Top Landscape Design Trends to Watch in 2025
As homeowners, designers, and developers increasingly recognize the value of outdoor spaces, landscaping is evolving to meet a new set of priorities. Sustainability, wellness, climate resilience, and biodiversity are at the forefront of this shift. Whether you’re looking to enhance your backyard or rethink an entire site design, these emerging trends reflect a growing desire to create landscapes that are not only beautiful but purposeful—spaces that support both people and the planet. Below are ten key trends shaping residential and urban landscapes in 2025.
A meticulously designed outdoor space that emphasizes native plants harmonizes natural beauty with thoughtful landscaping. Stone pathways edged with indigenous mosses and low-growing ground covers guide visitors through the garden, passing carefully pruned Japanese maples showcasing vibrant red and green foliage. Smooth river rocks, sourced locally, complement minimalist wooden benches crafted from native timber, inviting moments of quiet reflection. Soft ambient lighting subtly illuminates the serene setting, framed by native evergreen shrubs and ornamental grasses to create a balanced, tranquil garden inspired by Japanese aesthetics while celebrating the local ecosystem.
1. Native & Climate-Adaptive Planting
Choosing native plants for your garden benefits both you and the surrounding environment. Landscape designers and gardeners alike have been gravitating towards native plants and nativars—native species selectively bred for traits like colour or size—due to their ability to support biodiversity, thrive in local conditions, and require less maintenance. These plants are naturally adapted to local soils, pests, and climate, making them resilient in the face of disease or drought. They also provide vital food and habitat for wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and birds. By blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, native species contribute both ecological and aesthetic value.
Examples of common native BC plants include Salal, Dogwoods, Oregon Grape, Sword Fern, and Lupines.
2. Sustainable, Low-Maintenance & Drought-Tolerant Landscapes
Techniques like xeriscaping, using permeable pavers, installing bio-swales, and incorporating recycled materials help reduce water consumption, maintenance, and environmental impact. Xeriscaping, in particular, relies on drought-tolerant plants that thrive with minimal irrigation—ideal for areas facing water restrictions. Using reclaimed materials like bricks, stone, or concrete can lower your carbon footprint while adding rustic charm to garden beds and pathways. Permeable pavers, which allow rainwater to seep into the ground, reduce runoff and replenish groundwater supplies. Together, these strategies create beautiful, low-maintenance, and ecologically responsible spaces.
Popular drought-tolerant plants in BC include phlox, ferns, poppies, thyme, and ornamental grasses.
3. Outdoor Wellness & Multipurpose Spaces
Today’s landscapes are more than just backdrops—they’re extensions of our living spaces. Outdoor wellness features such as yoga decks, meditation corners, spa zones, saunas, and fire features are becoming staples in modern gardens. These spaces are designed to offer peace and tranquility, promoting mental and physical wellbeing. Using natural materials like wood, stone, or bamboo enhances the connection to nature, while features like aromatic plants, water elements, and soft lighting elevate the sensory experience. A thoughtfully designed wellness zone turns your garden into a personal retreat.
4. Cottage-Style & Wildflower Gardens
The charm of loose, romantic plantings is surging in popularity. Cottage-style and wildflower gardens embrace organized chaos with flowing blooms and biodiversity, while still being carefully curated. Wildflowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, playing a crucial role in local ecosystems. Once established, these low-maintenance plants flourish with little water or fertilizer, making them ideal for sustainable gardening. A well-planned mix ensures year-round visual interest and habitat support for wildlife—offering both beauty and function in your outdoor space.
5. Water Features & Rain Management
Combining aesthetics with purpose, water features and rain gardens are a powerful duo in landscape design. Rain gardens help manage stormwater by absorbing runoff and filtering pollutants through layers of native, water-tolerant plants. Water features—such as ponds, fountains, or streams—introduce calming sounds and attract a variety of wildlife. They also provide seasonal visual appeal and can increase biodiversity in your garden. Integrating both elements enhances tranquility while improving environmental resilience.
Common water-tolerant plants include sedges, aster, milkweed, hosta, and winterberry.
6. Sustainable Hardscaping & Natural Materials
Hardscaping is getting a green makeover with materials that are natural, recycled, and locally sourced. Using stone, gravel, and boulders from nearby suppliers reduces transportation emissions and supports local economies. These elements offer both durability and visual interest, blending beautifully with native plants and surrounding terrain. Permeable materials like gravel paths or porous pavers promote drainage and reduce maintenance. When integrated with care, hardscaping can serve as an eco-conscious foundation that complements the softer elements of the landscape.
7. Expanded Tree Canopy & Biodiversity
Urban and suburban gardens are increasingly designed with layered plantings and expansive tree canopies that offer shade, privacy, and ecological function. A mature tree canopy can significantly reduce home cooling costs and create microclimates that support surrounding plantings. Trees also buffer noise, enhance privacy, and provide habitat for birds, pollinators, and small mammals. Strategically placed ornamental trees can act as focal points while contributing to overall biodiversity. As cities grow denser, the need for green infrastructure and natural cooling systems grows stronger.
8. Biophilic Design & Color Theory
Biophilic design is centered on creating meaningful connections between people and nature. This includes using natural materials, organic forms, and pattern mimicry—such as honeycomb or leaf veining—to create harmony within outdoor spaces. In parallel, applying colour theory to landscape design allows for emotional expression through planting palettes. Warm hues like oranges and reds evoke energy and joy, while cool tones like blues and purples create a calming retreat. By layering texture, colour, and form with intention, designers can craft immersive outdoor environments that nourish the senses.
9. Smart Outdoor Tech
The integration of technology in outdoor spaces is on the rise, making gardens more efficient and interactive. Smart irrigation systems use weather data and soil sensors to water only when necessary—helping conserve water while keeping plants healthy. App-controlled lighting allows users to adjust brightness, colour, and timing for ambiance and energy savings. Integrated charging stations are ideal for powering battery-operated tools and supporting electric lifestyles. As tech continues to enhance interior living, outdoor spaces are keeping pace with smart, sustainable solutions.
10. Edible Landscapes & Foodscaping
Blending beauty and utility, edible landscapes are becoming a go-to choice for modern gardeners. This approach weaves fruits, vegetables, and herbs into traditional garden beds and ornamental plantings. It works just as well in large suburban lots as it does in small urban balconies. Strawberries can be used as groundcover, blueberry bushes as hedges, and rhubarb for architectural interest. Foodscaping not only reduces grocery bills but fosters a deeper connection to the land. As interest in self-sufficiency and local food grows, edible gardens offer a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution.
The top landscaping trends for 2025 highlight a shift toward more intentional, environmentally responsible, and emotionally enriching outdoor spaces. From native planting and water management to smart technology and wellness zones, these practices reflect our changing relationship with the land—and with ourselves. By embracing these trends, you can transform your outdoor environment into a space that is not only functional and beautiful, but also sustainable and deeply personal.
