Sustainable Gardening Trends

Positive Shifts in How People Garden and Landscape

For over 50 years, the National Wildlife Federation has been working hard to inspire people to improve how they maintain their own piece of the earth. The inspiration began in 1973, when USFWS scientists first proposed that the same habitat elements used in larger-scale wildlife restoration can be used in backyards and communities with significant results. Since then, this ecological approach to native plant landscaping is having a positive impact on biodiversity, people, and the climate. It all starts with a different approach than most people in the United States have been taught.

Over five decades into this work, we’re excited to share that research shows a real shift in how people are gardening. Gardening, and in particularly these sustainable gardening activities, experienced significant growth in 2020-2022. The good news is that trends are staying above pre-pandemic findings.

In 2023, a National Wildlife Federation commissioned study of U.S gardening consumers found that:

• 28 percent of U.S. adults (73.2 million) are purchasing plants that are beneficial for native bees, butterflies, and birds. More than 1 in 4 persons, up from 25% in 2019.
• 17 percent of U.S. adults (44.5 million) are purchasing plants that are native to their region. Up from 14% in 2019.
• 12 percent of U.S. adults (approximately 32.3 million) are converting parts of their lawn to a natural or wildflower landscape, subsequently reducing mowing (gas-powered mowers which churn out carbon pollution). Up from 9% in 2019.

In October of 2023, a seasonal survey conducted by NWF, found that:

• 82 percent of people surveyed are open to leaving fallen leaves and leaf layers to benefit wildlife and biodiversity.

As of 2024, over 300,000 habitats have become Certified Wildlife Habitats® with the National Wildlife Federation.

Gardeners are a key part of this larger movement to support biodiversity and wildlife and the work they are doing in their own yards and outdoor spaces is having a positive impact. Become part of the movement today by turning your garden into a haven for wildlife and getting it certified as a Certified Wildlife Habitat®.