What Type of Gardener Are You? Exploring the Different Types of Gardening

By Naturix

Gardening isn’t just one-size-fits-all. Some people love the methodical precision of rows of vegetables, while others are all about wildflower chaos and whimsical fairy gardens. Whether you’ve got a full backyard, a balcony, or just a few pots on a windowsill, there’s a type of gardening that fits your lifestyle—and your personality.

Let’s dig into the different types of gardening styles, and maybe by the end, you’ll have a better idea of what kind of gardener you are.

1. The Traditional Gardener (a.k.a. The Classic Cultivator)

This is the one we often picture; raised beds, neat rows of vegetables, maybe a little compost bin in the corner. Traditional gardeners love the cycle of planting, tending, and harvesting. They’re practical, patient, and probably have strong opinions about tomatoes.

You might be a Traditional Gardener if:

• You swear by heirloom seeds.

• You have a favourite kind of mulch.

• Your idea of a good Saturday is spent elbows-deep in soil.

2. The Ornamental Gardener (The Aesthetic Enthusiast)

Think colour schemes, bloom times, and Instagram-worthy flower beds. Ornamental gardeners are all about creating beauty—gardens that are visually stunning, from the curb to the back fence. Flowers, shrubs, and even garden art play big roles here.

You might be an Ornamental Gardener if:

• You know exactly when your peonies will bloom.

• You coordinate your flowers like interior design.

• Your Pinterest garden board is fire!!

3. The Edible Gardener (The Homegrown Hero)

This type of gardening is all about growing what you eat—veggies, herbs, fruit trees, you name it. These gardeners find joy in cooking what they’ve grown, and they’re big fans of sustainability and knowing where their food comes from.

You might be an Edible Gardener if:

• You’ve said, “Why buy it when I can grow it?”

• You give away zucchinis every summer.

• Your basil plant is practically a member of the family.

4. The Wildlife Gardener (The Backyard Conservationist)

This gardener creates a haven not just for themselves, but for birds, bees, butterflies, and more. Wildlife gardeners focus on native plants, pollinator-friendly flowers, and habitats that support biodiversity.

You might be a Wildlife Gardener if:

• You get excited about spotting bees.

• You’ve got a birdbath, feeders, and maybe even a toad house.

• Your garden is a little wild—and you love it that way.

5. The Container Gardener (The Space-Savvy Green Thumb)

No yard? No problem. Container gardeners make the most of patios, balconies, and even sunny windows. With creativity and a few pots, they can grow almost anything—herbs, tomatoes, succulents, flowers, and more.

You might be a Container Gardener if:

• Your plant collection is slowly taking over your apartment.

• You’ve mastered the art of vertical gardening.

• You treat each pot like its own little world.

6. The Permaculture Gardener (The Eco-Warrior)

Permaculture gardeners design gardens that work with nature, not against it. This type of gardening focuses on sustainability, self-sufficiency, and closed-loop systems. It’s not just a garden—it’s an ecosystem.

You might be a Permaculture Gardener if:

• You say things like “food forest” and “companion planting.”

• You’re into composting, mulching, and maybe even raising chickens.

• Your garden feeds you and heals the land.

So, What Kind of Gardener Are You?

Maybe you’re a mix of a few! You might love growing tomatoes (Edible Gardener) but also make sure to plant milkweed for monarchs (Wildlife Gardener). Or maybe you started with a few pots on your windowsill (Container Gardener) and are now dreaming of a full-blown backyard food forest (Permaculture Gardener).

Whatever your gardening style, it’s about creating a space that brings you joy, peace, and maybe even a few fresh veggies along the way.