2021 GARDEN TRENDS: Gardening in a Pandemic

No one could have predicted there would be one of the largest booms in gardening of all time resulting from a society-changing pandemic. Lockdowns, travel bans, remote learning, working from home among other factors are creating more time for people to stay put in their homes and get outdoors. The extra time we have to decide how we should improve and beautify our outdoors spaces has sparked a reconnaissance in gardening, DIY and home improvement projects. Research has discovered the COVID-19 era has produced 16,000,000 new gardeners – many under age 35. Mother Nature is as happy as she can be I’m sure!

So, what exactly is everyone interested in at the moment?

One-upping the neighbors.

The younger generation wants weird, rare, hard-to-find, unusual and unique varieties to make notable first impressions in their outdoor spaces. They want plants that no one else has to make a huge impact. I agree with this 100%! Everyone wants to be the envy of the neighborhood with a beautiful landscape!

Edible gardening.

With limited supplies in the food chain, experienced and beginning gardeners alike are looking for ways to be self-sufficient in times of shortages. Raised beds and patio containers are two of the most popular projects edible gardeners are undertaking. Miniature vegetables and fruits are super popular among beginner gardeners who are somewhat impatient and eagerly awaiting the successful finished product. Dual functioning plantings are becoming more and more popular. Adding herbs, strawberries or blueberries to container combinations and border designs provide amazing textures, foliage and scents that one would normally not think of. Ingenious idea!

Cutting gardens.

With more time in our homes, flowers are an easy way to lighten up the mood. Gardeners are wanting to create easy access to impromptu flower arrangements and are looking for fresh, fun and beautiful varieties for cut flowers. Everyone wants to be a florist!

Staycation vacations.

Another result of more time at home is that consumers are spending more on outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, furniture, lighting, décor and lush plants to create the ultimate staycation spot right in their own backyard sanctuaries! Relaxing outdoors in a beautiful space with friends and family is definitely on the top of my list instead of being cooped up indoors!

Foliage gardens.

Beginners and pros are looking for easy but impressive foliage plants that are permanent, evergreen or that will return every year. There are so many varieties in this category to choose from for each season that will create dramatic, monochromatic hues with loads of different textures to make your neighbors drool!

Fragrant varieties.

In keeping with the ‘staycation’ vibe, fragrant blooms add to the relaxing ambience of your outdoor spaces. Lilies, peonies and lily of the valley are a few varieties to add to patio borders and containers for a tranquil effect!

Compact shrubs.

Compact shrubs take the guesswork out of trying to figure out when the best time is to prune. Compact flowering and foliage shrubs make it easy for the beginning gardener and experienced gardener who are looking to save time and eliminate the guesswork of maintaining their permanent installations. The gorgeous, compact hydrangea varieties are some of my favorites!

Photo courtesy of Van Belle Nursery, Inc.

Inviting pollinators to the garden.

If you haven’t jumped on the ‘nurturing the pollinators’ bandwagon you must be living in a hole. Planting bird, bee and butterfly friendly varieties not only preserve the lives of these vital components of nature, it adds loads of color and scents to your spring and summer gardens. With more and more time outdoors, it is fun for kids to watch the hummingbirds and butterflies flock to your garden. Save the pollinators!

Flowers as gifts.

Flowers and plants are becoming more and more popular in meaningful gift giving to brighten someone’s day. Why not give a gift that is long lasting and beautiful?

Flower therapy – reducing stress.

All of the crazy repercussions of the pandemic have added an entirely new and extra level of stress to basically everyone. The Garden Media Group’s research has discovered a correlation between gardening, quality of life and well-being. Being outdoors, digging in the dirt and planting is excellent for everyone’s mental health.

That’s a wrap! Happy gardening!