Trending in the Garden in 2017
The tree buds have broken through and lovely little robins are making much-anticipated appearances on branches across the county. The time has come to roll up our sleeves, reach into our creative potential, and start planning and planting our gardens.
If you are wondering where to start in your garden, take some inspiration from the latest garden trends for 2017.
2017 is the year of duality in the garden. We want gardens that require as little maintenance as possible and we also want our plants and flowers to take on jobs – the garden needs to do more for us, while we do less for it. We are also introducing indoor design elements out in the garden, while bringing natural garden elements back into the house.
ON TREND: Multi-tasking Plants
Whether a result of the Pinterest effect or just a function of today’s life pace, plants and flowers that can serve multiple purposes are gaining popularity. Non-GMO, organic edibles and pollinator supporters continue to prevail, while more specialized hobby plants and flowers are gaining steam. Look for:
- Herbs that can be used in homemade remedies, cosmetics and teas like lavender, peppermint, lemonbalm and calendula.
- Plants and flowers used to make homemade dyes like eucalyptus, beetroot, onions and carrots, berries, spinach and hibiscus.
- Garden-to-glass cocktail ingredients like cilantro, cucumber, basil, mint, thyme, lemongrass and hot peppers.
- Plants that can be used as a natural insect repellent like spearmint, chives, bay leaves, fennel, lavender and lemon balm.
ON TREND: Low Maintenance Gardening
With all of those hobbies to support, who has time to sustain a traditional garden? Low maintenance gardening practices are on the rise. Think less lawn to water and mow. Instead we are seeing:
- more dedicated play areas and large natural garden features.
- low maintenance yard fillers like shrubs, vines, and mini meadows surrounded by natural rocks, paths, logs and stones.
- contained and manageable potted gardens and compact miniatures.
- plants that conserve water like succulents and clover.
ON TREND: Bringing the Indoors Outside
While natural features in the garden are gaining popularity, adding pops of design that are trending inside can make your garden extra special. 2017 is seeing a rise in:
- colour-blocking, creating features and backsplashes that take on that fresh clean-lined contrast.
- the addition of super comfortable plush furniture, to enjoy the same comfort outside as you would on your living room couch.
ON TREND: Bringing the Garden Into the House
Having quick access to your favourite cooking herbs or surrounding yourself with fresh greenery has always been popular, but 2017 is seeing this take on a larger scale; we are now filling up indoor spaces with mini, year-round vegetable gardens, plants that can filter the air, and indoor natural sanctuaries.
OTHER MAJOR GARDEN TRENDS IN 2017:
Bright, bold colours will be making a noticeable appearance in gardens this year. Other colour trends include metallics, colour chameleons and here in Canada, red and white will be out in full force to celebrate our 150th birthday.
If your prefer to call mushrooms “toadstools” then you will pleased to see that Fairy Gardens are becoming a hobbyist hit, listed among Pinterest’s top 100 trends for 2017.
Environmental concerns have folks redefining their priorities in the garden. Hyperlocalism is a trend that has emerged as a responsible gardening practice that can support local pollinators and wildlife, better resistance to local predators and weather changes, and reduce the amount of invasive species in the area.
For more information on planting local in Simcoe County, visit www.notsohollowfarms.ca.