How British gardeners are future-proofing their spaces: T&M survey 2025

Thompson & Morgan’s latest survey of 1,362 gardeners offers a timely glimpse into what’s inspiring UK growers right now. 

From favourite flowers to climate-ready choices, the findings highlight those trends that have shaped our gardens this season and will carry us into 2026. Whether you’re planning a small refresh or eyeing up new varieties, these insights offer helpful inspiration…

UK gardeners speak out: top insights from 2025 survey

Thompson & Morgan’s 2025 survey revealed many interesting shifts in how we garden. Highlights of the findings include:

• British gardeners are investing heavily in their outside space: a striking 76.9% report increasing their garden budgets in 2025, signalling a nationwide shift toward bigger, bolder, and more ambitious outdoor projects.
• A climate-driven gardening revolution: over half of gardeners (54%) now prioritise low-maintenance and drought-tolerant plants, showing how quickly home growers are adapting to hotter, drier summers.
• Lawns swapped for blooms and harvests: nearly 70% (69.4%) would reduce lawn area to add more flowers or vegetables, reflecting a move toward more colourful and productive gardens.
• Britain refuses to ditch its floral icons: Despite gardening trends evolving fast, roses remain the nation’s undisputed favourite flower, earning 167 votes – far outpacing modern darlings like dahlias (94) and tulips (54).
• Cottage gardens still rule the national imagination: When it comes to style, nearly 40% of gardeners would choose a classic cottage garden, followed by bolder bedding (25.6%) and wildlife-friendly styles (22.1%).
• Social media drives plant purchases: 67.3% of gardeners admit they’ve bought plants after spotting them online, cementing the internet as a major force in horticultural trends.
• Flowers lead in the sowing race, but veggies aren’t far behind: Over half of gardeners (54.8%) grow mostly flowers from seed, but more than a quarter stick with vegetables – proving UK gardens can be both stunning and productive.
• Home growers are gearing up for big changes next year: around one in three gardeners plan to build raised beds, with a similar number preparing to adopt water-efficient techniques as climate-conscious layouts go mainstream.

Manicured lawns are out!

The most striking trend revealed by the survey is how many gardeners are rethinking their lawns. Over two-thirds of respondents said they would trade a portion of grass for flowers or vegetables – creating gardens that are not only more colourful and productive, but also more supportive of wildlife.

This isn’t about cutting out lawns completely. Grass areas still provide relaxation, structure, and play space, but they’re now complemented by borders, raised beds, and mixed planting schemes that bring both beauty and ecological benefits.

Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plants are another part of this change. Over 50% of gardeners reported choosing them this year, reflecting a desire for plants that look good with less water and care – perfect for hotter, drier summers.

Roses remain a firm favourite

Flowers remain the most popular choice for gardeners to grow, with 54.8% of gardeners starting them from seed. Classic blooms like roses, dahlias, and tulips are top favourites, and perennials are widely chosen for lasting displays, often combined with annuals and other flower types. Vegetables are grown by around a quarter of all respondents.

Pastels are outplayed by vibrant colour mixes

When gardeners choose a look for their borders, it’s clear they want a balance of abundant beauty and ecological value.

• • A Riot of Colour: When it comes to the colour palette, the vast majority – 60.6% – choose a dominant scheme of ‘a mix of everything’. This popular mixing of colours creates layered, vibrant borders that are lively and visually engaging throughout the season.
  • Top Garden Styles: The timeless appeal of the ‘classic cottage garden’ remains the firm favourite at 39.6%. This preference suggests gardeners value charm and pollinator-friendly mixed planting.
    • Following close behind, ‘bold, bright bedding’(25.6%) is chosen for adding high-impact vibrancy to any space.
    • Crucially, wildlife-friendly gardens (22.1%) are the third most popular choice, demonstrating that ecological planting – supporting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects – is now a mainstream priority for UK gardeners.

Gardening trends for 2026

Looking forward, many gardeners are planning resilient and sustainable gardens for next year. Raised beds (37 %) and water-efficient gardening (34 %) are top priorities, helping reduce water use and create productive, low-maintenance planting. Many respondents are also exploring composting, no-dig methods, and dipping ponds, reflecting a growing focus on eco-friendly practices that benefit wildlife and promote long-term garden health.

Gardens are more important than interior design

• • • The emotional connection to our outdoor space is strong and clear. A large majority of 81.3% agree that their garden gives them more joy and pride than their home’s interior, proving the value of a well-tended green space.
    • We also know that inspiration is often found online, with 67.3% having purchased something for their garden after seeing it on social media or in gardening videos.

From the timeless beauty of the roses to the growing interest in water-efficient gardening, the Thompson & Morgan 2025 survey confirms that UK gardeners are passionate, innovative, and focused on creating both beautiful and resilient outdoor spaces.