2019 Garden Trends: Finding joy in nature

Photos courtesy of Garden Media Group

The future for gardening looks joyful and holds a connection to Mother Nature that just may be the saving grace of the planet.

This bold prediction comes from Garden Media Group’s 2019 Garden Trends Report: Rooted Together – Reconnecting with the Natural World.

The 18th annual report dives deep into the intrinsic connection people have with nature and how banding together is the best defense to protect the earth.

The 2019 report introduces eight industry trends that garden centers and consumers alike can gain insights from for years to come. Today’s society is online 24/7, for pleasure and for work. The small breaks we can get from nature, indoors and out, has become an oasis for our mental and physical health.

“We are finding joy in nature to achieve peace and purpose,” says Katie Dubow, creative director at the trend-spotting firm. “Our 2019 Garden Trends report showcases trends in design, color and technology that will strengthen our relationship with Mother Nature.”

Garden centers can use these trends to attract new consumers. Knowing what trends are heading toward the garden industry may ensure your business is offering customers a new and exciting path to what they need to keep their garden, outdoor living and home a space they can be proud of.

Increasing our connection with nature allows us to build a healthier relationship with the ever growing technological world. The 2019 Garden Trends Report closely examines how this relationship with Mother Nature can provide grounding for consumers and businesses.

Here’s a snapshot of the 2019 Garden Trends: Rooted Together. The complete 2019 Garden Trends Report: Rooted Together is available for free download here: http://grow.gardenmediagroup.com/2019-garden-trends-report.

Indoor generation

Ninety percent of people spend nearly 22 hours a day inside without enough sunlight or fresh air. Children spend on average less than 1 hour per day outside. Since getting outdoors more often is not always an option, we can bring the outside in with houseplants. The connection to and nurturing of houseplants has created a whole new generation of plant parents. Millennials are finding out houseplants are more than just plants, they are collecting them, nurturing them and sharing photos of their “loves” on social media.

Screen age

In order to cultivate the next outdoor generation, it’s our duty to be aware of habits with screen time. It’s not a shock that we are addicted to technology. Turning off the blue lights, spending less time in front of the TV, putting down our phone and tuning into Mother Nature will make a world of difference.

Prune screen time and plant the seed of creativity in the garden. Get children excited about growing new foods in the garden.

Go a little wild

Garden writer Margaret Roach suggests we intervene less, relax and enjoy nature more. She also says to let a small part of the garden “go wild” to support insect life. Replace lawns with mini meadows and incorporate natives to create thriving pollinator communities.

Root to stem

With the amount of waste Americans make every year, it is no surprise that it’s time for a change. Brands are starting to take action to address this issue. And while great minds are trying to figure out the plastic pot problem, the industry has yet to solve it.

The problem of waste needs to be addressed at home as well. Composting will help reduce and reuse food waste and turn it into a sustainable mulch to help your plants grow.

Earth guardians

Representatives of Generation Z are stepping up to create a livable future through environmental movements. The Collegiate Plant Initiative connects students to nature by dropping plants on college campuses. The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge numbers doubled in 2018. A $1.9 million partnership with Microsoft and Future Farmers of America will reach more than 650,000 “new environmentalists” ages 12-21.

Silence of the insects

Flying insects, especially pollinators, are at risk of dying off due to the uninhabitable ecosystem that has formed over the last century.

Yet, we are seeing invasive pests thrive due to a lack of natural predators.

The best way to handle both phenomenons is to garden defensively. Certified arborists can help assess damage and plant for the changing climate of the future. By taking care of the garden you have and planting insect gardens you too can be part of the solution.

Moon struck

Our connection with the moon taps into our desire to tune in with nature. Gardeners are turning toward the moon for advice on the best time to plant, prune and harvest. The age old tradition states that the phases of the moon affect plant growth.

Moon gardens shine at night with flowers in shades of white, silver blue that will reflect the moonlight and glow. Plant insect-repelling plants and night blooming flowers to enjoy your garden at all hours.

Get minted

Mint is the color of 2019. People will be refreshed by the soft, neutral color which harmonizes science and technology with plant life and nature. It drives us away from ultra-feminine hues such as Millennial pink to more gender-neutral color.

Mint translates over to food with its ancient healing benefits, digestion aid and improving gut health. Plus it is a great pollinator plant.

Garden Media Group, celebrating 30 years, offers innovative public relations campaigns and secures media placements and partnerships. The boutique PR and marketing firm specializes in the home, garden, horticulture, outdoor living, and lawn and landscape industries.