The 1970s brought a surge of earthy vibes and back-to-nature aesthetics, and gardens became a reflection of this cultural shift. Homeowners embraced plants that exuded a natural, untamed charm while promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency.
From lush ferns to homegrown herbs, these plants created serene outdoor spaces and a deeper connection to nature. Here are 20 iconic plants that shaped the earthy garden aesthetic of the 1970s!
English Ivy
English Ivy brought a touch of old-world charm to gardens. Its ability to effortlessly climb walls and structures made it a favorite for creating verdant backdrops. Thriving in both sun and shade, it offered versatility in garden design. Ivy’s deep green leaves provided a lush texture that complemented the earthy tones of the era. Gardeners appreciated its low maintenance nature, allowing for easy integration into various landscapes. Its classic appearance lent an air of sophistication, making it a go-to choice for adding vertical interest and natural beauty to any garden space.
Sunflower
Sunflowers captured the vibrant spirit of the 1970s with their cheerful appearance. These towering plants became emblematic of sunny garden spaces. Their striking yellow petals and impressive height made them a focal point in many gardens. Sunflowers not only attracted pollinators but also brought a sense of carefree joy to any outdoor setting. Gardeners valued their ability to thrive in various soil types, making them accessible to a wide range of enthusiasts. Their bold presence and ease of cultivation contributed to their widespread popularity during the decade.
Marigold
Marigolds were beloved for their vibrant hues and resilient nature. These cheerful flowers brightened gardens with their fiery oranges and yellows, aligning perfectly with the decade’s bold palette. Known for repelling garden pests, marigolds served as both ornamental and practical additions. Their compact growth habit made them ideal for borders and containers. As a symbol of warmth and creativity, marigolds were favored by gardeners who wanted color without demanding care. Their easy cultivation and long-lasting blooms made them a staple in the garden beds of the 1970s.
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily embodied tranquility with its graceful white blooms and lush green foliage. Commonly found indoors, it was cherished for its air-purifying qualities. Its low light tolerance and minimal water needs made it an excellent choice for busy individuals. The plant’s serene presence added a calming influence to living spaces, echoing the decade’s quest for peace and harmony. Peace Lilies were particularly popular in home interiors, complementing the earthy tones and natural materials that defined the 1970s aesthetic.
Spider Plant
Spider Plants were iconic in the 1970s, often seen dangling from macramé hangers. Their arching leaves, striped with green and white, added a dynamic visual element to spaces. Known for their air-purifying abilities, they were a common fixture in homes and offices. Easy to care for, spider plants thrived in indirect light and required minimal attention. Their ability to produce “pups” made them endearing as they could be easily shared with friends. This quality of sharing and connecting mirrored the communal spirit of the era.
Boston Fern
Boston Ferns were a staple for creating lush, green sanctuaries. Their feathery fronds added a touch of elegance to any setting. Perfect for hanging baskets, they thrived in shaded areas, making them ideal for porches and patios. Ferns were appreciated for their ability to purify air and add humidity, benefiting indoor environments. Their classic look complemented the natural materials and textures of the 1970s decor. Gardeners loved them for their ability to transform spaces into verdant retreats, reflective of the decade’s love for nature.
Pampas Grass
Pampas Grass introduced a sense of grandeur with its towering plumes. These ornamental grasses were favored for their striking appearance and low maintenance needs. Often used as dramatic focal points in gardens, their feathery plumes swayed gracefully in the wind. They offered a soft, motion-filled element to the landscape, enriching the textural variety. Pampas Grass could withstand a variety of climates, making them adaptable to different garden settings. Their enduring popularity stemmed from their ability to enhance landscapes with minimal effort.
African Violet
African Violets charmed with their petite size and vibrant blooms. Often found gracing windowsills, these dainty plants were loved for their ability to flower year-round. Their velvety leaves and varied flower colors made them a delightful addition to home interiors. African Violets thrived in small pots, making them perfect for indoor gardening enthusiasts. They required consistent moisture and indirect light, catering to those who enjoyed nurturing their plants. The joy of coaxing these delicate flowers into bloom resonated with the nurturing spirit of the decade.
Coleus
Coleus plants were celebrated for their stunning foliage, offering a kaleidoscope of colors. Their leaves, in shades ranging from deep red to bright green, became a painter’s palette in the garden. Gardeners loved experimenting with different coleus varieties to create captivating displays. These plants thrived in both sun and shade, providing versatility in garden design. Their low maintenance needs and striking appearance made them a fixture in many 1970s gardens. Coleus’ ability to blend with other plants allowed for creative combinations, enhancing the overall garden aesthetic.
Begonia
Begonias brought a splash of color and texture to garden spaces. Their waxy leaves and bright blooms were a common sight in the 1970s. Perfect for container gardening, they thrived in shaded areas, opening up new possibilities for garden enthusiasts. Begonias were appreciated for their ability to flower continuously throughout the season. Their vibrant colors and varied forms offered endless design opportunities. As a symbol of creativity and resilience, begonias were cherished for their ability to enhance any garden setting with their cheerful presence.
Geranium
Geraniums were synonymous with classic charm, adorning gardens with their vibrant blooms. Their wide range of colors, from red to pink, provided endless options for gardeners. Perfect for containers and window boxes, geraniums thrived in sunny locations. Known for their drought tolerance, they were a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners. Their cheerful flowers and pleasant fragrance made them a favorite for adding color and scent to outdoor spaces. Geraniums encapsulated the free-spirited nature of the 1970s, enhancing gardens with their timeless appeal.
Lavender
Lavender captivated with its soothing fragrance and delicate purple blooms. This versatile herb was a beloved addition to gardens, often planted near walkways for its aromatic scent. Lavender’s silvery foliage added a soft texture, blending seamlessly with other plants. Known for its calming properties, it was used in homemade sachets and potpourri. Gardeners appreciated its drought resistance and ability to attract pollinators. Lavender brought a sense of peace and tranquility, aligning perfectly with the 1970s desire for natural and serene environments.
Rhododendron
Rhododendrons enchanted with their showy clusters of blooms. These shrubs became a mainstay in gardens, providing bold color and structure. Their evergreen foliage offered year-round interest, making them a reliable choice. Rhododendrons preferred shaded spots, thriving under the canopy of taller trees. Their ability to bloom in various colors allowed for creative landscaping options. Gardeners admired their majestic presence and the way they could transform a garden into a vibrant oasis. These shrubs reflected the 1970s love for dramatic and expressive plantings.
Hollyhock
Hollyhocks added vertical elegance to garden landscapes. Their towering stems, adorned with delicate blooms, created eye-catching displays. Ideal for cottage-style gardens, hollyhocks thrived in sunny spots with well-drained soil. These flowers attracted pollinators, enhancing the garden’s ecological balance. Their historical charm and classic beauty resonated with the nostalgic tendencies of the era. Gardeners valued their ability to create a striking backdrop, pairing well with other traditional garden plants. Hollyhocks brought a touch of whimsy and grace to the 1970s garden aesthetic.
Hosta
Hostas were the go-to choice for shady garden corners. Their large, textured leaves offered a serene backdrop, complementing other shade-loving plants. Known for their resilience, hostas required minimal care, making them perfect for novice gardeners. Their foliage came in various shades of green and blue, adding depth to garden designs. Hostas’ ability to thrive in low light conditions made them indispensable in creating harmonious, layered landscapes. Their understated elegance and adaptability reflected the 1970s appreciation for natural beauty and simplicity.
Foxglove
Foxgloves introduced a touch of enchantment with their tall, spire-like flowers. These biennials thrived in partial shade, making them suitable for woodland gardens. Their bell-shaped blooms attracted hummingbirds, adding life to the garden. Foxgloves’ ability to reseed allowed them to return year after year, delighting gardeners with their persistence. The elegant flowers were often used to create vertical interest, pairing beautifully with other cottage garden staples. Their timeless charm and subtle beauty captured the 1970s fascination with natural and free-flowing garden designs.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera became a household staple, celebrated for its medicinal properties. Known for soothing burns, it found a permanent spot in many kitchens. Its succulent leaves stored water, making it drought-tolerant and easy to care for. Aloe’s unique appearance added an exotic flair to indoor and outdoor spaces. Gardeners appreciated its ability to thrive in sunny, dry conditions, requiring minimal attention. Aloe Vera’s dual role as a decorative and functional plant resonated with the practical yet aesthetic-driven values of the 1970s garden culture.
Ficus
Ficus trees became a symbol of indoor elegance. Their glossy foliage and graceful stature made them a popular choice for home interiors. Thriving in bright, indirect light, ficus trees added a touch of greenery to living spaces. They were favored for their air-purifying capabilities and ability to fill empty corners with life. As low-maintenance plants, they appealed to those who wanted greenery without the fuss. Ficus’ timeless appeal and adaptability made it a fixture in the decor of the 1970s, blending seamlessly with a variety of interior styles.
Cactus
Cacti brought a unique desert flair to gardens and homes. Their sculptural forms and spiky silhouettes added an intriguing element to design. Ideal for those seeking low-maintenance plants, cacti thrived in sunny, dry environments. Their ability to store water made them resilient and easy to care for. Cacti were grouped in collections, creating visually striking displays. Their minimalist beauty resonated with the decade’s appreciation for natural simplicity and resourcefulness. Cacti allowed gardeners to explore exotic themes, adding diversity to the 1970s’ garden palette.
Rosemary
Rosemary captivated with its aromatic foliage and culinary versatility. This herb was a staple in garden and kitchen alike. Thriving in sunny spots, rosemary offered both beauty and practicality. Its needle-like leaves and small blue blooms added texture to garden borders. Known for enhancing culinary dishes, rosemary was favored by gardeners who loved cooking. Its drought tolerance made it a reliable choice for various climates. Rosemary’s dual role as an ornamental and culinary plant reflected the era’s embrace of functional beauty.