Nancy Meyers-Inspired Garden Trends To Adopt In 2026

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While the name Nancy Meyers may not immediately ring any bells, you've almost certainly admired a yard or garden in one of her films. From the 1998 Lindsay Lohan classic "The Parent Trap," to the charming rom-coms "Something's Got to Give" and "It's Complicated," Meyers has had her hand in all of these projects. And you may have noticed that in between the drama and the love, there is also some stunning landscaping and perhaps a garden party or two to enjoy. Taking a cue from the elegant and breezy yards of Meyer's films is one of the most casually sophisticated trends of the year.

We're far from the first to notice that the casual elegance of Nancy Meyers' films seems to be having a moment. When chatting with Marthastewart.com about gardening trends, Monrovia Nursery's Chief Marketing Officer Katie Tamony mentioned that there is a desire for romantic yards that are "the landscape equivalent of a Nancy Meyers film" thanks to their blend of romance and quiet luxury. HGTV has also been on the hunt for "Gardens That Make You Feel Like You're in a Nancy Meyers Movie." 

There are few flowers that communicate elegance and romance quite as clearly as roses. These beauties can fill your garden with sweet scents that help perfectly set the mood, and with so many top climbing roses to choose from, you're sure to find something perfect for your yard. Many roses are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 11, meaning they can make ideal additions to yards throughout much of North America. Just be sure to plant your rose in a sunny spot and a place to climb.

Whether you're having an intimate moment or gathering with 50 of your closest friends, outdoor seating is essential. Make sure to pick materials that can stand up well to your weather and provide your guests with a cozy perch. Chanelle, of Countess in the Kitchen, notes that wicker is the perfect material to evoke the feeling of a Nancy Meyers movie. A few potted plants around the furniture will bring your garden and patio together.

Pantone may have been on to something when they decided that Cloud Dancer, a shade of white, was going to be their color of the year. Just like a garden in a Nancy Meyers movie, the color is described as "a whisper of tranquility and peace in a noisy world." Creams and whites are perfect for Nancy Meyers-inspired yards for the same reason. Try fluffy peonies or install a moon garden full of light-colored plants, like lamb's ear and white primroses.

When chatting with MarthaStewart.com, Katie Tamony from Monrovia notes that matching the colors of your different plants creates an extremely upscale look. By reaching for sage and lavender for drier parts of your garden and hydrangeas for the wetter and shadier parts, you can give your whole yard a calming and cohesive purple palette. Countess in the Kitchen also points out that hydrangeas are quintessential additions to a Meyers-inspired garden. Depending on the species, they can be hardy in zones 3 through 9, and they come in an array of colors.

As stunning as the gardens in Nancy Meyers' movies are, they're not just for being decorative. Consider the curated vegetable garden Meryl Streep's character is growing in "It's Complicated." It isn't just beautiful, it's also practical, and the tomatoes and other delicious crops she grows there add to the decor thanks to stakes, trellises, and raised beds. Grow popular kitchen herbs with your tomatoes, and allow the vines wrap around wooden pyramid trellises. Mixing in herbs and flowers just adds to the garden's charm.

One descriptor that comes up again and again when talking about the exterior of Nancy Meyers' sets is "coastal." This can be conveyed through fabrics like calming blues and white stripes or through gardening. Coastal gardens, which are filled with plants that live on the seashore, are perfect for providing charm without going overboard. Consider salt-tolerant perennials like sea thrift (Armeria maritima), which thrives in zones 4 through 8, or prickly pears (Opuntia spp.), growing best in zones 3 through 11.

When talking with Homes & Gardens, Nina Lichtenstein pointed out how essential outdoor lighting is to the Nancy Meyers film aesthetic. She recommends using warm string lights as well as candles and lanterns to help provide your yard with that cozy and relaxing feeling while also providing practical lighting for your outdoor meals and activities. These Brightown string lights are well-reviewed on Amazon and would add a cozy glow to your space. Hang them above your seating area for the best results.