Garden trends in 2024 might be taking a turn for more practicality. Interested in learning about what is trending regionally for lawn and garden? Here are some predictions we have for the year ahead.
Edible Gardens
The stressors of the COVID lockdowns brought people to their knees in a variety of ways, but in this case it was to dig in the dirt. As people gave growing their food a try, green-thumb confidence also grew. Many decided to take on additional landscaping projects around the home and update curb appeal. What we expect to see in 2024 is the continuation of adding more edible plants into the garden, while also considering aesthetics.
“Edimentals” is the new favored term in relation to plants that are both ornamental and edible. These edimentals can be utilized in any way that is practical for your outdoor space— be it a potted courtyard fig, or plantings of the aromatic and prolifically flowering Pineapple Sage. People are taking more interest in selecting plants that support their holistic hobbies, such as creating medicinal syrups or tea by planting Elderberry shrubs.
Going along with this edible premise, backyard fruit orchards continue to gain interest from region homeowners who find themselves with enough sunny space to accommodate a few semi-dwarf fruit trees. Even Sugar Maples not normally selected in landscaping for their syrup-tapping potential are being chosen in place of other shade trees. Homestead life is expected to creep its way into urban residences with vining plants such as hardy kiwi and grapes. We believe we can expect the container gardening upsurge from recent years to continue, but this year with people upgrading from the plastic pots.
Garden Hobbyists
As people continue to venture into gardening as a hobby, their planting choices are becoming more selective as they find space for the plants that support their side gigs. For example, artisan soap makers are opting to plant lavender, calendula, and roses instead of buying bulk ingredients. Even photographers and artists are inviting the birds with native plants and shrubs to build a backyard studio. More people are dedicating garden space to farmer’s market side hustles such as selling fresh-cut flower arrangements or jams.
Additionally, garden craft influencers, like @northwoodsfolk on Instagram, have inspired some to take up botanical crafting. Those interested in pressing their garden flowers can start by planting perennials like ferns, Asters, Dianthus, Coreopsis, and Lavender.
Practical Maintenance
As it turns out, busy people who’ve never really enjoyed mowing their lawns are expected to take action this year by reducing their lawn space to accommodate something more lifestyle-appropriate. For some, this might mean a low-maintenance ground cover, but others are installing outdoor kitchens, expanding entertainment space, or just making some adjustments to embrace the less manicured look.
Prairie planting falls under this category as a low-maintenance way of naturalizing a garden. Prairie gardens— or even cottage-style gardens— have gained popularity over boxed-in and manicured landscapes. This fuss-free attractiveness of Prairie plantings makes use of native perennial flowers by planting in curvy groups rather than straight lines.
What are your landscaping goals for this year? Share with us some of your home-grown hobbies that start in your garden.
