7 Garden Trends That Will Be Huge in 2016

Low-maintenance plants

Showy landscaping is out. Breezy flower beds are in. Skip the high-maintenance turf grass in favor of low-key (and more sustainable) perennials like yarrow, hibiscus or lavender, which are able to survive with less watering.

Edible gardens

The farm-to-table trend is headed straight to your home. Start small with herbs like parsley or mint (hello, mojitos!), or go all in with local fruits and vegetables.

Cozy seating

Thanks to upgrades in fabric and design, outdoor seating (think rattan and wicker) is more durable–and prettier–than ever. Add some decorative throws or pillows in a similar color scheme to create a calming vibe.

Vertical gardens

Small space? Take your gardens upward–more specifically, plant in hanging pots or set a bunch of containers on a ladder to snazz up your patio or balcony without taking up too much real estate.

She sheds

Also known as a playhouse for grown women, this is perhaps our favorite trend of them all. Update your rickety old tool shed with a fresh coat of paint, ambient lighting and cozy seating so you can escape to your backyard for a little TLC (ahem, glass of wine) whenever you need to recharge.

Patterned outdoor rugs

Plush new lounge chairs, check. Charming vegetable garden, check. Pitcher of sangria, check. If it still feels like something is lacking from your sitting area, try adding a colorful rug to the space. It will make the exterior of your home just as inviting as the inside.

Pantone florals

Spruce up your patio with some fresh florals in one (or both) of this year’s two dreamy hues: rose quartz (a blush pink) and serenity (a calming blue). From tea roses and peonies to periwinkles and delphiniums, the options are endless. Bonus points for matching planters.