General News
19 September, 2026
Garden trends reveal the most popular online searches
The warm weather is here, and so is the chance to spend some time in the garden. Now is the time to add colour to the front yard and leave winter behind. But what are people doing in 2026?
This content was created in partnership with Google Trends.
Drought-resistent xeriscaping
Water conservation is a top priority in Victoria, so plants that need less water are popular.
The name comes from the Greek word for dry (xero) plus landscape.
Naturally, Australian natives thrive in these conditions, thanks to their adapted rainfall needs.
For example, Anigozanthos or Kangaroo Paw handles the local climate perfectly.
Google Trends data from the past 12 months showed a strong interest in these bloodworts.
Victorians could not get enough of Kangaroo Paws in December, peaking at 100 on the index score in the last week of 2025.
Overall, the native plant averaged an index score of 45 for the past year.
However, adding the search term ‘Succulent plants’ shifts that 100 to 27 because of the large number of searches for the stout, green xerophytes (dry + plants).
As the weather heats up, succulents increase in popularity, peaking at 100 in mid-February, with four times more searches than ‘Kangaroo Paws’ at their most popular.
Easy, outdoor plants
While some like to roll up their sleeves and transform their yard, others just want to add colour without much fuss.
Practical upgrades for the patio or windowsill remain popular.
Analysing four popular spring flowers in Victoria - Petunias, Geraniums, Marigolds, and Snapdragons - reveals a clear trend.
Geraniums are a hardy flowering plant that thrive in full sun and well-drained pots or garden beds.
Google Trends data from the past 12 months showed a strong interest in Geraniums across Australia.
Like the long-blooming, five-petaled Geranium, search interest grew in September and lasted into early summer, on December 14, 2025.
Marigolds and Snapdragons experience more isolated popularity.
Marigolds averaged a search index of 21, but in early January they were the only plant of the four people looked up.
Snapdragons remained fairly dormant during the 12 months but showed clear seasonal popularity in October and April.
Whether it's water features, xeriscaping, or just zhuzhing up the front yard, there’s no shortage of interest in the home garden.
This content is part of a paid partnership with Google to promote Google Trends.