If the recent announcement of six more weeks of winter is starting to get you down, now might be a good time to start planting your spring flowers out in the garden. While the choice of what to grow is entirely up to you, you might be interested in gleaning some tips from other floral designers and homeowners. Here are some of the top garden trends to consider adding to your scheme.
Eco-scaping
According to the Vancouver Sun, the emergence of "urban knights" is one of the most significant trends of 2012. This is mainly spearheaded by generation X and Y gardeners, who are focused on changing the world through recycling, conservation and re-purposing materials in order to protect the earth's resources. As a result, the use of water-conserving plants, native modern flowers, edible displays and small-space landscaping should be on the rise throughout the upcoming year.
Bringing Back Wildlife
More people are starting to realize the benefits of having birds, butterflies and bees frequenting their gardens. Why? Outdoor creatures such as these can all cut down on garden pests and make your space more exciting. "This trend was first spotted in a major way at the garden show at Chicago's Navy Pier, where there was a wave of interest in ways to bring birds back into the garden, using everything from nesting boxes, bird baths, feeders and birdhouses," reports the news source. Incorporating more native plants to attract butterflies and bees is also a good idea.
Vertical Growing
In an effort to save space, many gardeners are turning to vertical growing methods, which are easier to care for in restrictive spaces. "It means more trellises, arbours, wall-gardens and climbing plants that flourish in small containers," reports the news source.
Bright Colors
According to NorthCoastGardening.com, bright colors, especially vibrant shades of orange, are definitely on-trend in 2012. Pantone's color of the year is Tangerine Tango, but your blooms don't have to stick to this specific hue. Any kind of orange flowers, like gerbera daisies, roses and tulips, will look fantastic in a garden.
A Focus on the Front Yard
While many people still think of their backyards as the perfect gardening space, The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports that more people are considering their front yards as the ideal area to show off the results of their green thumbs. "Garden Trends Research Report's Early Spring 2011 survey showed 29 percent of respondents were interested in front yard gardening, up from 27 percent in 2010 and 25 percent in 2009," reports the news source.