Gardens are increasingly designed to support holistic wellbeing across emotional, social and environmental dimensions. From therapeutic landscapes to micro-retreats, forward-thinking spaces respond to diverse needs, whether grief-, stigma- or urban stress-related. There’s growing recognition of horticulture’s ability to foster healing, promote inclusion and offer everyday moments of calm.

Across the show gardens, environmental intent was evident in everything from repurposed structures to water-wise systems and wildlife-first designs. Climate consciousness shapes both practice and presentation. Whether through AI-enhanced ecosystems, pollinator balconies or drought-resilient landscapes, today’s green spaces must not only thrive but endure.

Hardscaping evolves with an emphasis on sustainable reuse and sculptural expression. Designers favour reclaimed materials, warm earth tones and textural contrasts, from rammed earth to rippled metal. Vertical forms lend rhythm and structure, offering thoughtful punctuation that complements lush planting schemes and supports low-impact construction.

This year’s standout planting styles prioritised gentle drama over excess, with a focus on texture, informality and serene colour palettes. From curated wildness and soft colour harmonies to Japanese-inspired calm, softscaping leans into wellness and ecological ease, expressed through layered textures and a deep connection with sensory experience.