Trends in gardening are like the latest fashions in the clothing world. Some will work for you and others simply will not. Each January you see the latest and greatest ideas promoted in the media and you wonder, “Should I follow that?” Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to follow the latest trend in gardening.
Gardening trends may refer to the plants you grow, how you combine them, the containers you plant them in, how you lay out your landscape or collection of plants or a number of other factors. Each year experts in the field of landscaping and gardening choose what they feel are great and innovative ideas and plants to spotlight along with related products.
Trends can be a good thing in that they provide ideas that you may never have thought of on your own. These ideas, depending on the source, are usually well thought out and have been tested before they go public in a big way. Always consider your source when deciding whether a new trend is truly a good, workable idea.
The plants and materials related to a current year’s trend are often front and center on garden center displays and in online catalogues. If you are shopping in a smaller town, you may have to hunt for them a little harder.
What are some of the “trends” being promoted for 2014? The ever-expanding interest in container gardening continues to be at the forefront of trends for 2014. This will mean that a wider variety of pots and planters will be available in stores. Of course, you can always use your own imagination or what you have around the house to create your own collection of containers.
Combining plants of varying heights, textures, growth habits and colors can be a tricky thing. Whether you are growing in pots or in flower beds, this takes some forethought. You can garner many workable ideas about mixing up plants that work well together from the promotions and pictures you will see in the media this year.
A focus on neon colors as well as gardening in black and white will be evident in gardening this year. This may be reflected in the plants you see for sale or the shades of containers on the shelves.
The National Garden Bureau spotlights one annual, one perennial and one vegetable each year. Their goal is to educate the public in a focused way. Though their approach is not really the same as designating plants as part of a trend, it does mean that the plants they choose are often more available that year. In 2014, they are focusing on the petunia (an annual), echinacea (a perennial) and the cucumber.
Another trend for 2014 that should be promoted each and every year is educating gardeners and increasing their knowledge. You may find that more of the plants you buy have detailed care instructions or that garden centers are offering more educational workshops.
How do you know when to follow a trend? Ask yourself these things. Will it work for you in your particular situation? Does it fit into your budget? Are items available locally or easily through mail order? If I go all out with this year’s trend, can I still put it to use next year?
Trends are simply ideas you have never thought of before on your own. You can often create the same effect for far less money than the pre-assembled items that you will find for sale.
The bottom line is: Do you like it? If one of the gardening trends being promoted for 2014 really appeals to you, go with it.
Contact the writer: 138 Nature’s Trail, Bamberg, SC 29003.
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