Flower show energy, all year round

There’s nothing quite like the magic of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It’s a celebration of creativity, planting brilliance and cutting-edge garden design.

What’s hot in garden design for 2026

Flower shows are always a crystal ball for what’s next. This year, it’s all about resilience, natural beauty and feel-good spaces. So let’s talk about it. 

1. Naturalistic, flowing planting

Gone are rigid rows and overly formal beds. 2026 is embracing soft, meadow-style planting with layers of texture and movement, think grasses weaving through florals.

How to get the look:

• Combine ornamental grasses with relaxed floral stems
• Layer heights and textures for that “effortlessly wild” feel
• Avoid symmetry, gardens should beautifully imperfect

2. Climate-resilient gardens

Designers are focusing on plants that can handle both drought and heavy rain because the British weather loves to keep us guessing.

 Why faux works perfectly here:

• No weather damage
• No fading thanks to UV protection
• Looks fresh through heatwaves, frosts and everything in between

3. Wellness & sensory spaces

Gardens in 2026 are designed to feel good, with calming layouts, layered planting and immersive zones.

Recreate it at home:

• Use soft grasses for movement
• Add lush faux florals for colour therapy
• Create cosy corners with screening (more on that below)

4. Tropical meets British garden

One of the biggest trends this year? A little bit of the exotic. This year, we’re all about blending traditional planting with tropical structure, palms, bold foliage, and architectural shapes.

Perfect combo:

• Palms for height and drama
• Topiary for structure
• Flowers for softness and colour balance

5. Low-maintenance, high-impact spaces

Modern gardening is all about enjoying your space, not constantly maintaining it.

This is where fauxs shine. Why? 

• Zero upkeep
• Always in bloom
• Perfect for busy lifestyles or rental homes

So, what’s not hot anymore?

Let’s gently say goodbye to these few outdated looks…

• Overly manicured, formal planting schemes
• High-maintenance lawns as the main feature
• One-dimensional planting (all one height or type)
• Seasonal-only gardens that fade half the year

2026 is about layering, texture and longevity and faux planting ticks every box.

How do I create an artificial garden?

But here’s the exciting bit… you don’t actually need a landscaper (or perfect weather) to create the garden of your dreams.

With our UV stable outdoor range, you can capture that flower show-inspired look and enjoy it 365 days a year! So, let’s dive into the biggest 2026 garden trends, what’s in (and out) and how to bring it all together beautifully using faux planting.

Start with structure: ornamental grasses

Grasses are the backbone of modern planting schemes. They add movement, softness and flow.

Style tip: cluster grasses in groups of 3 - 5 for a natural drift effect.

Our top picks: With several styles and sizes to choose from, our versatile range of artificial grasses is popular for creating indoor and outdoor screening, sprucing up empty shelves, and brightening dark corners.

Add height & drama with palms

Nothing says “designer garden” like strong vertical elements.

Use palms to:

• Frame seating areas
• Create focal points
• Add that tropical-meets-urban vibe

Our top picks: From a statement piece to a utopian oasis, our artificial palms trees luxuriously lift any space. 

Bring in topiary for shape

Topiary adds contrast to looser planting styles, think structure vs softness.

Try:

• Box balls for borders
• Spirals for statement pieces
• Cones to frame entrances

Our top picks: Add effortless greenery and a talking point to your outdoor space with our unbelievably realistic range of artificial topiary trees.

Layer in flowers for colour

Show gardens are never short on blooms, but in 2026, it’s all about natural colour palettes and layered planting.

Top tip: Mix soft neutrals with pops of bold colour for a modern look.

Our top picks: Check out our fabulous collection of realistic artificial outdoor flowers, ranging from beautiful hanging baskets bursting with colour to welcoming window boxes and flourishing flowering bushes. 

Don’t forget screening

Want instant impact? Screening is your best friend.

Why it’s trending:

• Creates privacy in urban gardens
• Defines zones (lounging, dining, relaxing)
• Adds lush greenery instantly

How to style it:

• Use artificial hedging to create “garden rooms”
• Layer with grasses and flowers for depth
• Add lighting for evening ambience 

Our top picks: Screening doesn't have to be dull. Shop our range of artificial plant screening options to beautify your fencing, add privacy to intimate areas of your garden or mask unsightly spots.

Ready to transform your space? Browse the our outdoor collection. From grasses and palms to topiary and florals, everything is designed to stay beautiful, whatever the weather throws at it.