Garden Design Trends for 2026

Garden design is evolving faster than ever, blending beauty, functionality, and mindfulness. From sustainable practices and plant collecting to calming color palettes and pet-friendly outdoor spaces, this year’s trends offer fresh ways to enjoy and shape your garden.

Join us over the coming weeks as we explore the top 2026 trends. First up in the series: Pet-Friendly Outdoor Spaces, a two-part look at Catios and Barkitecture, showing how modern gardens can be thoughtfully designed for both cats and dogs.

Why Pet-Inclusive Design Matters

Modern gardens are expected to do more than look beautiful—they must support biodiversity, accommodate outdoor living, and now—consider pets as daily users. Thoughtful, pet-forward design takes into account:

• How animals move through and explore the space

• Where they rest, observe, and seek shelter

• The durability of materials under regular use

• Planting that supports both pets and humans

  
  

When these factors are considered from the start, the garden feels cohesive, functional, and truly lived in.

Catios: From Enclosures to Outdoor Rooms

Catios have come a long way from simple screened boxes. Today, they are

architectural features that blend with the garden, offering cats safe access to sun, air, texture, and sensory stimulation. Modern Catios are:

• Integrated into patios, decks, or garden structures

• Multi-level, with shelves and ramps for exploration

• Built with materials that complement the landscape

• Planted with cat-friendly species that add shade and interest

  
  

A successful Catio is not just functional—it’s a garden experience for your cat, designed to harmonize with your home and surroundings.

Design tips to consider:

• Provide vertical movement and elevated vantage points

• Balance sun and shade throughout the space

• Use durable materials paired with soft textures

• Include plantings that encourage curiosity but are safe for cats

Socrates, relaxing near lavender

Planting for

Cat-Friendly Gardens

Choosing the right plants makes a difference. Pet-compatible planting focuses on texture, scent, and resilience. Some reliable choices include:

• Catnip and cat grass for exploration and scent enrichment

• Resilient grasses and perennials that tolerate feline traffic

• Herbs and aromatic plants that enhance the sensory experience

• Valerian is a great plant to grow and harvest for the roots, its better then catnip for kitties.

  
  

The goal is a garden that encourages movement, curiosity, and engagement—both for cats and humans.

Next Steps: Bringing Your Catio to Life

Next up in our 2026 garden design trends series: Barkitecture—how thoughtful dog-focused design transforms outdoor spaces.

If you’re ready to create a garden that’s functional, beautiful, and pet-friendly, Violet Crow can help. From concept to installation, we design spaces that your pets will love and you’ll be proud of. Contact us today to start planning your personalized pet-forward garden.