Gardening Trends: Embracing Sustainability and Resilience

In response to the growing awareness of climate change and its impact on gardening, a shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices has become more prevalent. The Slow Flowers Society, based in Seattle, recently released its annual trends forecast report, shedding light on key industry insights gathered from interviews with growers and floral designers across the United States.

One prominent trend is the increasing emphasis on native planting. Gardeners are recognizing the importance of incorporating plants that are indigenous to their regions, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance. Native plants are well-adapted to local climates and soil conditions, requiring less maintenance and contributing to the overall resilience of the ecosystem.

Another noteworthy trend is the preference for scented, seasonal flowers over hybridized varieties. This shift reflects a desire for a more authentic and natural gardening experience. Choosing flowers based on their fragrance and seasonal availability adds a sensory dimension to the garden, enhancing the overall enjoyment of outdoor spaces.

Moreover, there is a rising inclination towards homemade, low-cost solutions in gardening. Gardeners are exploring DIY alternatives for fertilizers, pest control, and other garden essentials. This not only reduces reliance on commercial products but also fosters a sense of creativity and resourcefulness among gardening enthusiasts.

As these trends continue to gain traction, they offer practical solutions for addressing challenges such as extreme weather conditions, flooding, and drought. Embracing native planting, opting for scented seasonal flowers, and incorporating homemade, cost-effective solutions align with a more sustainable and resilient approach to gardening, contributing to the well-being of both individual gardens and the broader environment.

1. Native Planting

Debra Prinzing, the founder of the Slow Flowers Society, and author of “Slow Flowers,” underscores the significance of paying closer attention to ecosystems, recognizing indigenous flora, and appreciating their benefits to wildlife, soil health, and the unique beauty they bring. This increased interest in native plants aligns with a growing awareness that even small actions can contribute to addressing climate change.

The report reveals that 87% of Slow Flowers members are now incorporating native plant species into their crop mix due to their resilience to flooding and drought. An example of this is Deborah Majerus of Iron Butterfly Farm in Minnesota, who transformed her guesthouse landscape by replacing a grass lawn with native flowers and grasses, creating a demonstration garden that actively combats climate change.

For those looking to integrate native plants into their own yards, Deborah suggests starting by replacing patches of lawn with native flowers and grasses. Lawns are often described as “deserts to pollinators” as they offer little sustenance, habitat, and can absorb harmful chemicals. Farmers are also adopting practices such as planting strips of prairie plants and hedgerows, providing wind breaks, deep roots, and habitats for birds that help control pests. Native prairie plants attract beneficial insects, contributing to pest management in gardens and farms. These steps not only enhance the ecological balance but also create more sustainable and resilient landscapes.

2. Planting Flowers For Fragranc

The Slow Flowers Report highlights a shift among its members from hybridized, unscented flowers to a preference for natural, seasonal perfumes found in gardens. Stefani Bittner, a member of Slow Flowers and owner of Homestead Design Collective in California, emphasizes that creating and maintaining a fragrant garden requires no more time or effort than any other garden but brings multiplied beauty and wonder through a landscape that is both visually appealing and delightfully fragrant.

The importance of fragrance in backyard design is emphasized, with scent serving as a key element in planning a garden. Fragrance is synonymous with embracing seasonality and the natural flow of a garden, providing a mood-boosting experience. Planting scented shrubs, like star jasmine, near the entrance allows individuals to absorb the delicate and warming fragrance each time they enter the garden.

For those looking to incorporate scented flowers into their gardens, some excellent options include sweet peas, peonies, lavender, roses, stocks, lilacs, and various herbs. These choices not only add visual appeal to the garden but also engage the sense of smell, enhancing the overall experience of the outdoor space.

3. Homemade Gardening Solutions

In the context of gardening, resourcefulness often involves finding ways to save money and make sustainable choices. The practice of making one’s compost, green manure, and fertilizer is gaining popularity, particularly among artisan flower growers adopting biodynamic and regenerative farming techniques.

The Slow Flowers report emphasizes the importance of reducing plastic use in gardening practices. Briana Bosch from Blossom and Branch Farm in Colorado encourages gardeners to eliminate landscape fabric, as it is not easily recyclable and can contribute to microplastics in the soil and water supply. Simple ways to reduce plastic use in the garden include replacing plastic seed trays with cardboard egg boxes or eggshells and using biodegradable newspaper tubes instead of plastic pots for seedlings. Additionally, making your compost and plant fertilizers at home not only promotes sustainability but also minimizes reliance on store-bought products that often come in plastic packaging, contributing to a more environmentally-friendly approach.