Gardens across Hawke’s Bay look noticeably different from even two or three years ago. The major shift? Homeowners are moving away from high-maintenance lawns and generic flower beds in favour of designs that better suit the region’s climate and lifestyle.
A large budget is not always necessary. A few well-planned changes can significantly reshape how your yard looks and functions. These five landscaping designs are gaining momentum in 2026, and most suit Hastings properties particularly well.
Native planting with defined structure has been gaining traction for several years, but 2026 marks a clear shift towards more intentional layouts. Simply adding a few flax bushes is no longer enough. What works now is combining native species with clean edges and layered planting beds that create cohesion across the property.
Plants such as coprosma, hebe, and coastal grasses are grouped in clusters, with clear walkways running between them. When paired with concrete landscaping elements such as poured borders, stepping stones, or a polished patio, native gardens feel refined and well-designed rather than informal. Because native plants tolerate Hawke’s Bay summers with minimal watering, they also reduce ongoing maintenance costs.
Pro Tip: Group plants according to water requirements. Place drought-tolerant natives in sunnier areas and moisture-loving varieties in shaded spots.
Backyards are increasingly being designed as multi-purpose spaces rather than open lawns with a single entertaining area. Defined zones create structure and improve functionality.
For Hastings properties with larger sections that feel underutilised, this approach works particularly well. Even simple elements such as low retaining walls, raised garden beds, or switching surface materials between zones can create separation without enclosing the space.
| Zone | Surface Options | Best For |
| Dining area | Poured concrete or pavers | Stable footing for tables |
| Fire pit lounge | Gravel or compacted stone | Informal seating and drainage |
| Kids’ play area | Bark chip or soft turf | Safety and reduced mess |
| Garden pathway | Stepping stones or crushed shell | Natural movement between zones |
Low-maintenance landscaping continues to appeal to homeowners who want to reduce weekend upkeep. Gravel gardens are a practical solution. The approach involves replacing large lawn sections with decorative gravel and planting low-growing succulents, ornamental grasses, or groundcovers through it.
Sunny, dry patches where grass struggles are ideal candidates. A properly installed gravel garden, combined with feature rocks and subtle lighting, often provides a more polished finish than a patchy lawn.
Edible gardens are no longer treated as secondary features tucked away at the back of the property. In 2026, edible planting is being integrated into the overall design to enhance both function and visual appeal.
Examples include rosemary hedges along pathways, a feijoa tree as a focal point, or a tiered herb wall near the kitchen entrance. Hawke’s Bay’s long growing season and generally workable soil conditions make this approach particularly effective in Hastings. Beyond aesthetics, it offers the practical benefit of harvesting fresh produce directly from your garden.
With weather patterns becoming less predictable, more homeowners are incorporating drainage solutions into their landscaping from the outset. Rain gardens, swales, and permeable paving are increasingly common.
A rain garden is a shallow planted depression designed to capture and slowly absorb stormwater. While it appears similar to a standard garden bed, it performs an important drainage function. When combined with permeable driveway or patio surfaces, it helps reduce pooling and protect foundations.
Properties with clay-heavy soil, common in parts of Hawke’s Bay, can particularly benefit from this approach, as water tends to sit rather than drain after heavy rainfall.
It is not necessary to implement all five trends. Often, incorporating one or two thoughtful changes is enough to significantly improve how your outdoor space functions and feels. The strongest landscaping designs in 2026 share common traits: practicality, low maintenance, and alignment with how homeowners use their properties.
If you are unsure which approach best suits your section, contact the Team RPM LTD team. We can assess your space, recommend suitable options, and develop a custom layout. From concept planning through to completion, we focus on delivering a landscape that works for your property and lifestyle.