
Homeowners are transforming their outdoor spaces into sanctuaries for relaxation and connection with nature. These landscape design trends are at the beautiful intersection of sustainability and smart technology.
Perfectly symmetrical gardens are out for homeowners who want an organic look that requires less water and chemicals to maintain. Native plantings are also in for their ability to thrive in regional conditions and support local ecosystems. Contact Honolulu Landscape for more details.
1. Naturalistic Gardens
Landscape design has shifted away from a “normal” look of manicured lawns, well-defined garden beds, and exotic plant species to a more naturalistic aesthetic that prioritizes ecological function, native plants, and beauty. Designers say homeowners want a backyard that feels comfortable and natural, yet reflects their personal style. They are drawn to gardens that evoke memories of places they’ve visited or traveled to, and that feel familiar even in unfamiliar settings.
Naturalistic gardening focuses on creating a connection between people and nature through a more organic, untamed aesthetic that encourages wildlife and allows plants to take over where they need to, says Kyle Cahill, founder and horticulturist of Grow and Company. He points out that many homeowners are also focusing on improving their outdoor living space to support their mental and physical health. This includes integrating elements like soothing water features, fragrant plants, calming sounds from wind-chimes and rustling grasses into residential landscapes.
He adds that a trend is developing toward a more structured layout that separates different parts of the garden with elements like hedges, stepping stones or pavers, and walls. This helps create distinct areas for entertaining, cooking, and relaxing. “Homeowners are looking at their backyards as more of an extension of their home,” he notes. “They want a place to entertain and spend time with family and friends, but also want quiet garden rooms for reading or meditation.”
Guy Henry, director of horticulture for Brook Landscape, expects the trend toward naturalistic landscaping to continue this year, with color influencing the palette. He says dusky muted pinks, peaches, and oranges are popular, and that foliage colors like red, yellow, and bronze will play a role as well.
2. Eco-Friendly Gardens
One of the most important landscape design trends homeowners love involves environmentally conscious gardening. Many gardeners are incorporating edible options into their gardens to reduce their grocery bills and carbon footprints. Edible plants include fruit trees, berries, vegetables and herbs. These are seamlessly incorporated into flower beds and garden layouts for a beautiful, functional space. In addition, many homeowners are embracing biophilic designs that encourage pollinators and other wildlife to visit the garden.
In drought-prone areas, landscape professionals are replacing lawns with low-water plants and integrating a wide variety of plants to provide color throughout the year. Plants like grevillea, blue hibiscus, yarrow and kangaroo paw require less water than traditional grass, and many gardeners are noticing that they still look great. “My clients are excited to learn that they can have the flower-filled cottage garden they desire with a lower-water palette. Choosing shrubs and perennials that bloom over a long season, such as hydrangea and lilyturf, is a popular way to achieve this,” says one landscape designer.
Other environmentally friendly gardening practices include the use of organic fertilizers and pesticides, avoiding synthetic chemicals that can damage soil health, and creating spaces that provide food for pollinators and wildlife. Some designers are also experimenting with smart irrigation systems that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, ensuring the garden is always receiving the right amount of moisture.
With lifestyles becoming busier and more hectic, there is a growing demand for landscape designs that require less maintenance. Some homeowners are opting for synthetic turf, which requires little water and fertilizer and is easy to mow. Others are choosing hardscaping materials that have minimal upkeep, such as pavers, gravel and a variety of native plants that do well in the area’s climate.
3. Low-Maintenance Gardens
The desire for low-maintenance gardens is one of the biggest landscape design trends homeowners love. This is largely driven by the fact that people are looking for ways to connect with nature, but they don’t want to spend a lot of time maintaining their gardens. Adding low-maintenance plants like drought tolerant plants, groundcovers and shrubs is a great way to minimize upkeep without sacrificing visual appeal. Native plants are a good choice as they are adapted to your local climate and are naturally resistant to pests. Groundcovers like rock cotoneaster and honeysuckle offer beautiful color and texture while reducing watering needs.
Another way to decrease maintenance is by incorporating hardscapes into your landscape design. Creating walkways, patios and firepits can help you spend less time caring for your plant beds. Incorporate sustainable options like permeable pavers to reduce stormwater runoff and erosion.
Homeowners are also choosing to replace traditional lawns with groundcovers and xeriscaping as a way of reducing water usage in their yards. This trend also helps to support pollinators and create a more colorful landscape. Incorporating a variety of colors, textures and plant heights into your landscape will also reduce the need for mowing and pruning.
Wellness-focused landscaping is another growing trend that focuses on providing space for relaxation in the garden. This can include meditation gardens or quiet nooks with comfortable seating that are perfect for unwinding after a long day. Incorporating evergreen trees and deciduous trees for fall color is another way to add interest to your yard while minimizing upkeep. These plantings will keep their shape and color through the winter months, allowing you to relax in your outdoor space year-round.
4. Water Features
A water feature is a beautiful and serene addition to any landscape. It can be as grand as a natural-style swimming pool or as simple as a fountain. Adding the sound of moving water drowns out urban noises and creates a relaxing oasis. Water features can be used for swimming, fishing, attracting wildlife or simply to add drama and serenity to the garden.
With sustainable living in high demand, many homeowners are seeking a balance between beauty and function in their outdoor spaces. Organic gardens, permeable pavers that reduce runoff, and even rain barrels for harvesting rainwater are all popular choices among homeowners. Many are also choosing to eliminate grass in favor of groundcovers or other low-maintenance options.
For homeowners that enjoy observing and interacting with wildlife, the addition of a wildlife-friendly water feature is a fun and rewarding project to undertake. This could include anything from a bird bath to an elaborate pond that provides habitat and food for local birds, insects and other animals.
With a variety of design options available, each homeowner can create a yard that suits their individual style and lifestyle. Whether it’s an eco-friendly garden, a backyard retreat or a front yard curb appeal project, there is a landscaping trend out there for everyone. Talk with your local landscape designer to see what is right for your property. They’ll be able to guide you towards a landscaping plan that will fit your vision and budget.
5. Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are more than just a place to grill; they’re a focal point that draws family and friends into the yard for dinner parties and socializing. But before investing in an outdoor kitchen, homeowners should consider how they plan to use it so they can choose the right layout. For example, if they want to use their outdoor kitchen for cooking and eating all day, a straight run layout might work better than an L shape design because it will allow the space to be used more easily throughout the day. It’s also important to include plenty of countertop space to hold utensils, food, and drinks.
Other landscape trends homeowners love include organic gardens for fresh, healthy food. These gardens are a great way to save money on grocery costs while adding visual appeal to the yard. They’re also eco-friendly because they reduce reliance on store-bought produce that may contain unhealthy pesticides and fertilizers. Other popular eco-friendly landscaping options include permeable pavers that let water soak back into the soil, composting areas, and rain gardens.
In addition to incorporating natural aesthetics and sustainable features, many homeowners are looking for ways to make their yards more relaxing. This trend includes creating wellness-focused oases like meditation gardens and quiet seating nooks where homeowners can relax and unwind. It’s also popular to add cozy fire features and splurge on luxurious touches like hammocks or yoga platforms for the perfect spot to relax in style.
Landscaping trends in 2025 reflect a beautiful intersection of sustainability, smart technology, and personal expression. By staying ahead of the latest landscaping trends, homeowners can elevate their backyards into beautiful and functional spaces that increase value while providing a space to enjoy with family and friends.





