Plant and garden trends for 2026

As an expression of a conscious lifestyle, natural gardens continue to enjoy enduring popularity. Instead of neatly manicured lawns, more and more people want to design their gardens as living natural spaces. Perennials, plants and flowers are chosen to promote biodiversity and provide shelter and food for insects. Wild perennials and wild shrubs or black box gardening with self-seeding plants create creative green spaces. This creates a wild and romantic contrast to the orderly everyday life.

Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or long periods of drought are increasingly shaping our climate. This makes it all the more important to have a garden that can cope with these conditions – for example, with plants that can adapt to local soil and climate conditions or with fruit and vegetable varieties that tolerate drought and heat well. Perennials and tree varieties that provide shade and cool the air are also popular for increasingly hot summer days. Automated systems, XXL rainwater tanks and self-watering plant pots take care of efficient watering. AI-controlled apps help with needs-based care.

Growing herbs, fruit and vegetables at home is becoming increasingly popular. This is because self-sufficiency from your own garden is healthy and easy on the household budget. Fruit trees, herb beds and vegetable patches are therefore becoming an important part of the garden. Design elements such as raised beds or herb spirals are decorative and promise a rich harvest. Even those who do not have a large garden can be self-sufficient on their balcony or with indoor farming. Vertical planting systems, mini greenhouses and various gardening apps are available for growing and caring for plants.

In a rapidly changing world, there is a growing desire for stability. In gardening, this need is reflected in traditional and familiar planting. Native flowers, local tree species and old fruit and vegetable varieties are currently in vogue. Classic romantic flowers such as roses and ranunculus are flourishing as a counterbalance to the digital world. Endangered native wild plants such as the field larkspur, which has been named Flower of the Year 2026, are also being used to decorate gardens. Classic materials such as natural wood and ceramics are ideal for handmade garden furniture and accessories.

Whether it's natural gardens, climate adaptation or self-sufficiency – the upcoming spoga+gafa will focus on the key trends in the green industry. From 22 to 24 June 2026, the international trade fair for garden lifestyle and BBQ will once again present everything related to garden design: from seeds and plant care products to garden tools and technology for outdoor areas to accessories and outdoor furniture. Specialist retailers and gardeners and landscapers will find the complete range of products on the market here, as well as new ideas for professional gardening.