Does the 2025 trend, “Modern Old Money Gardens” sound like an oxymoron to you? To me, Old Money implies long established gardens, whereas, Modern sounds like new/recent gardens…but who am I to question this contradiction?
Every January we are inundated with long lists of trends for everything from personal style to home decor etc. I’m always curious to see what’s new for the coming year and, although I don’t follow the trends to the letter, I do want to be aware.
When I think of an Old Money Garden, a garden like the one at Versailles immediately comes to mind. It’s grand with expansive acreage, well established trees, elaborate water features and ornamentation, stone walls to divide gardens into rooms, and/or mature hedges.
My interpretation of a “Modern” Old Money Garden would be something on a much smaller scale, perhaps even a city garden. Very few of us have the means or desire to own a large country estate but we can emulate the style in our own gardens if that look appeals to you.
This garden style requires an abundance of patience and maintenance but I believe the rewards offset the effort. Trees take years to mature and that often depends on ideal climate conditions. Implementing hardscape is expensive and takes time and considerable muscle power especially if you plan to do the work yourself.
These gardens are usually laid out in a symmetrical formal style with a limited colour palette. Interest comes by way of many shades of green in a variety of textures and shapes. The overall effect is cool and calming.
Adding a stone or cement bird bath or statuary, and/or pea gravel pathways will give your garden some old money charm as would a shady, protected area for dining, entertaining or daydreaming.
Winter is the time of year for planning the upcoming garden season. I’m sure many of you have been scouring the garden catalogues or internet for ideas to incorporate into your own garden. Does this garden trend interest you? I’m always happy to hear about what you are up to!
xox Judy❤️
PS Watching the coverage of the Los Angeles fires was heartbreaking on every level. So many lost their homes and livelihoods, worse yet, some their lives, not to mention the habitat for wildlife. Seeing trees burning from the inside out and beautiful gardens turn to ash was was a vision we will not soon forget.
Hi Judy, I agree. That term really does sound like an oxymoron but I do agree with your interpretation and the gardens in these photos are gorgeous! My key project for this summer is to have a retractable fabric shade (Shade Sails Canada) made for our pergola to provide more protection from the sun and rain. More flowers are always on my To-Do list as well! My heart also breaks for all these poor people who lost their homes and belongings in the LA fires….so devastating😢! It makes me appreciate my garden, as modest as it is, even more.
Hugs, Karen xo❤️
Hi Karen, A retractable fabric shade will add so many more hours of enjoyment for you and your family. It will probably add protection to some delicate plants that prefer shade. Sounds wonderful. xox Judy❤️
Lovely post Judy. Absolutely love the style of your version of Modern Old Money Garden, and the quotes you posted. Having had to take out all of our large trees over the years, my backyard has become an open space with borders of shrubs, perennials and statuary. So my goal is to somehow break up the lawn space with something – trees? I don’t even know where to begin. Maybe we’ll just fly away to Paris this Spring instead . . . So happy to be reading you blog again!
Hi Karen, Although it is taunting, you have the enviable opportunity to start fresh. You may be able to create a courtyard within your borders of shrubs and perennials. Spring in Paris will provide all the inspiration you will need…I hope you get to go! xox Judy❤️