Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott's California casual backyard is a minimalist's dream – their relaxed look is on trend for summer 2025

Maximalism has been the dominant philosophy in landscaping for a few years now; the more flowers, grasses, and wild plants, the better. People have been outfitting their patios like living rooms, and, to be honest, it's a bit much.

Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott's backyard offers a pared-back alternative. We spotted the minimalist garden in the background of a recent Instagram post from Jonathan with their sprawling greenery in the background. The space features a brick patio flanked by tiny hedges. Trees in the middle and side of the yard offer privacy and shade.

The majority of the yard is grass, with another planted area surrounding the white gazebo at the back of the yard. Limiting the planted spaces makes the garden feel larger, and feel easier to maintain. Due to its simplicity, their California casual styling has emerged as a rising garden trend for the year.

Shelley Cochrane, design expert at Furniture Village explains: 'Minimalism and neutral hues are defining the garden furniture trends of 2025. This is a natural evolution of our growing desire for calm spaces that evoke a connection to nature.'

This style of gardening intersects with peoples' growing interest in planting for mental health. It transforms your garden into a relaxing sanctuary apart from your home.

'Minimalist design, with its clean lines and pared-back forms, creates a sense of visual serenity,' Shelley states. 'Outdoor spaces have become our sanctuary, and minimalist style supports that feeling of peace. It’s all about creating spaces that feel open, grounded, and effortlessly stylish. This trend isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about fostering a feeling of tranquillity through considered, uncluttered design.'

Despite the pared-back planting of Zooey and Johnathan's outdoor space, it still offers a stylish area for entertaining through the Gazebo and brick patio. Thus, the look isn't about completely abandoning outdoor furniture, but choosing the right pieces that fit seamlessly into the greenery.

Shelly recommends unobtrusive colors and shapes. She explains: 'Neutral tones – think soft greys, warm beiges, and muted greens – offer a timeless elegance that allows the beauty of the garden itself to take centre stage. The furniture complements, rather than competes with the landscape.'

Minimalist gardens are in for 2025, and that requires an eye towards intentional styling that celebrates the beauty of empty space. In backyard design, more is not always more.