Garden Design Trends 2026

As 2026 settles in, garden design is shifting in a way that feels both exciting and reassuring: less “pretty for the sake of it”, more beautifully lived-in. This year’s standout trends bring together outdoor living, climate-smart planting, richer colour, and a stronger sense of purpose, so gardens look good and work hard for the people (and wildlife) who use them.

In this article, we’ll explore what’s shaping outdoor spaces in 2026, from cosy, room-like zones and oversized containers, to natural materials, biodiversity, and designing for longevity rather than quick fixes — the sort of choices your future self will quietly thank you for.

A festive decorated porch with a door Christmas wreath and garlands.

Beyond wreaths: Stylish Christmas Decorating ideas for a designer home

As the festive season approaches, there’s a unique magic that settles over our homes. Our latest blog post for December has the top design tips for a festive impression and comes with shopping links to get your quality products, so your home is ready for Santa and your guests.

The Art of Illumination:How to create a stunning Outdoor lighting scheme in 2025

Think of lighting as the final brushstroke: it warms materials, frames views and makes every step feel considered. Here’s how to design a nighttime garden you’ll love year-round.

A round fire pit in a Sussex garden in autumn

5 Autumn Garden design Ideas for Sussex Homes

Get ready to transform your outdoor space this season! As the Sussex countryside glows with the golden hues of autumn, it’s the perfect time to create a garden sanctuary that’s both beautiful and easy to maintain. Our latest blog post, “The Beauty of Autumn in Sussex Gardens,” is packed with top design tips, from embracing rich, seasonal colour palettes to creating cosy, fire-lit retreats. Discover how to add elegance and tranquility to your garden, making it a space you’ll love all year round. Read now and get inspired to craft your perfect autumnal haven.

Gardening for Work-Life Balance: 9 Easy Daily Rituals

Stuck at your desk all day? Step outside for sixty seconds and feel the knot in your shoulders melt. From a barefoot dawn walk to a Friday flower ritual, discover the tiny garden moments that flip your brain from “hurry” to “happy”—no green‑thumb required.

Buzzing with Beauty: Creating Your Own Pollinator-Friendly Paradise (Without All the Fuss!) 🦋

Ever dreamt of a garden that not only looks stunning but is also teeming with delightful life – humming with bees, fluttering with butterflies, and generally doing its bit for nature? Well, you’re in luck!

This blog post delves into the charming world of pollinator-friendly gardens. We explore why these vital insects are so crucial to our landscapes (and our Pimm’s!), and share our top tips on how to create a vibrant, eco-conscious haven right in your own backyard. And don’t worry, creating a pollinator paradise doesn’t mean sacrificing elegance or succumbing to horticultural chaos – quite the opposite, in fact! We show you how intelligent design can give you more beauty with less fuss.

Harmonising Outdoor Spaces:The Power of Garden Design and Feng Shui

Ready to create an outdoor space that’s not just beautiful, but also aligned with your life’s energy? Join us as Studio Hummingbird teams up with Feng Shui expert Lynn Kingdon to explore how the ancient art of Feng Shui can transform your garden. From intuitive design tips to simple energy-balancing techniques, you’ll find inspiration and practical advice to bring peace, balance, and beauty into your own garden. 🌿

A garden inspired by Feng Shui, Water dripping in a water bowl in a garden

A white rose shrub (rosa rugosa) with lots of blossom

5 Ways to bring scent into your Garden

Discover how to turn your outdoor space into a beautifully scented retreat with this practical guide tailored for homeowners in Sussex and Surrey. From choosing the right plants for year-round fragrance to clever placement tips and a list of plants for every season, this blog will help you create a garden that not only looks lovely—but smells unforgettable too.

The Healing Power of a Well-Designed Garden for Neurodiverse Wellbeing

A well-designed garden can be a transformative space for neurodiverse individuals, offering a sanctuary that supports emotional regulation, focus, and sensory comfort. By thoughtfully incorporating elements such as calming colours, varied textures, soothing sounds, and fragrant plants, gardens can provide both a retreat from overstimulation and an engaging environment for exploration. Whether through structured areas for quiet reflection or dynamic spaces for movement, these outdoor havens adapt to individual needs, fostering wellbeing and a deeper connection with nature. Ultimately, a personalised garden is more than just greenery—it is a space that listens, nurtures, and evolves alongside those who use it.

Mother holding her son in a field of lavender plants. A well-designed garden for neurodiverse wellbeing.

Cover page for the post about costs for a garden transformation.

The costs of a garden Makeover

Designing a garden is an exciting and rewarding project that can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional oasis. However, it’s important to consider the costs involved in creating a well-designed garden. From planning and materials to labor and maintenance, there are several factors to consider when budgeting for your dream garden.

Reimagining gardens: Garden Design Trends 2025

Garden design in 2025 combines sustainability, technology, and creativity to transform outdoor spaces into vibrant, functional, and eco-friendly havens. From climate-resilient planting and multi-functional zones to wildlife sanctuaries and tech-savvy innovations, these trends cater to a range of lifestyles and preferences. Whether you’re embracing bold colours, minimalist aesthetics, or edible landscaping, the year ahead offers endless inspiration for creating gardens that are as beautiful as they are practical.

Pollinator-friendly garden and winding path

Grandparents gardening with their grandchild.

How to involve children in Gardening Tasks

Discover the joys of gardening with your children or grandchildren! Learn how involving kids in gardening can boost their mental and physical health, encourage outdoor play, and reduce screen time while fostering a lifelong love for nature.

How to create a wheelchair-friendly Garden?

Creating a wheelchair-friendly garden is about more than just accessibility; it’s about crafting an inclusive space that everyone can enjoy. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential tips and considerations for designing a garden that accommodates all abilities. From choosing the right materials and layout to incorporating raised beds and low-maintenance plants, we’ll guide you through the process of transforming your outdoor space into a welcoming haven. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of gardens that not only look great but also provide accessibility and comfort for all!

Arbour walkway with 3 arbours in Findon Valley

Garden Design and Wine Workshop at Wiston Wine Estate.

Garden Design and Wine Event

Join us for a fun and hands-on event where you’ll learn all about creating a beautiful garden space. Come meet fellow garden enthusiasts, share ideas, and get inspired to transform your garden into your happy outdoor place. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unleash your creativity, learn from garden designer Victoria of Studio Hummingbird and taste some wine from Wiston Wine Estate! Materials and wine tasting are included!

If possible, bring a plan or sketch of your garden to get the most out of this workshop.

Find out more

Why choose to have your garden professionally designed?

Gardens hold a unique charm and significance in our lives. They are spaces where we can relax, entertain, grow our own produce, and connect with nature. However, the process of creating a garden that is not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable can be quite challenging. This is where a professional garden designer comes into play. In this article we explain why you want your garden professionally designed.

What to expect from a Garden Designer?

Are you considering revamping your garden but feeling overwhelmed by the task? Hiring a garden designer might be the solution you need. Garden designers are professionals who specialise in creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. They have the knowledge, experience, and creativity to transform your garden into a stunning oasis that suits your style and needs.

Garden Design Ideas for 2024

As we step towards the new year, it’s time to start thinking about refreshing our gardens and embracing new garden design ideas. Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling backyard, there are plenty of exciting trends to explore in garden design for 2024. In this blog post, we will explore some innovative ideas that will transform your outdoor space into a stunning oasis.