The Goth Aesthetic Is Taking Over an Unexpected Space In 2024: Your Garden

When you think of a gothic aesthetic, you likely think dark and moody colors, low lighting, all-knowing crows, and a dusty collection of antiques. The style probably doesn't make your mind automatically go to a flourishing garden—but that could change in 2024.

Natalie Carmolli, public relations with Proven Winners Color Choice Shrubs, told PureWow that goth garden designs full of burgundy, dark purple, and black flowers contrasted with green foliage are on the rise this year. Janet Sluis, the director of the Sunset Plant Collection, told Gardenista the same, reporting that goth gardens are trending because our garden aesthetics are moving back in time.

“As far as hardscaping goes, there has been growing interest in all things old: crumbling stonework, rusted wrought iron, repurposed art," Sluis said. "In general, gardening trends are moving away from straight edges and formal shapes to more winding paths and wilder-looking plantings."

To make goth gardening work in your landscape, the first step is to make some dramatic, maybe slightly unusual plant choices. Go for black roses, pansies, tulips, calla lilies, bat flowers, black mondo grass, burgundy peonies, dark purple dahlias, black hollyhocks, and purple smoke bush.

Along with your blooms, incorporate dark foliage plants for varying texture and height—black heucheras, black elephant ears, and ornamental grasses with dark tones. 

A garden aesthetic goes beyond flowers and plants though, and themed outdoor decor takes it to the next level. Add a touch of drama and mystery to your space with wrought iron furniture like benches, tables, and chairs with intricate designs. Some designers use that iron to create grand entrances or pathways in their gardens, too.

Of course, it’s difficult to have a truly authentic gothic garden without gargoyles. To go all out, look for statues of mythical creatures like dragons and unicorns, too. If the supernatural isn't really your thing, you can add an element of water with a gothic-style fountain, and brighten everything up with candle holders or lanterns hung carefully from trees. Choose cushions for your outdoor furniture in dark colors like black or deep purple to match the rest of the palette.

Beyond decor for decor’s sake, you can also choose dark-colored or uniquely shaped planters that mimic architectural elements like columns and create pathways or patios using dark-colored paving stones or bricks. Use trellises with intricate designs to support climbing plants, and include gothic symbols such as crosses, tracery patterns, or other mystical elements in your decor.

Remember to balance these elements to create a cohesive garden. Many subcultures exist in the goth community, from romantic and Victorian goth to cyber goth and pastel goth—have fun experimenting to find the one that fits your personality and space.