See What We’re Planning for the Garden in 2026
What’s that old adage? “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Well, call us eternal optimists, but every January we like to make a list of our goals and aspirations for our gardens in the coming year. After all, a new gardening season is the perfect time for fresh ideas and bold decisions. In this episode, we dig into our plans for 2026, sharing what we’re upgrading, what we’re rethinking, and where we’re ready to start from scratch.
There are plans for refreshing tired beds to completely overhauling borders that no longer work (or perhaps cutting down an aged stewartia tree?). We’ll also talk through the practical considerations shaping the season ahead. Join us for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how our gardens are evolving—and how you might approach changes in your own landscape.
Episode Expert: Susan Calhoun is the owner of Plantswoman Design in Bainbridge Island, Washington. She is also a regional reporter for FineGardening.com.
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Danielle’s Garden Plans for 2026
- Add a dead hedge on Hospital Hill
- Hide the shade garden propane tank
- Renovate or remove: Japanese stewartia and ‘Heronswood Globe’ katsura
- Go on an international garden tour to the Netherlands
Dead hedge inspiration from the UK
New peastone pathway by propane tank area (installed in 2025)
Overgrown trees in front beds (fall of 2025)
Netherlands in bloom
Carol’s Garden Plans for 2026
- Edit and improve Manic Pixie Woodland Clearing beds
- Add more native plants to stream bank beds
- Add beaked yucca (Yucca rostrata, Zones 5–9) for contrast in front beds
- Update my garden site plan
Edit and improve Manic Pixie Woodland Clearing beds
Add more native plants to stream bank beds
Yucca rostrata in Michael Barbour’s garden
Site plan
Susan Calhoun’s Garden Plans for 2026
- Install a gravel garden by the shoreline patio (Pacific Northwest)
- Native plant border and education (Arizona)
Future gravel garden location
Cliffrose (Purshia stansburiana, Zones 4–9)
Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa, Zones 6–9) and other native Arizona wildflowers
Photos courtesy of the contributors unless otherwise noted.
Read More from Susan Calhoun:
Get Four-Season Interest Using Ornamental Grasses in the Garden
Designing a Garden in the Woods
A Deer-Proof Garden Design for Dry Shade
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Lee Valley Garden Obelisks
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Sturdy yet lightweight, these obelisks provide ample support for climbing plants while being easy to install and move. The medium obelisk stands 68 1/2″ high overall with a diameter of about 9 1/2″, compact enough for smaller containers indoors or out. The large size stands 86 1/2″ high with a diameter of 15 3/4″, ideal for larger outdoor spaces and containers.
Sunnydaze 14-Inch Round Lava-Finish Ceramic Plant Pot
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Made from ceramic in a vibrant green color, this outdoor plant pot features a one-of-a-kind lava finish. This decorative planter for outdoor plants measures 14″ in diameter (outer top, 8.5″ at bottom) x 11″ H and weighs 23.6 lbs. Its inner measurements are 11.75″ in diameter x 10″ H. The planter has a soil capacity of 3.05 gallons (0.41 cu ft).
Small note — This is inspiring — I’m excited to try it out. Great share.
Heads up – I agree — that’s a helpful perspective. Saving it 👍
Heads up – I agree — that’s a helpful perspective. Saving it 👍
What a charming tip — I’m inspired to try it. So cozy.
I like how you phrased that — very natural. Thanks for this!
I like how you phrased that — very natural. Thanks for this!
On a similar note: This is a keeper — saving for later. Will try it ☕