The sun is out, and we’re already in March—so what better time to take a look at what’s trending in landscaping this year?

1. Climate-Resilient Gardens

Weather is a big deal for us in the UK—sometimes we get all four seasons in a single day! As landscapers, we know just how much it affects everything, from how long cement takes to go off, to whether your cup of tea stays warm for more than five minutes. And don’t even get us started on how many pairs of gloves we go through on a wet day…

In Somerset, winter and spring flooding can be a real headache, so we help our clients prepare by:

• Designing gardens to handle excess water—we make sure drainage is spot-on to stop your garden from turning into a swamp.
• Using permeable paving—for driveways and patios, allowing rainwater to naturally soak into the ground rather than running off into drains (or worse, your doorstep).
• Recommending non-slip, low-maintenance materials—some paving options are naturally grippier and need far less jet washing, so you spend more time enjoying your garden and less time scrubbing it clean.

A little planning goes a long way in making sure your garden can handle whatever the great British weather throws at it and we are experts at that!

2. Wild & Naturalistic Gardens

Somerset’s rolling hills and rural landscapes are the perfect inspiration for a more relaxed, natural garden style. The days of perfectly manicured lawns and overly neat borders are fading—we’re embracing gardens that work with nature, not against it.

Here’s how:

• Wildflower meadows—a beautiful, low-maintenance alternative to traditional lawns, attracting bees, butterflies, and all sorts of pollinators.
• Rewilding small areas—letting native plants and grasses grow naturally to create little havens for wildlife.
• No-dig gardening—a method that protects soil health while reducing the need for weeding and watering (a win-win for both you and the environment!).
• Using natural barriers—choosing hedging over fencing where possible, giving wildlife the freedom to move while creating habitats for birds and insects.

We’ve got some brilliant local examples too—villages like Keinton Mandeville are leading the way in wildlife-friendly gardening, while Charlton Adam’s playing field showcases fantastic natural areas that support biodiversity.

A little bit of wildness in your garden goes a long way in making it a haven for both you and nature!

3. Outdoor Living Spaces for All Seasons

Gardens are no longer just for summer—they’re becoming an extension of the home, designed to be enjoyed year-round. Popular features include:

• Outdoor kitchens with built-in pizza ovens or BBQ areas—perfect for entertaining. (We built a gorgeous one in Littleton, and let’s just say, the pizzas were amazing!)
• Garden rooms for home offices, artist studios, or cosy retreats. The Greengage team is lucky enough to work with views of a pond and garden—makes quoting and blogging that bit more enjoyable!
• Weatherproof structures like pergolas with retractable roofs, meaning the British weather won’t ruin your outdoor plans.

4. Smart & Sustainable Landscaping

Eco-friendly landscaping is booming, and technology is making it easier than ever. Somerset homeowners are embracing:

• Solar-powered garden lighting to reduce energy bills and environmental impact.
• Smart irrigation systems that adjust watering based on rainfall—perfect for saving water in dry spells.
• Reclaimed and upcycled materials for patios, decking, and pathways. Clients often ask if they can reuse materials, and we love saying yes!

5. The Rise of Gravel Gardens

With water conservation becoming more important, gravel gardens are on the rise, especially in areas prone to dry summers. Inspired by Mediterranean landscapes, these gardens:

• Feature hardy, drought-resistant plants like rosemary, thyme, and sedum, which love Somerset’s well-draining soils.
• Use gravel ground cover to keep maintenance low and weeds at bay.
• Have a rustic, natural aesthetic that blends beautifully with the Somerset countryside.

6. Edible Landscaping & Homegrown Produce

The “grow your own” movement is still going strong, and more people are turning their gardens into food-producing spaces. In Somerset, where cider orchards and farm-to-table eating are part of life, we’re seeing:

• Edible gardens with fruit trees, raised veg beds, and herb spirals.
• Vertical growing spaces, perfect for small gardens.
• Food forests, layering fruit, nuts, and edible perennials for a more natural, productive garden.

7. Eco-Friendly Hardscaping

Sustainability is key when it comes to patios, decking, and pathways. Homeowners are choosing:

• Reclaimed stone & wood, often sourced from local Somerset suppliers.
• Composite decking, made from recycled plastics and wood fibres—it’s durable and eco-friendly.
• Living walls & green roofs, which help regulate temperature and improve air quality (especially in towns like Bath and Taunton).

8. Water Features for Wellness

Water features aren’t just decorative—they’re calming and great for wildlife. In 2025, we expect to see more:

• Natural swimming pools—no chemicals, just plants filtering the water.
• Wildlife ponds, providing a home for frogs, dragonflies, and birds.
• Water walls and fountains, bringing soothing sounds into the garden.

9. Year-Round Planting for Seasonal Interest

A great garden should look good all year round, not just in summer. In Somerset, this means:

• Evergreens and winter-flowering plants to keep colour in the colder months.
• Layered planting—mixing shrubs, perennials, and ground covers to add interest at every level.
• Ornamental grasses like Stipa and Miscanthus for texture and movement.

10. Nature-Based Play Areas for Children

Families are ditching plastic play equipment for natural, interactive play spaces. We’re seeing more:

• Log stepping stones and willow tunnels, blending beautifully into the garden.
• Mud kitchens and sensory gardens, sparking creativity and outdoor play.
• Mini wildlife habitats, like bug hotels and hedgehog houses, encouraging a love for nature from an early age.

Final Thoughts

2025 is all about creating gardens that are sustainable, functional, and beautiful. Whether it’s designing a space that thrives in Somerset’s climate, using eco-friendly materials, or making your garden a year-round retreat, the future of landscaping is looking greener than ever.

Thinking about transforming your garden this year? Get in touch with Greengage for expert advice and bespoke landscaping solutions designed for Somerset’s unique landscape.

Words: Jennie Eastick,  Office Manager