|
Trends in Gardening for
2003
Gardening trends are ever changing, yet infused
with elements that remain the same year over year. Take a look at
the hottest trends in gardening for 2003, and a peak at what's to
come next year.
by Veronica Sliva
Trends come and go, in fashion, in home decor
and yes even in gardening. Our world is getting smaller as
technology and ease of transportation bring us all closer together.
Even gardening is influenced by what is happening globally. Here are
10 trends that are currently fashionable in the garden
world:
Many gardens have the blues!
What's hot in
gardening this year is really cool...the cool colour of blue that
is. Gardeners are incorporating this cool colour by using some new
introductions like BlueWave™ petunias or Delphinium 'Darwin's Blue
Indulgence'. The trend to blue is likely to continue into 2004.
Watch for plants wearing blue to become more generally available
next spring.
Tone on tone and monochromatic
harmonies
Earlier this spring gardening gurus predicted that
the hot colours of orange, red and yellow would dominate the garden
scene in 2003. While these colours are still a popular choice, many
gardeners are opting for a softer approach by using monochromatic,
tone-on-tone schemas. If the 'in-your-face' glare of the bright
colours is a little too garish for your taste, try combining various
shades of one colour. For example, instead of screaming orange,
choose a variety of different plants that bloom in toned down and
softer shades of apricot, peach, and pale orange
sherbet.
Foliage is fun!
What does a cool, soothing
glade on the forest's edge suggest to you? It oozes peace and
tranquility doesn't it? If this is the effect you are seeking, then
you can have it by using plants whose feature attraction is their
leaves. The garden centers are highlighting a wide selection of
plants with foliage as their best feature. For example, that old
standby coleus is turning up in unusual colour combinations and
patterns and can't be beat when it comes to foliage
interest.
The garden as therapy
A place to take a
breath and step back from a busy hectic life...does this describe
your garden? You can make your garden a sanctuary by incorporating
all the elements that sooth your senses. Try including the calming
trickle of water in the form of a garden pond or a little fountain.
Add some soft wind chimes, and plant your garden in the colours that
please you. Voila…peace and tranquility, and a place to get away
from it all.
Plant detectives abound
Plant
sleuthing is becoming a new found passion for many enthusiastic
gardeners. While grandmother's old-fashioned favourites are still
loved, many of us must have the latest and greatest offered by those
busy plant breeders. The hunt is on! You'll see gardeners scouring
community plant sales, garden centers and mail order catalogs to
find that unique horticultural
treasure.
Potscaping
Potscaping is a term coined to
describe the creative art of container plantings. Try combining
perennials with annuals and houseplants — there are no rules. Just
remember to put together plants that have the same water and sun
requirements. You can move your pots around as the whim strikes your
fancy, and in a heartbeat you have a whole new
look.
Grasses
Using grasses as an ornamental in the
garden continues to grow more popular every year. They are easy care
and add a dimension in texture and form that few other plants can
match. You can count on most grasses to provide late season drama,
and if you don't cut them back when you are in tidy-up mode in the
fall, they will provide interest during the winter
months.
Go organic
Healthy soil produces healthy
plants. Gardeners everywhere are committed to taking better care of
the soil by using less chemicals and more organic gardening methods.
Vegetable gardeners know that enriched soil means nutrient-rich and
better tasting vegetables. Flower gardeners notice that plants are
stronger and better able to withstand disease and periods of
drought. According to the Organic Trade Association, retail sales of
organic products are expected to reach nearly $20 billion by 2005.
So, keep on composting and go organic whenever you
can.
Herb gardens
Since the dark ages growing herbs
for medicinal and culinary purposes has always enjoyed popularity
and the trend is not waning. If you have the space you can create a
substantial herb garden. If you only have a small patch of ground,
try growing your favourites in pots. Many dwarf varieties of the old
standbys are ideal for pot culture.
Get
educated!
Along with the soaring interest in everything
garden related, comes an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
Gardeners want to know details, they want variety names, they want
cultural directions, and they want information! Responding to this
enthusiasm and search for information, courses and seminars are
offered everywhere and never have so many resources for gardeners
been available on TV and in books and magazines.
In 2004, new
introductions will fuel increasing enthusiasm for unusual plants. No
doubt seeking refuge in our gardens will continue to be a focus for
many gardeners, particularly as the baby boomers slip into
retirement. What colours the well-dressed garden is wearing may come
and go, but one trend that is sure to continue into 2004 and beyond
is the soaring interest in gardening.
|
