Gardening Trends

Gardening is the cocktail conversation topic of the new millennium. Interest in the activity is increasing as a number of trends are changing how and why people care for their yards and gardens.

The biggest influence is the aging of the baby boomers. Not only will more people be tending their lawns and landscapes as they enter the ages when most people take up the activity, but this age group will also change the perceptions and methods of gardening.

Baby boomers have been known for their selective tastes, and this will be true of their garden purchases as well. Many in this age group have recently or will be moving into larger, more expensive homes as their families and incomes increase, and their landscapes will reflect the same quality and investment as their homes.

Because gardening is an important investment, consumers will become more knowledgeable about the subject and more particular about their plant purchases. An increase in the information about the topic is occurring through the computer and otherwise will occur, and nurseries, garden centers and landscape professionals are being regarded as more important sources because of practical experience.

To fill the demands for quality, unique plant varieties will become popular, and landscape design will reflect better plant selection and function. Landscape design will also exhibit more color with perennial gardens, flower beds and ornamental shrubs and trees. Color will extend to year round enjoyment. More attention will be given to color in the fall and winter as well as the spring and summer.

As interest increases, look for more electronic "gizmos" to make gardening activities easier. High technology advances will also be evident in landscape lighting and irrigation. Consumers will also spend more on garden furniture, barbecues and grills, and other forms of outdoor enjoyment like hot tubs, spas, pools and fountains.

A growing concern for the environment will keep gardening from becoming a materialistic mayhem. Organic gardening will grow in popularity as will recycling garden waste.

Instead of buying all chemical fertilizers, consumers will purchase more organic based products. Pesticides and pest control will also include more biodegradable organic elements and be based on insect life cycles. Weed control products will also feature biodegradable or non-accumulative compounds.

Gardeners will lead the recycling trend by incorporating compost piles in their garden chore. Not only will grass clippings, leave, twigs and other waste from the garden be tossed on the compost heap but so will leftover foodstuffs from coffee grounds to banana peels.

Gardening will not be the same by the year 2010 as current trends and scientific knowledge shape the activity throughout the beginning of this century. To stay ahead of the changes and keep up with the latest cocktail conversations, brush up on your yard work and shine up the old shovel.