Spring is here, we’ve had a little rain and the new ‘growing season’ is upon us!

Plants are bursting with bud and colour, so please excuse me as my excitement cascades out of the office environment into the gardening space…

NOW is a great time to fix and fiddle… Nurseries are packed with irresistible and stunning plants, but before your spending spree starts, do some research and have a PLAN!

Plants are Dandylion’s area of expertise… So save yourself the research and enjoy our 2016 Summer Trend Summary of ‘What’s hot and what’s not’:

 

 

2016 Summer Trends – What’s hot & what’s not!!

(FYI …. Indigenous, water-wise, containers and edibles are at last NO LONGER a trend, but rather a way of life. Gardening responsibly means making informed decisions about what to plant and where. So, moving on…)

 

Trend 1: The focus returns to plants

Over the past few years, homeowners have planted gardens around a ‘hardscape’ feature. New trends show plants returning to their rightful importance – afterall, plants are relatively inexpensive, easy to move and add a natural touch.

 

Trend 2: Bring the outside inside

Whether it’s a terrarium, living wall or a simple indoor plant, more people are creating small scale gardens indoors. Grow vegetables, herbs & micro herbs on windowsills and replace single plants with mixed groupings

 

Trend 3: Everything you have inside – you can also have outside

A reversal on the above… Outdoor living spaces are big! Fire pits, patios, pizza ovens etc. encourage socializing outdoors. Create spaces where teenagers (& toddlers) are comfortable. Trendy couches & swings with comfy cushions are the way to go.

 

Trend 4: Eco-sensitive & sustainable gardens

Mrs housewife’s demands are changing…  Gardens should attract birds and bees (which are super BIG!), be sustainable and require low maintenance. Ornamental grasses and succulents remain top-of-mind whilst water shortages dominate.

 

Trend 5: Colour it up

Add a lick of vibrant colour to garden hardware. European trends see dark greys, blues and greens dominating in walls, furniture and houses. Colour in the garden reverts to being more subtle with single colours making a come-back.

 

Trend 6: ‘Xeriscaping’ – A new term in the gardening lingo

Xeriscaping is the practice of curtailing water reliance in gardens. This is done through mindful practices such as selecting succulents and drought tolerate plants.

 

Trend 7: Rain water harvesting

Keeping rain water on site is key. 2016’s gardens include innovative ways to harvest and utilize rain water; ponds doubling up as water features; planting in furrows to slow water drainage etc. Perma-culture makes a resurgence in subsistence gardens.

 

Trend 8: Garden with a purpose

Margaret Roberts, our local herb guru lists the following herbs as ‘hot’ for 2016:

1. Stevia – a natural sugar alternative, easily grown in the garden
2. Moringa – a wonder plant with a multitude of uses, just google and see …
3. Ginger Rosemary – hardy plant with ginger’s multiple uses
4. Tea Tree – a natural ‘antiseptic’ to treat wounds and much more
5. Fruit Salad plant – a summer favourite, healthy & delicious

 

Trend 9: Out with the new …. ‘Nostalgia’ is back

Old favourites & plant classics are in demand. Foxgloves, begonia’s, gardenias, geraniums and perfumed roses cannot be resisted. ‘Old’ is good – and extends into edibles with emphasis on heirloom and open pollinated, non GMO varieties.

 

Trend 10: Last but not least:  It starts with the soil…

Living, healthy soil is what gardeners strive for. Organic rich soils encourage microbial activity which makes the soil a happier, healthier place.

Healthy soil = healthy roots = healthy plants

 

Happy gardening!