Creating a garden that feels like it’s been growing for years doesn’t have to take decades. Not convinced? Garden Media recently published a Garden Trends Report that highlights best practices for creating natural curb appeal. Take from it what you will, and consider applying a few of their recommendations to your own landscape design.

Embrace the "Perfectly Imperfect" Look

Gone are the days when a garden had to look perfectly manicured and pristine. Today’s trend is all about embracing a more relaxed, “lived-in” aesthetic that feels genuine. Just like how worn-in items such as vintage jeans or retro sneakers evoke a sense of personality, gardens that appear seasoned and lovingly cared for bring warmth and charm to your outdoor space.

• Let plants climb and wander: Allow roses and vines to trail along fences or wind around unexpected architectural features for a natural, untamed look. There's a reason green walls are gaining popularity!
• Don’t toss “imperfect” plants: Keep plants that may not be perfect. Instead of removing them, trim and shape them as yard design elements to showcase their mature growth.

Layering is Key

A lush garden looks as though it has been growing for ages, and the secret to that is layering. By mixing both tall and ornamental trees, medium-sized shrubs, and low-growing plants, you can add depth and dimension to your yard. This creates the illusion of a space that has grown over time, even if you planted it just months ago.

• Use a variety of plant heights: Combine tall shrubs, trees, ornamental grasses, and low-growing perennial flowers to create a rich, textured yard landscape.
• Plant densely: A densely planted garden feels full and established right away. This not only speeds up the “lived-in” effect but also minimizes open garden spaces where weeds could grow. We grouped a variety of ornamental grass plants in terraced plant beds; within a month, they had taken off and filled in the landscape.

Incorporate Fast-Growing Plants

If you’re impatient to see your garden come to life, opt for fast-growing plants that can fill out your yard space quickly. Some plants, like hydrangeas and Leyland Cypress, grow rapidly, giving lackluster landscaping the appearance of maturity in just a few seasons.

• Choose quick growers: Consider plants like Canna Lilies, Encore® Azaleas, Milkweed, or Lombardy Poplars to jump-start your garden’s growth. Plus, the accent colors in your plant selection will quickly complement your home's color scheme.
• Opt for long-blooming varieties: Plants like coneflowers, Black-eyed Susans, and Knock Out® Roses can offer color for extended periods, making your garden look vibrant and well-established.
• Mix annual flowers, potted plants, and perennials. Year-over-year, embracing a balance will allow you to jump-start the colors in your landscape every spring.

Add Historical Charm with Moss and Stone

Nothing says "this garden has been here forever" like moss-covered stones or weathered walls. Incorporating these elements can instantly bring a sense of age and history to your outdoor space. Some homeowners also gravitate to gravel pathways and brick pavers as they consider hardscape materials for flat surfaces.

• Create a mossy feature: Cultivate a moss-covered wall or natural stone between planting beds for an ancient, tranquil feel.
• Consider faux-aging: Use stone accents or other materials in garden beds that naturally weather over time to enhance the aesthetic.

Focus on Native Plants

Native plants not only thrive in your local climate but also help give your garden a sense of place. Plus, they tend to establish more quickly and require less maintenance, allowing them to look settled much sooner.

• Explore native options: Check out resources like the National Wildlife Federation's Native Plant Finder to find species that will suit your area and add to that mature feel.
• Encourage wildlife: Native plants also attract local wildlife, giving your garden a lively, interactive dimension that feels deeply connected to nature.

Think About the Future Value

In addition to making your garden feel more "lived in," you’re also increasing your home’s value by focusing on sophisticated, mature landscaping. According to research from Virginia Tech, well-landscaped homes can enjoy up to a 12.7% increase in property value, making your investment not only aesthetically pleasing but financially smart as well.

• Mature trees add significant value: Investing in the care of existing mature trees, or planting new ones, can increase property values significantly—sometimes up to $10,000 per tree. "While people try to add value to their landscape by planting new trees, the care of existing mature trees, which provide significant health, community, and environmental benefits, is often overlooked," highlights Dr. Dan Herms from Davey Tree Expert Company. Want fruit trees on your property? They can be slow to produce, so plant and establish them as soon as you can.
• Perennials for long-term beauty: Choose perennial flowers that return year after year to create a garden that matures and evolves. It adds a lasting value to your landscape.
• Low-maintenance landscapes are appealing: Opt for drought-tolerant plants or native species to reduce the need for intensive upkeep. This can be a selling point for future buyers in many parts of the country.