13 Gardening Trends from the ’70s and 80s That Would Be Totally Outdated Today

Gardening in the ’ 70s and ’ fourscore was a blend of bold choices , data-based style , and a enchantment with novelty . From shaggy lawn to over - the - top garden ornaments , these decades embraced trend that reflected the cultural and aesthetical values of their time .

Today , however , they serve up as a reminder of how far we ’ve come in prioritize functionality and environmental harmony .

Join us as we poke into 13 gardening tendency from the ’ 70s and ’ 80s that , while iconic in their day , would palpate completely out of spot in the garden of 2025 .

13 Gardening Trends from the ’70s and 80s That Would Be Totally Outdated Today

Macramé Plant Holders

stroll into a 1970s home , one was likely to encounter the iconic macramé industrial plant holder . These intricate , woven hangers cradle a variety of houseplants , tote up a bohemian panache to interiors . While they showcased workmanship , today ’s minimalist and satiny figure have for the most part replace them .

In modern spaces , easiness reigns supreme , with clean lines and unostentatious elegance taking precedence . Though macramé has seen a revival in some craft roofy , it often sits juxtapose against modern-day styles . untested genesis tend to favor plant stands or wall - mounted shelves , embracing a less cluttered aesthetic boilersuit .

Garden Gnomes

In the ’ 80s , garden gnomes were playful increase to many yards . These diminutive figure , often with rosy cheek and whimsical expressions , dotted lawns across suburbia . While they bring charm and a touch of illusion to out-of-door spaces , many now catch them as bathetic relics of the yesteryear .

Today ’s gardeners often prefer naturalistic factor like birdbaths or stone sculptures , which mix seamlessly into the landscape painting . The faulting towards eco - friendly and sustainable garden designs leaves less room for such ornamental figurines , focusing instead on enhance biodiversity and support local wildlife .

Astroturf Lawns

Astroturf , a synthetic alternative to Mary Jane , bring in popularity in the past tense due to its humbled maintenance appeal . homeowner appreciated not needing to pout or irrigate these bright green carpeting . However , the environmental impact of man-made lawns has led to a decay in their use .

Modern gardener direct for eco - friendly root , often choose aboriginal gage and plants that expect less water and endorse local ecosystem . The push towards sustainable gardening practices has made innate pick far more sympathetic , as they contribute to the environmental health and esthetic diverseness of urban landscape .

Plastic Flamingos

The iconic pinkish charge plate flamingo was a staple of the ’ LXX garden , representing a offbeat and fun - do it aesthetic . These center - catching palm were often used to add a stir of colouring to otherwise unmixed lawns .

While they stay on a symbol of retro charm , their appeal has waned in party favour of more subtle decor . Modern nurseryman lean towards natural beauty with a preference for existent plants and decorative grasses . The break reflects a broader drift towards authenticity and sustainable choices that complement the natural environment rather than overshadowing it .

Formal Boxwood Hedges

In the 1980s , formal box hedge were the epitome of elegance and order . These meticulously garnish bush created defined place and added structure to gardens . However , maintaining their precise physique demanded constant attention and precaution .

Contemporary garden often embrace a more relaxed and rude face , with flowing origin and diverse plantings . Today ’s landscaping trends favour native plants and wildflower meadows , which require less water and sustentation . The accent now is on creating symmetrical environments that are both beautiful and good for local wildlife , go away from strict and manicure purpose .

Mirrored Gazing Balls

Mirrored gazing balls were once a staple in garden , appropriate ignitor and adding a touch of thaumaturgy . These reflective ornaments were often order on pedestals or nestled among heyday . Their popularity has fade , as modern garden figure leans towards more born and organic elements .

Contemporary nurseryman prefer features that blend into the landscape painting , such as H2O features or native Harlan Fiske Stone accents . The shift towards sustainable and environmentally well-disposed gardening practices has made mirror gazing ball less appealing , with a focus on make habitats for wildlife and enhancing the garden ’s natural stunner .

Topiary Sculptures

Topiary art , with its meticulously trimmed President Bush fashioned into shapes , was a stylemark of the ’ 80s . These living sculptures take a mellow grade of maintenance to maintain their intricate pattern .

While they showcased the gardener ’s acquisition , the trend has diminished as the focus fracture towards more sustainable practice . Today ’s gardeners often prioritise biodiversity , incorporate aboriginal flora that endorse local ecosystems . The time and effort once dedicate to topiary are now often redirected towards creating garden that are both functional and environmentally friendly , aligning with contemporary ecological cognizance .

Pebble Gardens

Pebble gardens , characterized by cautiously arranged stones , were popular for their low upkeep and distinct aesthetic . They offer a stark demarcation to traditional lawns and flower bed . However , the need for a more vibrant and dynamic garden has watch their decline .

Contemporary garden invention favour living elements that proffer year - round interest and financial support biodiversity . Plants that pull pollinator and provide habitats for wildlife are preferred over stable designs . The tactile and colorful nature of flowers and foliage summate depth and life to gardens , replacing the once - favor pebble system with rich , living arras .

Concrete Garden Sculptures

Concrete sculptures were once a prominent feature in garden , offer durability and a sense of permanency . These heavy installations could render anything from classical figure to abstractionist form . However , their stark presence can overshadow the born lulu of the garden .

Modern gardeners are moving towards integrating fine art that complements rather than dominates the landscape painting . Lightweight materials and figure that blend with the environs are now favored . This shift aligns with a broad trend towards sustainable and flexible garden solutions that admit for creativity without detracting from the ecological value of the infinite .

Water Features with Colored Lights

The eighties saw garden urine features enhanced with colorful lights , create vivacious displays after dark . While visually impressive , these installations often consumed a mickle of energy and required substantial upkeep .

Today , sustainability is key , with many nurseryman choose for solar - power inflammation and natural water features that enhance biodiversity . The nidus is on produce serene surroundings that advance relaxation method and wildlife dwelling house . As environmental concerns grow , modern garden design inclination towards elusive beauty and functionality , reducing the reliance on artificial enhancements and rather adopt the garden ’s innate magic spell .

Sculptured Hedges

modeled hedge stand up as live on art pieces in many ’ 80s gardens , showcasing intricate pattern and paper . maintain these detailed forms required significant sweat and skill , often necessitating a professional touch .

Today ’s garden esthetics favor a more untamed and organic approach path , allow plants to grow naturally . Contemporary trends emphasize low - sustenance landscapes that substantiate divers ecosystem . The time once expend pruning and shaping is now often redirected towards planting aboriginal species and create environments that nurture wildlife , cover a more holistic vista of garden infinite .

Decorative Garden Borders

Decorative border crafted from bricks or stones were a staple in past garden designs , offer clear word picture of space . These borders add construction but could also curb the fluidity of garden layouts .

Modern landscaping embraces fluidity and movement , often using natural footing covers or blend planting to produce seamless transition . The focussing has shifted towards creating ask over and adaptable spaces , with an emphasis on ecological balance and beauty . As gardeners adopt more sustainable practices , rigid edge have give style to softer , more integrated purpose that raise the rude landscape painting .

Reflective Silver Mulch

Silver mulch , used to reflect sunlight and deter pests , was once a democratic option for vegetable gardens . The metal shininess , though effective , often jar with the raw tones of the garden .

Today , organic mulch such as shred bark or compost are preferred , aligning with sustainable horticulture practice . These born options enrich the filth , improve moisture retention , and corroborate beneficial organism . The chemise towards eco - well-disposed solutions highlights a growing awareness of environmental wellness , rivet on enhancing stain quality and plant animation rather than relying on synthetic materials .

Macramé Plant Holders