Tom's Top Six Landscaping Trends for 2026
Award-winning landscaper Tom Windle reveals his top six garden trends for 2026, giving you practical insight to stay competitive and ahead of demand this season.
"My first job was as a chef, but it didn’t take me long to realise something was missing. After retraining as a general builder and bagging myself a degree in Garden Design and Installation, I began my career at Gardenscape. Needless to say, I’ve never looked back.
I love directing the full project journey, from initial conception to final construction. Experimenting with new materials, different products and crazy ideas to create the best possible designs is a huge part of that.
In 2025, I was proud to be crowned Landscaper of the Year at the On The Tools Awards, sponsored by Jewson, an accolade that further ignited my passion for my craft. Every day, you’ll find me learning from other experts, sharing my work with the online community, and constantly aiming to grow – both personally and professionally"
Tom Windle, Gardenscape
1. Timeless tradition
Recent months have seen a return to tradition in the world of gardens, with the rustic look making a real comeback. This look embraces imperfections, organic materials and a seamless blend of nature and salvaged elements.
Textures like natural stone and clay paving make for timeless assets to any garden, with classic features such as ponds and pergolas also proving popular.
Explore our selection of Natural Stone Paving
2. Outside in
More and more people are now looking to bring their home outside. This is partly about maximising usable living space, but it’s also a response to recent long, dry summers and the way we now use our gardens.
Outdoor areas are being designed as true extensions of the home, with furniture and defined zones for relaxing, dining and entertaining, rather than spaces that are only enjoyed occasionally.
3. Making more of your garden
Once a garden staple, lawns are becoming less popular, with many choosing to cut theirs down or even go without completely. And it’s not just about reducing the need for maintenance.
Smaller gardens – especially those in new builds – encourage homeowners to get intentional about maximising their outdoor space. Thoughtful layouts, liveable features and vibrant planting all help gardens remain peaceful, natural and comfortable.
4. Greener Fingers
The number of homeowners making clean, conscious choices for their gardens is on the up, as recycled products and repurposed features become a huge selling point for many designers and installers.
Sustainability is now seen as a long-term investment rather than an aesthetic choice, with considered material selection helping to reduce waste while adding character and individuality.
5. Durable and versatile
Porcelain continues its popularity in UK gardens, particularly in new builds and among younger homeowners.
More people are opting for durable, low-maintenance porcelain tiles to create modern, versatile outdoor spaces that function as tranquil extensions of the home. The recent increase in the availability of porcelain also makes it a progressively sustainable, affordable choice.
Browse our Porcelain Paving range
6. Creative flair
If you ask me, landscaping is at its best when customers and designers choose to get creative. Using materials inventively has been a key focus for me recently, and it’s great to see so many homeowners looking to make their gardens unique and push boundaries with the resources they have.
From cobblestone patios and vertical planting to porcelain-tiled outdoor kitchens, we expect to see lots more blended ideas and innovative thinking in the garden this year.
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