The garden trends blooming right now
North Canterbury gardener Candy Rose looks at the practices coming to a garden near you.
Garden trends are blooming with excitement, and it’s not just because of the flowers. From sustainable gardens to planting what you eat, the latest trends show that gardens are a place to relax and unwind, as well as being a source of food and biodiversity.
Sustainable gardens are leading the pack when it comes to garden trends. As climate change and environmental issues become more prominent, gardeners turn to sustainable practices that minimise their carbon footprint and promote biodiversity.
One of the most popular of these practices is planting a combination of native and nonnative plants. Not only does this promote biodiversity, but it also provides habitats for pollinators and other types of wildlife.
Wildflower meadows gain popularity
Perennial wildflower meadows – something I want to work towards myself – are also gaining popularity as gardeners look for
ways to create beautiful landscapes that are lowmaintenance and eco-friendly.
These meadows are a feast for the eyes and provide habitats for various wildlife, from butterflies to birds.
Native hedging: easy and eco-friendly
Native hedging is another trend that is not going anywhere. Hedges are made up of native plants that are well adapted to the local climate and soil, making them lowmaintenance and eco-friendly.
They provide habitats for wildlife and act as a barrier against noise and pollution.
Also remaining a garden favourite are edible hedges such as feijoa, blueberry, olive, apple or citrus.
Plant what you eat
Food security is a driving force behind garden trends in 2024. With the ongoing cost of living crisis and concerns about food shortages, more and more people are turning to their gardens as a food source.
Planting what you eat is a trend that is here to stay, with gardeners opting for fruits, vegetables and herbs that are easy to grow and provide a bounty of fresh produce.
Staples such as potatoes, leafy greens and pumpkins can get you through cold winter nights. Nectar-rich planting is also on the rise as gardeners look for ways to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
From bee balm to lavender, there are plenty of nectar-rich plants to choose from that will add beauty and biodiversity to your garden.
I’ve planted swan plants near my zinnias this season, so the monarch butterflies don’t have to travel far to feed when they emerge.
Regenerative agriculture for good
One of the most exciting trends in sustainable gardening is the rise of regenerative agriculture, a way of farming that focuses on building soil health and biodiversity while sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.
This farming method is good for the environment and produces healthy and delicious food. I’m excited to see how it evolves.
Go vertical
For those who want to get the most out of their space, vertical gardening is another trend that is gaining popularity. With limited land in urban areas, vertical gardening allows you to grow more plants in less space.
From trellises to hanging baskets, vertical gardening offers plenty of ways to get creative. I have considered purchasing a stackable planter with a composting tube in the middle. The tube can be used to discard food scraps, which, in turn, will nourish the plants surrounding it.
Time to save water
And let’s remember the importance of water conservation in the garden world. With droughts becoming more frequent and severe, gardeners are increasingly seeking ways to conserve water.
From using drip irrigation systems with rainwater to planting drought-tolerant plants, olla water pots, and living mulch, there are plenty of ways to reduce water usage in the garden.
In conclusion, we can see a growing movement towards creating sustainable, eco-friendly and beautiful spaces.
By incorporating a mix of native and non-native plants or creating wildflower meadows, we can promote biodiversity and food security. The rise of regenerative agriculture and vertical gardening offers us new and exciting ways to make the most of our gardens.
Always remember that gardening is a personal journey, and finding what makes you happy is the key to success. Trends are temporary, but your garden is a testament to your unyielding dedication and passion for this hobby.
Let’s get our hands dirty and embrace a bright future of gardening.
Contributing writer Candy Rose is a North Canterbury gardener with a 1000m² plot.