Top Garden Trends in Devon For 2026
There is a wide range of garden styles and features across Devon, from contemporary designs to traditional country gardens, and in 2026, we are seeing new ways to take advantage of these spaces.
In this part of the world, our landscape shapes the way we garden. From the salt-laden winds of the coast to the sheltered valleys of the countryside, our local environment demands a unique approach to garden design. As we look ahead to 2026, we see a shift in garden design trends that not only withstand the local elements but also embrace them.
The coming garden trends in Devon for 2026 blend beauty with resilience, creating spaces that feel deeply rooted in their location.
Whether you are planning a complete renovation or a simple refresh, understanding where garden design is heading can help you create a space that remains timeless and functional for years to come.
As a local landscaping company, Halcyon Landscapes understands the unique requirements of Devon homeowners. We know what works in the region and how to adjust any garden design trend to suit these requirements. Using this experience, we are sharing our key predictions for garden trends in Devon this new year.
1) Coastal-Friendly Planting Schemes
For those living near Devon’s stunning coastline, the challenge within landscaping has been finding plants that can survive salty air and strong winds without sacrificing beauty. Luckily, in 2026, we can expect to see a surge in purposeful coastal planting schemes that celebrate resilient, native species rather than fighting against the elements.
This trend moves homeowners away from high-maintenance exotic plants that struggle in exposed locations. Instead, these new garden trends in Devon will focus on hardy perennials and ornamental grasses that move beautifully with the wind.
Options such as Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima), Sea Holly (Eryngium), and various Miscanthus grasses are the ideal solution for your coastal garden. These plants not only tolerate the coastal climate but thrive in it, offering texture, movement, and a striking variety of foliage, from fine, ferny leaves to lush, bold greens, that mimic the natural dunes and cliff tops of your surroundings.
Incorporating these garden trends in Devon results in a low-maintenance seaside garden that looks good year-round. To ensure success in these garden trends, focus on working with the environment to create a landscape that feels wild yet curated, reducing the need for constant watering and sheltering.
2) Sustainable & Wildlife-Friendly Gardens
In 2026, sustainability is the foundation of modern garden design. Homeowners across Devon are increasingly asking for outdoor spaces that support local biodiversity.
With these garden trends in Devon, we can expect to see sustainable gardens as standard. Landscapes that are designed to provide habitats for pollinators, birds, and hedgehogs are becoming more popular and a wonderful way to make use of your Devon garden.
Attracting bees by planting pollinator-friendly flowers and herbs is especially important, as bees play a crucial role in pollination and overall garden productivity.
Along with sustainable planting, we anticipate a move towards water-wise landscape features such as rain gardens and swales as part of these garden trends in Devon. Given our variable regional weather, managing rainfall effectively is crucial.
These features capture water runoff, preventing waterlogging throughout the garden, while also creating moist habitats for specific plant species. Water-wise landscaping is a practical solution that enhances garden health and reduces the strain on local drainage systems.
If you are interested in these garden trends in Devon, it is important to note that a wildlife-friendly garden does not have to look messy. You can create a sustainable garden that is structured and elegant, while still providing a haven for nature, especially when working with local garden designers like our team.
With our professional skills and local expertise, we can recommend the best planting, paving, and layout for visual and sustainable appeal.
3) Outdoor Living & Relaxation Zones
The concept of ‘bringing the indoors out’ continues to gain momentum in 2026. These garden trends in Devon focus on creating outdoor living spaces, which are sophisticated multi-functional zones designed for dining, relaxing, and entertaining.
Through this trend, your garden is much more than a patch of grass; it becomes an additional room the whole family can enjoy, furnished with the same level of comfort and style as a lounge.
Pergolas and covered structures are essential within these garden trends in Devon, as they extend the use of the garden throughout the seasons. They provide shade during the summer and shelter during unpredictable showers. Beneath these structures, homeowners are creating dedicated dining spaces equipped for al fresco life.
Family gatherings are enhanced by outdoor spaces designed to be practical and enjoyable for children, often featuring play areas, paths for running, and zones for family activities. To combat the cooler Devon evenings, fire pits and built-in seating areas create cosy corners that invite you to stay outside longer.
These features are often surrounded by planting or garden elements to enhance the sense of connection with nature, while also supporting comfort.
4) Naturalistic and Untamed Looks
Formal, rigid bedding plants are making way for softer, more naturalistic compositions in 2026. This garden trend in Devon, often described as ‘rewilding’, takes inspiration from the rolling regional countryside. This garden design relies on a looser, freer style of planting so borders and planting beds can mimic the aesthetic of meadows and hedgerows.
In 2026, homeowners across Devon can expect to see more meadow-style lawns and drifts of textured grasses intermingled with wild flowers. These support other garden trends in Devon, as they also enhance biodiversity and natural beauty.
Plants with wiry stems add delicacy and texture, while ornamental seed heads provide visual interest, especially in autumn. The vibrant colour of different plants throughout the year further enhances the garden’s appeal. This untamed look softens the hard lines of paving and fencing throughout the garden, creating a sense of calm and tranquillity. It is a visual rejection of perfectionism, embracing the changing seasons and the natural lifecycle of plants.
This approach fits perfectly with rural properties across Devon, especially traditional cottages, blurring the boundaries between the garden and the wider landscape. The informal, nostalgic style evokes the charm of a cottage garden, offering emotional and picturesque appeal.
These garden trends in Devon can also bring a touch of the countryside to urban courtyards through a stunning contrast.
5) Vertical Gardens & Smart Space Use
Not every home has acres of land, particularly in our town centres, and these garden trends in Devon are a way to make garden design accessible for all.
For smaller courtyards and compact patios, maximising space is essential, and that is the basis for this garden trend. Vertical gardening offers a solution that delivers lush greenery without sacrificing floor space, and is set to explode in popularity in 2026. Vertical planting walls and hanging gardens draw the eye upwards, making small areas feel larger and more immersive. Trellises adorned with climbing plants like Jasmine or Clematis add height, scent, and privacy.
Paying attention to the details in plant selection and arrangement when participating in this trend is essential, as it ensures a harmonious and visually appealing result. This technique is particularly effective for screening overlooking neighbours or masking unsightly walls.
Smart use of space also involves multi-functional features, such as planters that double as seating or built-in storage benches.
6) Eco-Conscious Hardscaping
The materials we choose for our patios and pathways matter, and this is even more significant in 2026. There is a growing demand for hardscaping solutions that are as kind to the planet as they are durable. In the coming years, we predict a shift away from imported stone and concrete towards recycled or sustainably sourced materials.
Permeable paving is a key part of these garden trends in Devon. Unlike traditional impermeable surfaces that contribute to flash flooding, permeable options allow rainwater to soak naturally into the ground. This sustainable patio solution is vital for managing surface water and reducing the heat island effect in built-up areas.
Local stone, reclaimed bricks, and timber from managed forests will feature heavily in 2026 garden trends in Devon. These materials ground the garden in its surroundings and local heritage, ensuring the design feels authentic and established.
7) Garden Technology & Smart Features
Technology is quietly revolutionising how we manage our outdoor spaces, and is set to be a large part of garden trends in Devon throughout 2026. While the garden is a place to unplug, smart features can work in the background to make garden maintenance easier and more efficient.
Sensor-based irrigation systems are a game-changer for plant health and a key part of this garden trend. These systems monitor soil moisture levels and weather forecasts, delivering the precise amount of water needed only when necessary.
They can also help monitor and optimise growing conditions by adjusting watering schedules based on the specific needs of different plants, taking into account factors like soil type and microclimate.
Using this technology as part of your garden maintenance eliminates water waste and ensures plants survive dry spells. This is particularly useful for holiday homes or busy professionals across Devon.
Another key way that technology is taking over garden trends in Devon is through remote or app-controlled lighting.
App-controlled garden lighting allows you to change the mood of your garden at the touch of a button. From highlighting architectural trees to illuminating pathways for safety, smart lighting enhances the usability of the space after dark and makes it a more comfortable, customisable space.
Conclusion
The garden trends in Devon for 2026 point towards a future where our outdoor spaces are more sustainable, functional, and deeply connected to the natural beauty of the region. From coastal-resilient planting to smart technology, these innovations offer exciting ways to enhance your home and lifestyle.
By planning ahead, you can create a garden that is not only ready for the future but is also a joy to live in today.
If you are inspired to transform your outdoor space, getting the design right is the first step. At Halcyon Landscapes, we specialise in creating bespoke gardens that reflect the unique character of our county.
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FAQs
What are the biggest garden trends in Devon for 2026?
The top trends include sustainable planting, wildlife-friendly gardens, outdoor living areas, vertical gardens, and naturalistic, untamed planting. Devon homeowners are embracing eco-conscious and practical designs that suit the local climate and landscapes.
How can I make my Devon garden more sustainable?
Use native plants, create wildlife habitats, install water-saving features like rain gardens, and choose eco-friendly materials for patios and paths. Even small changes can support biodiversity while reducing maintenance and environmental impact.
How do I incorporate outdoor living spaces into my garden?
Focus on functional zones such as patios, seating areas, pergolas, or dining spaces. Blend hardscaping with planting, lighting, and shelter to create comfortable spaces for relaxation and entertaining, even in Devon’s cooler or coastal climates.