'Nostalgia Gardening' Is the Feel-Good Trend That's Taking Root Everywhere

Over the last few years, there’s been a notable rise in all things nostalgia, comfort-core, and "soft life." (See: cozymaxxing, the return of supper clubs, and this summer's trending decorvow aesthetic.) This is, arguably, a direct response to the hurried hustle culture we’ve endured for so long—a retort that aims to embrace the little pleasures in life. Nostalgia gardening exemplifies that philosophy perfectly. 

Here's what you need to know about this charming gardening trend, including how to incorporate it into your own yard.

What Is Nostalgia Gardening? 

Nostalgia gardening is a “lived in” garden aesthetic centered around recreating childhood flowerbeds and the herbal or floral scents of your youth, leaning into all those core garden-related memories from years gone by. 

"It’s an invitation to connect with the plants that shaped us: the ones we picked in fields, helped water in family gardens, or admired from the back seat of the car as we drove down country roads," explains Megan Edge, a plant expert focused on nature-based healing. "These plants hold emotion. They awaken something long-forgotten, yet instantly familiar." 

Jessica Damiano, AP gardening columnist and author of The Weekly Dirt, adds that with the recent grandma-core trend and other similar aesthetics, she’s not surprised that nostalgia gardening is on the rise. "Just as sights and aromas bring us back to another time, gardens also often remind us of our parents, grandparents and childhood experiences," she says. 

How to Incorporate Nostalgia Gardening in Your Yard

Love the idea of weaving some nostalgia into your own space? Follow the expert tips below to begin your incorporating nostalgia-inspiring plants, flowers, and herbs. 

Reminisce with Pictures and Conversations

Digging back into the archive of your own memories is a great start, but also take a look at old photos if you have them available. Along with thumbing through old albums, planning your nostalgia garden is a fun opportunity to have conversations with your family about what plants they always had growing. 

Weave in Sentimental Scents

Research tells us that scent is our most powerful sense for conjuring memories, and the gardens of your past surely had smells that can bring it all back. “If you’re drawn to nostalgia gardening, the best way to start is to think about what you remember. Not what’s trendy, not what you saw online,” encourages florist Michelle Pupa.

“Scent is a great starting point. What smells bring you back? Is there a flower you always associate with someone or somewhere? Follow that.” 

Plant Familiar Favorites

Plant familiar flowers, herbs, bushes, and vegetables. Many of these may be easy to find and grow—though there's also something special about finding a rare or elusive plant that your family kept. You can incorporate these among new favorites to put your own spin on things.

Be Mindful of Invasive Plants

Grandma had a gorgeous garden, but she may not have had the same understanding we do of the environmental ramifications of planting invasive species. “Before digging in and planting old-time flowers, it's important to do a little research to ensure they aren't invasive,” Damiano says. “Morning glories, Japanese honeysuckle, purple loosestrife. and wisteria, for instance, were garden favorites before we collectively learned of their harmful ecological impacts.” 

Consider What Your Garden Will Grow

While some plants can grow easily anywhere, others require specific climates and care. Keep that in mind as you plan out your garden. “Not everything from your past will thrive where you are now, but you can still nod to it through color, texture, or a close substitute,” Pupa suggests. 

Don’t Overthink It 

Perfection and trendiness are the opposite of what nostalgia gardening is all about—so keep things low-stress, embrace imperfection via a “lived in,” look, and prioritize personalization. Maybe it’s wildflowers on the side of pathways, ivy crawling according to its own whims, or a patch of tomatoes in the side yard.

Pupa says, “Nostalgia gardening is about feeling, not performance. Use containers you already have. Let things sprawl. Build your garden slowly and let it evolve naturally.”