In the Garden
My husband, Bob, and I have just returned from the Philadelphia Flower Show. This extravaganza is one of the largest flower shows in the world. There were definite changes evident in this year’s gardens. Very big changes from gardens of the past.
One big change is informal planting. This is a huge move towards more biodiverse and sustainable gardens. These new gardens are embracing an informal aesthetic, replete with drought-tolerant and resilient plants. And, of course, using natives mostly. Self-seeders, and a relaxed, wilder feel are increasingly favored. There is a resurgence of cottage-garden style planting including self-seeding classics such as Hollyhocks and Foxgloves, with Mulleins, Nepeta (Catnip) and Fennel. This looser, more ecological take on the traditional border is grounded in climate reality, with plants chosen for toughness, wildlife value and longevity rather than the perfection of the traditional border.
Water scarcity is reshaping how we design gardens and after a long, dry 2025, it’s become even more apparent how vital this is.