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10 Garden Trends to Watch

By: Veronica Sliva

For gardeners and non-gardeners alike, taking care of the environment, the planet and each other, all “for the greater good”, is a theme we’ll see played out time and again. Here are our top garden trends to watch:

1. Eat what you Grow
Not since Victory Gardens were planted during World War II has growing your own groceries been hotter. Savvy gardeners are mingling their edibles with ornamentals. This approach to garden design is good for the environment (more biodiversity) and good for you (tasty). Just make sure they like the same growing conditions.

2. Contained Enthusiasm
Even those with small or no gardens can plant tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, lettuce and many other edibles in containers. These days there are many seeds on the market bred just for pots. Check out Renees Garden, Dominion Seed House or McKenzie Seeds.

3. Make a Difference
A slow economy often brings out the best in people. Gardeners are helping by planting and harvesting a little extra for local food banks. Plant a Row Grow a Row is a program to assist in feeding the hungry. The organization was founded through a partnership between Food Banks Canada, the Garden Writers Association and The Composting Council of Canada and is spearheaded primarily through the generosity of volunteers across Canada. http://www.growarow.org for more information or toll free 1-877-571-GROW (4769).

4. Eco-Boosting
The trend to environmental responsibility continues. Eco conscious homeowners are finding ways to manage their gardens without the use of pesticides and herbicides. Getting your lawn and garden off chemicals is more than a trend and will continue to be an important initiative. Many homeowners are reducing the size of their lawns and incorporating plants that are resistant to pests and disease.

5. Living Roofs
Living or “green” roofs are planted with vegetation and an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional roofing. A green roof increases thermal insulation properties thus reducing energy costs. Green roofs help to compensate for the loss of green spaces that have been sacrificed to building developments. They increase biodiversity by providing a friendly environment for bird, plant and insect life. And green roofs are just plain beautiful.

6. Sentimental Plants
Old favourites that were basics in our grandmother’s gardens such as roses and peonies are making a comeback. Modern day David Austin English Roses combine the forms and fragrances of old roses with the repeat flowering of modern roses. Peonies are the backbone of the perennial border. No garden should be without them.

7. Houseplants with a Purpose
Plants are enjoying renewed status as decor accessories. Not only are they attractive, but they improve the air quality in our homes by acting as filters that remove pollutants from the air and replace the air with oxygen.

8. Trees, Trees and more Trees
Trees are becoming a more important part of the ornamental garden. They help shade and cool homes in summer. A well established canopy of trees helps to keep more moisture on lawns (less watering). There’s a trend to planting dwarf fruit trees…lovely blooms in spring…yummy fruit in fall.

9. Low Maintenance
No one wants to be a slave to the garden. Ground covers are replacing lawns. Drought resistant perennials reduce watering. Mulching is a popular way to minimize weeds.

10. The Digital Garden
Technology is blossoming in the garden with blogs, podcasts, and YouTube videos telling us how to tend the garden. There are dozens of Smartphone gardening apps vying for attention. Some are offered free, but most cost a one-time fee for downloading into your handset.

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