2006 Garden Trends: Outdoor Rooms, Hardscaping, and Vertical Gardens

Gardening continues its surge as America's favorite home hobby. In 2006, the focus shifts to making the most of shrinking yard space—turning patios and decks into true "outdoor rooms" that are beautiful, functional, and low-maintenance.

The Outdoor Room Concept

With lot sizes dwindling, homeowners are treating backyard hardscapes as extensions of their living space. The foundation? Hardscaping—the "skeleton" of paths, patios, decks, and walls that define the space before a single plant goes in. Sketch your layout first; it's the blueprint for everything that follows.

Furnishing for Comfort and Durability

Wicker and rattan remain top picks for outdoor furniture: versatile, weather-resistant, and available at every price point. Accessorize like you would indoors—cushions, rugs, side tables, lighting—to create a cohesive, inviting room.

Container Gardening at Fever Pitch

Planters and pots offer unmatched flexibility—move them to follow sun, fill seasonal gaps, or refresh the look instantly. Groupings of varied sizes and materials create instant impact.

Vertical Gardens: Growing Up

When ground space is tight, go vertical. Lattice panels, trellises, wall-mounted pockets, and tiered planters turn fences and walls into living tapestries. Ideal for herbs, succulents, strawberries, and trailing flowers—maximizing yield and beauty in minimal footprint.

The 2006 mantra: Less lawn, more living. Less maintenance, more enjoyment. Start with hardscape, layer in containers and vertical elements, and furnish for life outdoors.