2026 Design Trends With Our Exeter Landscaping Contractors

March 10, 2026     News

With longer days on the horizon and spring just beginning to stir, now is when savvy homeowners start exploring the innovative landscaping designs for 2026 and planning their ideal outdoor sanctuary for the warmer months ahead. Whether you’re dreaming of hosting summer BBQs, enjoying peaceful morning coffees surrounded by beautiful blooms, or creating a safe play area where children can make the most of the sunshine season, your garden has the potential to become the heart of your home.

As experienced Exeter landscaping contractors, we understand that a well-designed garden doesn’t just look good – it brings joy, connection, and calm. Our comprehensive garden landscaping services in Exeter are designed to transform both small garden spaces and large-scale areas, creating stunning environments that reflect the latest 2026 garden design trends.

person clearing weeds

The Latest Landscaping Design Trends For 2026

People are looking for more from their gardens these days – they want spaces that are comfortable to spend time in, not just nice to look at. Whether it’s about creating a peaceful place to relax, choosing eco-friendly options, or keeping things low maintenance, more homeowners are rethinking how their garden fits into everyday life.
Our team of skilled landscape gardeners love working on all kinds of outdoor spaces, and no project is too big or too small for us.
Here are some of the top landscaping trends shaping outdoor spaces in 2026:

Sustainable & climate-resilient landscaping

As part of regular property maintenance, more homeowners are looking for long-term landscaping solutions that not only look good but also cope well with changing weather and require less upkeep. This can be achieved through:

  • Rainwater harvesting systems to reuse nature’s resources
  • Permeable paving to reduce surface water build-up
  • Native plant choices that support local wildlife
  • Lawn alternatives for lower maintenance and more biodiversity

Wellness-focused outdoor spaces

In a busy world, your garden should be a place to relax, recharge, and feel good. Wellness gardens are becoming a leading trend in landscape maintenance services for 2026, not just for how they look, but how they make you feel.

  • Meditation gardens with calming colours and fragrant plants
  • Outdoor yoga areas or gentle exercise zones
  • Sensory planting with texture, sound, and scent
  • Quiet corners with built-in seating for peaceful moments
  • Water features that soothe with sound and movement
  • Outdoor spaces designed for year-round living

One of the biggest landscaping trends for 2026 is creating gardens that can be enjoyed through all seasons. Homeowners are choosing practical features such as heated patios, covered seating areas, and clever planting schemes that offer colour and texture even in winter.

backyard of a brick house

Patio trends 2026: Built for style, comfort, and everyday use

In many Exeter homes, a well-designed patio now acts as a practical property extension, offering a seamless blend of indoor comfort and outdoor enjoyment. Whether it’s for outside dining, hosting summer parties, or simply unwinding in the sun, patios have become a key feature in creating usable, welcoming spaces right outside your door.

At Cowley’s Building & Maintenance, our team of Devon builders offer a wide range of services that bring these patio trends to life, including expert patio installation, decking, stonewalling, brickwork, and more. Take a look at our garden landscaping project to see how we created a beautiful stepped patio area with textured finishes that seamlessly connected home and garden.

landscaping work

Why Choose Professional Landscaping Services In Exeter?

Why should you call Cowleys landscape gardeners in Exeter? Your outdoor space deserves the same attention and care as the interior of your home. Professional landscaping from Cowley’s Building & Maintenance not only boosts your property’s appearance but also adds real value. Working with experienced local landscapers ensures your garden thrives all year round.
Our team brings the same high standards found across all of our Exeter building services – focusing on quality workmanship, clear communication, and a stress-free experience from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

  • Detailed consultation to understand your vision
  • Flexible scheduling to minimise disruption
  • Clear communication throughout the project
  • Comprehensive project management from start to finish
  • Ongoing support and maintenance services
  • Free, detailed quotations with no hidden costs
  • Follow-up service to ensure satisfaction

Seasonal Landscaping & Maintenance – Top Tips

Maintaining your landscape investment requires ongoing care and seasonal attention. Whether it’s preparing for new growth in spring or protecting your plants in winter, knowing what to do in each season makes a big difference. Here are some helpful tips to guide you through the year:

Season Top Tips for Homeowners
1. Spring Preparation Services
  • Garden clearance and debris removal
  • Soil preparation and improvement
  • Early season planting
  • Irrigation system setup and testing
  • Lawn renovation and reseeding
  • Regular mowing and edge trimming
  • Watering and irrigation management
  • Pest and disease monitoring
  • Pruning and deadheading
  • Weed control and management
2. Summer Maintenance
  • Mow regularly and adjust height as temperatures rise
  • Mulch to retain moisture
  • Deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms
  • Water early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
  • Inspect for pests and diseases
3. Autumn and Winter Care
  • Leaf clearance and composting
  • Protective plant covering
  • Tree and shrub pruning
  • Garden structure maintenance
  • Planning for next year’s improvements

Get Started With Your 2026 Project With Expert Exeter Landscapers

Looking to transform your back garden with Cowley’s landscaping Exeter? Whether you’re inspired by 2026’s latest landscaping trends or just want a space that feels more like you, our experienced Exeter landscapers are here to help. Arrange a free estimation by contacting us on 01392 460 783 or email mail@cowleysexeter.co.uk.

  • Advice
  • Bathrooms
  • Commercial Building Projects
  • Conversions
  • Extensions
  • Kitchens
  • Landscaping
  • Painters & Decorators
  • Property Maintenance
  • Refurbishments & Renovations
  • Facebook Feed

    This message is only visible to admins.
    Problem displaying Facebook posts. Backup cache in use.
    Click to show error
    Error: (#200) Provide valid app ID Type: OAuthException

    Contact Us

    Contact
    GDPR
    Your data will not be passed on to any third parties.