I love reading lists and making lists, but long ones are a guarantee for my mind to shut down. So I’ve compiled what I think are the Top 5 garden trends for 2010, and really, that’s a misnomer. I’ve been seeing these trends more towards the end of 2009, but I’m convinced they’ll grow in popularity this year. Drumroll, please!
- Rainwater collection systems: Systems can be fancy or run-of-the-mill from Big Box stores, but clients are asking about them more and more, reflecting our awareness of water conservation.
- Vegetable Gardening: I think this is spurred on by the economy but also increased awareness about where our food comes from. I don’t have a lot of space to grow veggies, but even people who garden on balconies like mine can find space.
- Fire Pits: Again, I think this is recession-related. My clients have traded their European vacations this year for a more usable outdoor space. Rather than eating out, we’re having gatherings at home. And a fire-pit is guaranteed to bring people together around warmth and coziness, something we all seek during tough times.
photo by djbigmike.com
- Farmer’s Markets: I’m going to wave my Freak Flag high and admit that I haven’t really gone to farmer’s markets too much, and I’m not sure why. Maybe I thought it was too expensive, but now I’m seeing that buying quality local food that’s free of pesticides beats spending thousands on health care down the road. Many are following suit.
- Going Native: This has been a surge in recent years, but we’re all seeing now how using plants native or adapted to our particular climate benefits the environment, our water supplies, the soil and our checkbooks. It’s not “tree-hugging,” it’s just smart.
I’m not one to hop on to trends or fads, and I don’t have a lot of patience for what’s “in” or “out,” whether it’s in the garden, or fashion or interiors. But these trends, rather than simply expressing style, reflect what is going on in the world around us. Rough economy, shrinking paychecks, dramatic weather changes and water shortages can, and should, inform our decisions concerning our surroundings and how we care for them. And that, my friends, is a great trend to follow!
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Glad to see firepits taking the place of chimneas (sp?). I have a chimnea but never use it because the dogs love the heat and Sadie got her tail caught on fire amidst all her happy wagging. Maybe the pooches would be smarter around a firepit.
When I first saw “Going Native” I thought “no way in hell am I gardening naked!”
I agree with every one of those. The only one I have trouble figuring out how to implement is the rain water collection. I have more water than I know what to deal with but I’m working on it. Great list!
Jayme, if you live in a house you can hook up a ready made rain barrel to your gutter’s downspout. My 18-year-old son did just that for his Eagle Scout project at our local food bank a couple of weeks ago. He’ll be guest-posting for me in the next week or two about it!
Julie, I do think the pups will likely be more careful around a firepit in that it’s open and a more obvious thing to avoid. However, since I am your gardener, I would agree that I will not garden naked at your place! ; )
What a great list. I’m seeing more and more of these in my local gardens too. Thanks for the post!
Great video!
Thanks, Phillip! I’m planning to do another one with them this spring on balcony gardening.