From conifers to an urban jungle: Which generation does your small garden belong to?
A garden is more than just a collection of plants. It’s a place to relax, enjoy yourself, and express your own style. And you often see striking differences between generations.
Some people love a manicured lawn and neat flower beds, while others turn their balcony into a green jungle. Wanna bet you can spot which generation they’re from right away? Of course, this is all said with a big wink, because not every boomer has a perfectly mowed lawn and not every Gen Z’er lives surrounded by houseplants.
But does it ring a bell? It actually kind of does… 😉
What does your garden say about your generation?
Baby Boomers (1946–1964): The Well-Groomed Classic
“A dandelion in the lawn? It’s getting the boot today.”
In a classic boomer garden, everything has its place. The flower beds are neat, the plants are tended with care, and even a small garden is used to its full potential.
Gardening is relaxing. Just a little pruning, weeding, or mowing the lawn, and the garden looks beautiful again.
🌼 Typical garden
A well-manicured lawn, neat flower beds, a hedge, and maybe a little corner for a vegetable garden.
🌹 Favorite Plants
Roses, conifers, geraniums, and hydrangeas.
🏡 Garden Style
Classic, neat, and well-organized.
💰 Here's where the garden budget goes
High-quality tools and plants that last for years.
👀 What's the first thing this generation looks for?
Whether the lawn and flower beds look neat.
😅 Biggest pet peeve
Weeds that sprout spontaneously where they don't belong.
💬 A common saying
“Just an hour in the garden…”
(And three hours later, he or she is still at it.)
Generation X (1965–1980): Practical and sociable
“That’s nice… but how much does it cost to maintain?”
Generation X wants, above all, to enjoy their garden. It’s a nice place to drink coffee, eat outdoors, or hang out with friends. The garden can be beautiful, but above all, it must remain practical.
A small garden doesn't have to be complicated: smart choices are better than endless maintenance.
🌼 Typical garden
A cozy patio, greenery to set the mood, and plants that don't require daily attention.
🌸 Favorite Plants
Hydrangeas, lavender, boxwood (back in the day 😉), butterfly bush, and evergreen shrubs.
🏡 Garden Style
Practical, cozy, and comfortable.
💰 Here's where the garden budget goes
A nice lounge set, patio, fence, or canopy.
👀 What is the first thing this generation looks for?
Or if you can sit back and enjoy the garden.
😅 Biggest pet peeve
A garden project that keeps getting bigger than planned.
💬 A common saying
“I’ll prune that next weekend.”
Millennials (1981–1996): eco-friendly, natural, and mindful
“If there are still tiles left, there’s work to be done.”
Millennials view gardens differently. Even a small garden, balcony, or rooftop terrace can become a green space. Less concrete, more plants, and room for birds, butterflies, and bees.
A garden shouldn't just be beautiful; it should also serve a purpose.
🌼 Typical Garden
Lots of plants, few tiles, and smart use of every square meter.
🌻 Favorite Plants
Coneflower (Echinacea), sage, ornamental grasses, lavender, and small fruit trees.
🏡 Garden Style
Natural, sustainable, and with a touch of Pinterest or Instagram.
💰 Here's where the garden budget goes
Plants, vegetable garden containers, a rain barrel, and sustainable solutions.
👀 What is the first thing this generation looks for?
How much greenery, flowers, and biodiversity there is in the garden.
😅 Biggest pet peeve
A completely paved garden with no space for greenery.
💬 A common saying
“We could definitely use one more plant here.”
Generation Z (1997–2012): Creative and Headstrong
“It’s not clutter… it’s biodiversity.” 😉
For Gen Z, a garden doesn't have to be perfect. A small outdoor space is actually an opportunity to create something personal. A balcony, a vertical garden, or a compact garden can be colorful, creative, and a little quirky.
The garden will become a place with atmosphere and character.
🌼 Typical Garden
A mix of plants, pots, flowers, and cozy nooks.
🌿 Favorite Plants
Wildflowers and eye-catching potted plants such as dahlias, cosmos, and airy ornamental grasses.
🏡 Garden Style
Colorful, creative, and wonderfully free-spirited.
💰 Here's where the garden budget goes
Cute pots, mood lighting, and DIY projects.
👀 What's the first thing this generation notices?
Whether the garden feels personal and has a certain atmosphere.
😅 Biggest pet peeve
Plants do need water after all.
💬 A common saying
“I don’t need a big garden; I’ll just create my own little green corner.”
What can we learn from each other's gardening styles?
Maybe that's the best part: every generation brings something valuable to the table.
From the boomers: choosing plants that will last for years.
From Gen X: Above all, a garden should be a pleasant place to spend time.
From millennials: more greenery in less space.
From Gen Z: Dare to be creative and make your garden your own.
Because in the end, it doesn't matter whether your garden is neat, natural, or a little chaotic… The most beautiful small garden is simply the one where you enjoy spending time.