Key Takeaways:
— Landscapes are becoming more personal. Homeowners are moving away from one-size-fits-all designs in favor of outdoor spaces that reflect how they actually live.
— Color is making a comeback. Rich planting palettes and layered gardens are replacing the all-neutral landscapes that have dominated recent years.
— Outdoor spaces are expected to work harder. Wellness, entertaining, family time, and relaxation are all shaping today’s landscape design decisions.
— Timeless design still matters most. Trends may inspire ideas, but the best landscapes are designed to feel beautiful for decades, not just one season.
What are the biggest landscaping trends for 2026?
The biggest landscaping trends for 2026 reflect a shift toward more personalized outdoor spaces. Homeowners are embracing layered planting, richer color palettes, wellness features, and landscapes designed around how they actually want to spend time outside. In Martha Stewart’s roundup of the year’s top landscaping trends, Foxterra Designer Nate Fox shared why colorful, thoughtfully layered planting is replacing the all-neutral landscapes that have dominated outdoor design in recent years.
Read the full article on Martha Stewart
7 Landscaping Trends to Say Goodbye to in 2026, According to Experts
Martha Stewart gathered insights from leading landscape architects and outdoor design professionals to explore the ideas shaping residential landscapes in 2026. The article highlights everything from planting trends and outdoor living to sustainability, wellness, and creating outdoor spaces that feel more personal than ever
About the Feature
Outdoor design is becoming increasingly personal. Instead of chasing whatever is currently popular, more homeowners are looking for landscapes that reflect how they want to live outside every day. That shift is influencing everything from planting palettes and outdoor rooms to wellness spaces and gathering areas.
Martha Stewart’s feature explores the landscaping ideas gaining momentum in 2026, with industry experts sharing the trends they expect to see across residential landscapes.
Foxterra’s contribution focuses on one of the most noticeable changes: homeowners are beginning to move away from monochromatic landscapes and embrace richer planting palettes that add warmth, texture, and seasonal interest throughout the year.
What Was Covered
Among the trends featured in the article is the growing return of color in landscape design.
After years of predominantly green and white planting palettes, homeowners are beginning to incorporate flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, and layered seasonal color to create landscapes that feel more dynamic and personal.
Rather than treating planting as an afterthought, thoughtful planting design is becoming an integral part of the overall outdoor experience.
Foxterra’s Perspective
What lasts is designing a landscape that feels authentic to the people who live there.
We’re definitely seeing more homeowners ask for color than they were a few years ago. But the goal isn’t simply adding flowers because colorful landscapes happen to be popular right now.
It’s about creating planting that feels layered, intentional, and connected to the architecture of the home and the experience of being outside.
Some projects call for soft, restrained planting palettes. Others benefit from seasonal blooms, ornamental grasses, or bold Mediterranean-inspired planting. Every property is different.
The most successful landscapes aren’t memorable because they followed a trend. They’re memorable because every decision supports the experience homeowners want to have outside.
About Foxterra
Foxterra is a luxury outdoor design studio specializing in immersive backyard environments that blend architecture, landscape, and outdoor living. The firm creates custom outdoor spaces throughout the United States, with projects ranging from modern pool environments to resort-inspired entertainment destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest landscaping trends for 2026?
According to industry experts, some of the biggest landscaping trends include layered planting, richer color palettes, wellness-focused outdoor spaces, natural materials, and landscapes designed around everyday living rather than individual features.
Are colorful landscapes replacing neutral designs?
Many homeowners are beginning to move beyond all-neutral planting palettes by incorporating seasonal flowers, ornamental grasses, and a wider variety of textures and colors while still maintaining a timeless overall aesthetic.
How do you make a landscape feel timeless?
Timeless landscapes prioritize proportion, quality materials, thoughtful planting, and designs that reflect the home’s architecture and the homeowner’s lifestyle instead of following short-lived trends.
Should I design my yard around landscaping trends?
Trends can provide inspiration, but the most successful outdoor spaces are designed around how you want to live outside. A well-designed landscape should still feel beautiful and functional many years from now.
Behind The Article
Nate Fox
Designer
Nate Fox helps shape Foxterra's creative vision, blending architectural detail with a designer's eye for proportion and flow. His work redefines the backyard as an extension of modern luxury living.
For this story, Nate shares why personalized planting, layered landscapes, and timeless design continue to outperform short-lived trends.
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