In the UK, gardens have long been cherished as extensions of the home—places to relax, entertain, and connect with nature. With outdoor living more popular than ever, interest in thoughtful, well-planned garden design continues to grow. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refresh your outdoor space, understanding the latest trends can inspire your next move.
As experienced garden designers working across London and the South East, Soil Sisters are at the forefront of innovative garden design. Here, we explore the key trends shaping British gardens in 2025 and how our bespoke services can help bring them to life.
1. Sustainable Garden Design
Sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a guiding principle for modern garden design in the UK. Clients increasingly want gardens that are not only beautiful, but also environmentally responsible.
What this looks like:
- Using reclaimed or locally sourced materials
- Incorporating wildlife habitats like bug hotels, log piles, and bee-friendly planting
- Installing rainwater harvesting systems
At Soil Sisters, we specialise in designing gardens that tread lightly on the planet without compromising on style. We help clients choose native plants, reduce waste, and build gardens that support biodiversity. Explore sustainable gardening with RHS.
2. Outdoor Rooms and Living Spaces
Garden design is becoming more architectural, with clear zoning and dedicated outdoor “rooms”. These might include outdoor kitchens, fire pits, shaded lounges, or pergola-covered dining areas.
Key features include:
- Composite decking or porcelain paving for sleek, durable flooring
- Weatherproof furniture and soft furnishings
- Lighting for ambiance and usability after dark
Soil Sisters design functional and stylish outdoor spaces tailored to each client’s lifestyle, whether that means alfresco dining with friends or a quiet reading nook in a courtyard. See examples of garden zoning from Gardens Illustrated.
3. Low-Maintenance Planting Schemes
Not everyone has time to tend a traditional English cottage garden. More clients are requesting low-maintenance planting that looks great year-round with minimal effort.
Popular choices include:
- Evergreen shrubs and structural grasses
- Drought-tolerant plants like lavender and sedum
- Mulching and weed-suppressing ground covers
We work with our clients to develop planting plans that balance beauty and practicality, selecting species suited to their soil, light, and lifestyle. Browse low-maintenance plant ideas from Crocus.
4. Small Gardens, Big Impact
Urban gardens, courtyards, and balconies may be small in size, but smart garden design can turn them into stylish and usable spaces.
Tactics we love:
- Vertical planting and green walls
- Multifunctional seating with built-in storage
- Mirrors and light colours to visually expand space
At Soil Sisters, we believe that no space is too small for good garden design. Our team is skilled at maximising every square metre, ensuring your compact garden feels both functional and inspiring. Discover small garden tips from The English Garden.
5. Rewilding and Naturalistic Design
A growing movement in UK garden design embraces “rewilding” elements, allowing parts of the garden to grow more freely and support wildlife.
This may include:
- Wildflower meadows or no-mow lawn areas
- Natural ponds and wetland corners
- Looser planting schemes with a wilder, meadow-style aesthetic
Soil Sisters can help you strike the right balance between natural beauty and intentional design, creating spaces that evolve over time and benefit the environment. Learn about rewilding in gardens from The Wildlife Trusts.
How Soil Sisters Can Help
Whether you’re looking to completely reimagine your garden or make subtle enhancements, our experienced team of garden designers offers bespoke solutions tailored to your needs. We work with clients across London and the South East of England, providing:
- Full garden design services, from concept to completion
- Planting plans and sourcing
- Design consultations and advice for DIY gardeners
Our approach is collaborative, creative, and rooted in a deep understanding of how outdoor spaces can enhance everyday living.
Let Soil Sisters help you create a garden that reflects your style, fits your life, and grows with you.
Ready to transform your garden?
Get in touch to book a free consultation.
Whether you’re drawn to sustainable features, modern outdoor rooms, or wildlife-friendly planting, a thoughtful garden design from an experienced garden designer makes all the difference.