach the end of 2023, it’s time to start thinking about what’s in store for landscaping in 2024. Here are ten trends that are expected to dominate the landscaping scene next year:

1. Hortifuturism: Expect to see bold and bright colors in 2024 with gardens that look straight out of a science fiction movie. Coined “hortifuturism” by Garden Media, this trend replaces cold, metallic hues with vibrant color. With this trend, the brand anticipates more terrariums, survivalist gardens, night gardens, neon-colored plants, and foliage with bright variegation 1.

2. Delight in the Dark: Gardeners that never shy away from a moody aesthetic will delight in this trend. With interest in gothic gardens growing on social media, this trend leans into Gen Z’s fixation with dramatic landscapes. You can replicate this movement in your own landscape with eerie plants or pottery and statuary. “Think of evening experiences such as uplighting trees. Leave plants a bit untidy. Withered plants and faded blooms add to the theme. Utilize dying plants for merchandising instead of marking down or trashing,” Garden Media says in the report 1.

3. Pollinator Plants: Expect to see an interest in essential pollinators like bees and butterflies come 2024. According to Garden Media, these insects have even become popular interior décor motifs, such as on pillows, rugs, lamps, and wallpaper. “The growing intrigue and awareness of insects helps boost an interest in the plants that feed them,” says Shubber Ali, CEO of Garden for Wildlife. Experiment with this trend by growing pollinator plants, like bee balm, asters, and goldenrod 1.

4. Container Gardening: As more people begin living in urban areas, container gardening has become more popular than ever. In fact, the report states that there was a 200 percent increase in households that engaged in container gardening last year. One way this trend can be applied to your own garden is by maximizing vertical space with hanging and trailing plants 1.

5. Sustainable Gardens: According to the report, concern for the environment defined almost every exhibit at the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show, and many exhibits were focused on sustainable and efficient community gardens. An interest in sustainability efforts is expected to yield less curated gardens that are filled with native and carbon capturing plants in 2024 1.

6. Edible Landscapes: The trend of growing edible plants in the landscape is expected to continue in 2024. This trend is perfect for those who want to grow their own food but don’t have the space for a traditional vegetable garden. Consider planting fruit trees, berry bushes, and herbs in your landscape 2.

7. Smart Irrigation: With water conservation becoming increasingly important, smart irrigation systems are expected to become more popular in 2024. These systems use sensors to determine when plants need water, reducing water waste and saving money on utility bills 2.

8. Outdoor Living Spaces: Outdoor living spaces are expected to become more popular in 2024. These spaces are designed to be an extension of the home and can include features like outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and seating areas 2.

9. Vertical Gardens: Vertical gardens are a great way to maximize space in small gardens. These gardens are created by attaching planters to walls or fences and can be used to grow a variety of plants, including herbs, vegetables, and flowers 2.

10. Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Finally, low-maintenance landscapes are expected to become more popular in 2024. These landscapes are designed to require minimal upkeep and can include features like rock gardens, succulent gardens, and native plant gardens 2.

I hope this blog post helps you stay ahead of the curve in 2024. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to check out our website happytreeslandscaping.com for more landscaping tips and tricks!