Design a garden that’s filled with color and texture.
Whether it’s your clothes, interior design , or art style, the concept of maximalism is a more-is-more aesthetic that layers color, texture, pattern, and shape into a curated whole. The same idea can apply to your landscaping, where a profusion of bright flowers, varied-height plants, shaped shrubs, and striking hues can create a bold and beautiful year-round garden design .
Creating a maximalist garden means choosing layouts, plants, and accessories that make the result feel intentional and cohesive—not chaotic and aimless. You don’t want your beds to look untended or forgotten; you want statement-making climbers, dramatic trees, and conspicuous color. Ahead, we’re sharing tips from gardening experts for designing a striking—but never sloppy—maximalist garden.
Meet the Expert
- Kelly Funk , president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins
- Linda Vater , plant expert for Southern Living Plant Collection
- Sean Hogan , founder of Cistus , a plant nursery in Portland, Oregon