Giardina 2026 – The Natural Garden on the Rise

More nature, more life, more garden. The anniversary edition of Giardina 2026 in Zurich reveals what the garden of tomorrow will look like.

For many garden enthusiasts, it is a fixed date in the calendar; for others, a welcome escape from everyday life. Giardina in Zurich is both: a source of inspiration and a place of quiet retreat. Right at the entrance, a nursery welcomes visitors with bouquets of local tulips — an invitation not only to gather new ideas, but to take a piece of spring home as well. Among the highlights this year were once again the around 20 walk-in garden worlds.

A walk through the exhibition halls quickly makes one thing clear: the garden has long evolved beyond lawns and flowerbeds. This year’s Giardina demonstrates where garden design is heading — towards more nature, greater livability and stronger individuality. The central theme, ​“The Tree – The Soul of the Garden,” places trees at the heart of the concept and sends a clear message. Gardens are being designed to be more climate-resilient, more sustainable in the long term, and increasingly conceived as living ecosystems. And trees, after all, do more than provide shade — they tell stories across generations.

One of the most striking trends is the rise of the natural garden. Wild perennials, native plants and insect-friendly habitats are becoming ever more important. Instead of perfectly trimmed lawns, structured plantings, meadow areas and natural transitions are gaining ground. Biodiversity is no longer just an ecological concern, but also a key design element. At the same time, the garden is increasingly becoming an extension of the home. Lounges, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, pergolas, as well as water and wellness areas transform outdoor spaces into open-air living rooms. High-quality, durable materials such as natural stone, wood and ceramics define the aesthetic and reinforce the idea of the garden as a lasting living environment. Smaller spaces, too, are receiving more attention. Balconies, terraces and urban gardens are being carefully designed with vertical greenery, multifunctional furniture and flexible planting systems. Good garden design is no longer a question of size, but of concept.

Particular attention was given to the master garden by British landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith. Spanning over 240 square metres, his installation impressed with its calm formal language, precise materiality and a striking staging of trees. The internationally renowned designer delivered one of the exhibition’s highlights, underlining the growing importance of high-quality garden architecture. Other projects also drew strong interest, such as the JardinSuisse show garden, which presented the carnation — plant of the year — in a surprisingly contemporary interpretation.

The 25th edition of Giardina did more than showcase new trends — it revealed a shift in our relationship with gardens: away from immaculate, over-designed green spaces and towards something more alive, more authentic. Or, put simply, the garden is returning to what it has always been: a place to live.

And those tulips at the entrance? They lasted nearly two weeks at home. Giardina doesn’t just offer flowers — it offers inspiration that lingers. And sometimes, both last longer than expected.

The next edition of Giardina – Living in the Garden will take place from 10 to 14 March 2027.

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