Garden trends.............................................. Judith A. Rucki

What’s trending in the garden?

BY JUDITH A. RUCKI

Some folks are natural gardeners. Their green thumbs could make exotic foliage bloom in a pile of dust. The less talented among us hang a plastic flower wreath on the front door and call it a day. Whether your garden is featured in the nationally known Garden Walk Buffalo or you’re a newbie in search of inspiration, you may be interested in what’s currently trending.

Here are some of 2022’s top garden trends.

Color, color, color. Bold, colorful choices, as well as bicolor flowers, are gaining popularity. Consider filling your garden entirely with a bicolor plant for eye-catching simplicity or choose a bicolor plant and complement with neighboring plants of each color. As gardeners select reds, oranges, and purples, low maintenance houseplants in brighter hues are edging out green-leafed plants. However, for gardeners looking to create a soothing oasis, Garden Media Group (GMG) predicts clover green will steal the show. “Green symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and stability,” GMG notes. “Vibrant green reminds us of life, renewal, and nature.”

Planet-friendly gardening. Gardeners are gravitating toward pollinator-family plants, which both reduces carbon footprint and provides micro-habitats for wildlife. Trees, both beautiful and practical, are also being planted more frequently. Trees can absorb and store as much as a ton of carbon pollution (CO2) from the atmosphere. According to the National Wildlife Federation, “If every one of America’s eighty-five million gardening households planted just one young shade tree in their backyard or community, those trees would absorb more than two million tons of CO2 each year.”

Gardening through the seasons.

All-weather gardening, also known as guerilla gardening, is making a comeback. While the weather is beyond our control, experts say we can create healthy soil. The secret is good garden compost, which will improve the soil’s ability to absorb water and oxygen. What to plant? Violas have been called the most popular winter potted plant. Pansies can survive freezing cold, then thrive in the summer. Also consider lily-of-the-valley and hosta. Bringing the outdoors in. Create a sense of place and connection to the natural world by setting up a small herb garden in a sunny window. Use grow lights for plants in rooms that don’t get natural light. Position outdoor hanging planters near a window to enjoy the greenery or position a trellis next to a window where you can view the climbing plant.

Minimalism. Group multiple plants together in the same pot instead of having a lot of individual pots. Experiment with contrasting leaf shapes, textures, and colors. Not sure how to mix and match? Consult an expert at your local nursery.

All things retro. Cue increased interest in flowering houseplants. African Violets, for example, can last indefinitely and bring long-lived joy.

Container and balcony gardening.

For those lacking space, these are always in style. Consider utilizing your front porch as your destination for decorating and planting.

Edible gardening. This perpetual, but always evolving trend is evidenced by seed companies reporting record sales. Many grew up with vegetable gardens, growing items like tomatoes, eggplant, and zucchini. Not only does this save money, but it ensures clean eating and reduced plastic use.

Trends aside, do what makes you happy. Garden with intent. How does each plant or piece of garden art contribute to your garden? What elements draw you in? If a plant evokes fond memories, find a special place for it. Include colors you enjoy. Place scented plants where you spend the most time to create sensory connections.

Time to dust off the gardening gloves and have at it! FY

Judith A. Rucki is a public relations consultant and freelance writer.