Garden Media Group’s 2018 Trends Report

In today’s world, it is almost impossible to escape the realities of social media, instant news, 24/7 connectivity and the mental exhaustion that follows.

The rising trend of wellness isn’t just about keeping the body healthy anymore; it’s about keeping the mind and spirit healthy, too.

In Garden Media Group’s 17th annual Garden Trends Report for 2018, “Nature’s Rx for Mental Wellness,” nature is the best medicine.

The 2018 report introduces seven industry trends that inspire a cleaner, more relaxed state of mind. It shows that when we disconnect from screens and reconnect with Mother Nature, we can make steps toward rebuilding mental wellness.

“We all know gardening works wonders for our physical health,” says Katie Dubow, creative director of Garden Media Group. “In our 2018 Garden Trends report, we’re looking at new ways people are transforming their spaces, indoors and out, to further improve their mental well-being.”

The report highlights new ideas, styles and colors to help clear the mind and step away from the infinite connectivity that is wearing people out.

The 2018 Garden Trends Report encourages confidence in Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese concept of being perfectly imperfect. It dives deeper into the role of climate change in the garden, also showing how plants form their own social networks to cope with challenging conditions.

Gardening is again shifting to reflect global changes. The 2018 Garden Trends Report closely examines how these changes affect gardeners.

Here’s a snapshot of the 2018 Garden Trends report: “Nature’s Rx for Mental Wellness.” The complete report is available for free download here: http://grow.gardenmediagroup.com/2018-garden-trends

Climate-Controlled

Gardeners can no longer rely on historical data to predict the climate in their own backyards. To adjust to these unpredictable times, Garden Media Group has outlined four climate-controlled garden types. From wind-resistant gardens and desert gardens to rain gardens and freeze-proof gardens, each collection is designed to guide garden centers and gardeners toward successful choices for their climates. Plants that stand up to hot, dry conditions are essential for desert gardens.

Climate change can be tough on trees in all areas, especially urban settings, according to The Davey Institute. Tree care needs to be addressed or those valuable benefits could be lost forever, which is why many homeowners need to consider their trees as part of their gardens.

Social Network

Just as people utilize the benefits of networking, plants in gardens benefit from networking among themselves. It’s time to shift the idea that plants are individuals to thinking of them as a community.

Choosing plants that work in harmony allows management of the garden instead of maintenance of each plant, which makes gardening less stressful. Plant communities, once established, are enjoyed more and require less maintenance and work.

Imperfect Gardening

The ancient Japanese practice of Wabi-Sabi is catching on as a more laidback way of living. Wabi-Sabi is an appreciation of the imperfections in life and the ability to age gracefully. Applying that perfectly imperfect attitude to the garden encourages an imitation of nature in a way that allows people to relax and appreciate what were traditionally thought of as unkempt designs and plants. The garden doesn’t have to be perfect all of the time, and that mindset will allow people to enjoy it more.

Choose plants that look good, are easy to manage and provide food for pollinators. Allow natural beauty to shine in imperfectly designed, lawns and gardens, and a peaceful, relaxed mindset will follow.

Breathing Room

Most people spend the bulk of their lives indoors, so the focus needs to shift toward ways of creating clean air inside our indoor spaces.

Encourage customers to designate places at home to meditate, unplug and relax while surrounded by hard-working houseplants.

Make a Splash

More public gardens are receiving overwhelmingly positive responses to reflective pools and fountains, encouraging signs that water gardening is experiencing a resurgence.

Preparing the garden to embrace storms and excess rainfall will not only help save water via rainscaping, but also help to control storm water runoff. The growing trend of filtering water with plants helps with healthy water management, while still keeping beauty in the garden.

Grow Your Own Protein

There is a new consumer in town: the flexitarian. Flexitarians are eating more plants and eating meat less often. Growing clean, sustainable, protein-rich foods at home is providing more control to the consumer. Keeping a balanced diet starts with feeding plants the right nutrients.

Purple Reign

Purple is the color of 2018, mirroring Pantone’s 2018 palette “Verdure.” Purple goes beyond the vibrant color and often indicates nutrient density and antioxidants in food. Grow purple at home by incorporating colorful plants indoors and out. Purple foods promote mental focus, which is the first step in achieving mental wellness.

Garden Media Group ignites buzz for clients, offers innovative public relations campaigns and secures media placements and partnerships. The boutique PR and marketing firm is known for its work in the home, garden, horticulture, outdoor living, and lawn and landscape industries. The annual Garden Trends Report is one of the most published garden studies in trade and consumer news.

Read the full report here: http://grow.gardenmediagroup.com/2018-garden-trends