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Garden Media Group’s“Mega Trends to

Garden Trends”Susan McCoy

© 2008 Garden Media Group

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Industry Snapshot’07 Floriculture wholesale report

Total industry sales increased +1.7%

Bedding/Garden segment decreased 3.7%    

Potted vegetables increased +9.5%

Potted flowering plants increased +6.3% Poinsettias +5.8% Orchids increased +4.5%, Gerbera +2.3%  

Foliage increase +19.3%

THE 2007 U.S. FLORICULTURE PRODUCTION PIE$3.563 BILLION IN SALES*

(FINISHED PRODUCTION ONLY - WHOLESALE VALUE)

Pots18.5%

Foliage17.7%

Bedding/Garden49.5%

Cut Greens2.6%

Cuts11.7%

USDA/NASS,

Agricultural Statistics

Board;Floriculture Crops - 2007 Summary

*Includes finished floriculture production

(wholesale value) only for firms with $100,000 or more in wholesale ("farm

gate") sales in 15 states.

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Industry Snapshot 2007 National Gardening Survey

Retail sales up 3 % to $35.102 billion, Lawn Care (+25%), Vegetable gardening (+22%), Ornamental gardening (13%), Herb gardening (52%).

Average household spending: $428 – up 7%

3 million fewer households than the five-year average of 85 million

Lawn care 48% (same) still the most popular lawn and garden activity

Followed by Indoor Gardening - 31% (35%) Flower gardening - 30% (33%) Landscaping - 27% (30%).

Do-it-yourself Home & Garden Survey

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GWA Late June 2008

Organic gardening Though less than a majority

30% high interest 15% very high interest

Public interest in organic gardening has grown from an estimated single digits a decade ago to almost half of all households, today.

Sustainable gardening - Still a relatively new concept that may

suffer from a lack of uniform definition and public understanding

Sustainable gardening has gained the attention of almost 2 out of every 5 households

27% high interest and 11% very high interest

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GWA Late June 2008: Retail

This year, approximately 2 out of 5 consumers purchased most of their spring garden plants from Mass merchandisers/do-it-

yourself stores - 42% Garden centers/local

gardening stores - 39%

These results represent a shift from the consumer response last February indicating their pre-season plan was to purchase most of their spring plants at Garden centers or local retail

stores - 46% Mass merchants - 44%

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GWA Late June 2008: Spending?

The majority of consumers (69%) are planning to spend less than $500 on their yards and gardens this year,

18% are planning to spend between $500 and $1,500.

Another 8% are planning to spend more than $1,500

On average, consumers are planning to spend about $771 making improvements and doing maintenance.

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What’s In What’s Outfor 2009

11 Garden Trends to Watch

© 2009 Garden Media Group

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Top 11 Garden Trends for 2009

11. Bubbling10. Worldly 9. Global Colors 8. Quick & Simple7. Info Lust6. Outside In 5. Water In Water Out4. Locavore3. Blended Gardens2. GIY

1. Eco-Boosting

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1. Eco-Boosting: Drivenby the Greater Good Generation

A by product of the on-line revolution – we all feel an invisible sense of connection with the world

See ourselves as “instrumental parts” of a much greater picture

Feel “personally responsible to understand and engage with the whole”

Faith Popcorn calls this trend Save Our Society

We are much more ecologically aware and have a desire to build up society

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1. Eco Shift: Social Movement

We are in an emerging “planetary culture” where we are realizing that we are all in this together. One planet, one people. The green movement is emerging as a significant social movement.

It’s a healthy consciousness that is bringing us back to the earth to be restored.

Bill DoeckelBall InnovationsReporting from the recent LOHAS symposium,

58% want to go “beyond sustainable”

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1. Eco-Ego: Shift From Eco-Ugly to Eco-Chic

ECO-UGLY - over-priced, low-performance, unsavory yet eco-friendly versions of the ‘real thing’

To ECO-CHIC eco-friendly stuff that actually looks as nice and cool as the less sustainable originals

There has been a “status shift” with consumers eager to flaunt their green lifestyles -- ECO-ICONIC

Source: Trendwatching

Terrain at Styer’s Spa Center

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Consumers want to telegraph their “green” credentials: hybrid cars and canvas shopping bags.

Eco-lifestyle satisfies consumers’ need for eco-status.

Look for Eco-icons: bold designs helping owners “show-off” their eco-credentials.

1. Eco-Ego: Eco-Iconic

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1. Eco-Iconic: Gardens Growing Anywhere

Green building is the fastest-growing trend to hit since the Internet.

From pergolas in gardens to green walls in urban decks, plants are going vertical, horizontal, and everywhere in between.

Green roofs and walls add to the ECO-ICONIC landscape.

Green roofs and walls will increasingly appeal to households, too.

San Francisco wants to be the greenest city in the US. The city’s Civic Center is being turned into a sustainable resource district -- San Francisco’s renewed green heart – with solar panels, wind turbines, and living roofs, reducing the city’s carbon footprint by 2,225 tons - the equivalent of 1,286 San Francisco households!

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1. Eco-Ego Stories People love a good story to tell

Provide buyers with a little knowledge about the niche eco-brand

Let consumers discover story details that make perfect conversation starters

Give them “bragging rights” - an eco-boast - to get a “status fix” from their peers

In 1774, during his second exploratory sea voyage to the South Pacific, Captain James Cook discovered Norfolk Island. He also discovered the Norfolk Island Pines, these stately 200’ giant conifers. They were prized for the desperately needed pine planks for ship building and flax for making sails. Norfolk Island

Pine Costa Farms

Bragging Rights!

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1. Next phase: Eco-Embedded

Anything that becomes truly embedded into daily life without us noticing or resisting

Or by default leaves no choice, no room for complacency

Think: Ban on plastic bags or gas guzzlers; LEEDS green buildings

The 4th R of Environmentalism

1. Reduce2. Reuse3. Recycle4. RegulationsPlastic Bag Ban

Source: Trendwatching

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1. Eco-Boosting: Maslow Must Have Been a Gardener

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1. Eco-Iconic Eco-boosting

Eco-Boosting is the new “neutral.”

Not enough to be just “carbon neutral.”

Move from ‘merely’ neutralizing eco-effects to actually boosting the environment by doing something extra

Companies move from offsetting their undesirable eco-effect to boosting the environment by doing something extra.

Takes sustainable to the next level.

Source: Trendwatching

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88% are more interested in the environment than they were just a year ago

63% would pay more for environmentally responsible products

We pick companies that are good for society -- 98% feel corporations are obligated to help preserve the environment

Consumers now expect forward-looking brands to do the eco-work for them

May 2007 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey

Vegetable Gardening is up 20%

to $1.4 Billion in 2007

1. Eco-Ego: Consumer Shift

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1. Eco-Ego Eco Boosting: Positive O2 Impact

For gardening, it’s not just about being green but also about being responsible

Being mindful of what goes into

our gardens

Keeping a focus on the local rather than the global

Being aware of the environmental and human impact of building a garden.

“Leave it as you found it.”

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1. Eco-Boosting: Greener than Green

Gardeners are more aware all the time of our role as naturalists and conservationists.

We're shopping locally,

We're looking for native plants that thrive in our own climate and conditions.

Forget about needy plants

If you must, grow them in a place where they're easy to care for.

Marty RossSyndicated Garden Writer

Bees love Conard-Pyle's 'Grand Bleu‘ Caryopteris

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Even more emphasis on environmental stewardship in the home garden

Recycled materials in the garden - bamboo, Adirondack chairs made from recycled plastic shopping bags, etc.

Gardening for wildlife

James A. Baggett, EditorNature’s Garden

Better Homes and Gardens

1. Eco-Boosting: Environmental Stewardship

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1. Gardening for Life:Gardening with Nature

Garden ‘drugs’ are Out!

Consumers want plants and products with no toxic pesticides that are harmful to wildlife, family, and pets

Gardeners respect the balance of nature and are nurturing the earth

Goes beyond “organic”

Things like earth worms and beneficial insects are important.

Composting and compost teas are in big time.

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1. Gardening ‘Au Natural’

As more people get into vegetable gardening,

there will be an upswing in the popularity of garden solutions for things like tomato hornworms, squash bugs, cucumber beetles, etc. ---

especially natural/organic solutions.

Justin HancockBHG.con

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1. Eco-Boosting: Feel Good Plants

”We’ve come to a point in time when gardeners want their landscapes to benefit their environment, not pose a potential threat to it.

People aren’t buying just for ornamental beauty. Must do something for the planet, not just for me.”

Steve Hutton

President, The Conard Pyle Co.Fragrant & yellow Sunny

Knock Out offers the same level of disease-

resistance as the original.

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1. Eco-Boosting: Perennials

Popularity increasing from the past decade

Favored more now with annuals, as container plants, for low maintenance, or for specific uses.

Trend reflects the desire to balance technology with nature, to seek calm, to find sustainability

“New Wave Perennial Gardening” Emphasizing tough, sturdy perennials planted in masses and chosen for hardiness and structure for that climate. Oudolf estimates he spends 1/3 less time tending these plants. Plants are self seeding and have a high survival rate.

Fran Sorin from Dutch garden designer

Pier Oudolf

Eryngium x 'Big Blue'Sea Holly

North Creek Nursery

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1. GWA Late June 2008: Natives

This was a relatively unknown topic only a few years ago

Today a majority of the gardening public say they want to know more about natives

52% are highly interested in native plants

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1. Gardening for Life: Wildlife Habitats

Plants with seeds, berries, nuts, sap and nectar offer food, shelter and nesting places.

Native plants provide birds with the foods they've been eating for thousands of years.

Get a list of the best plants for your state at www.nwf.org/backyard/food.cfm. www.abnativeplants.com.

David MizejewskiHost, Animal Planet's

"Backyard Habitat”

National Wildlife

Federation

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1. Eco-Boosting: Natives

Natives are good for the environment by creating biodiversity.

Hot market and not going away . . .

. . . especially with growing awareness of invasive species.  

Steve CastoraniNorth Creek Nursery

Vernonia lettermanii

‘Iron Butterfly’

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1. Gardening for Life:Wildlife Sanctuaries

Meadow gardening is coming back big time

Creating biodivisity

Bringing wildlife back

Is cost effective

Easy to maintain

& “Eco-Boosting”

Conard Pyle’sConard Pyle’sLittle Joe Pye Little Joe Pye WeedWeed

Veronica ‘s Tickle PinkVeronica ‘s Tickle Pink

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1. Redefining American Beauty, by the Yard

Great Delawning of America and believe it'll only increase in popularity, caused by water shortages and growing environmental concerns generally.

Susan HarrisGarden Rant

Fresno is considering lawn buybacks to conserve water.

Officials say residents use 325 million gallons a day, much of it to water lawns.

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1. Eco-Chelsea The 85th Chelsea Flower Show

Chelsea Goes Green

Patio heaters, a controversial staple of British life, have been banned from the garden displays and shops.

Several gardens will have living "green walls" for smaller urban spaces.

The waste from every stand will be photographed to create a baseline for measuring the environmental impact of future shows.

As reported on TreeHugger:

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1. Eco-Boosting: Agro-Housing

Multi-tasksing Buildings: Apartment tower Vertical greenhouse

Multi-level greenhouse for cultivating vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs

Drip-irrigation system, heating system and natural ventilation

50% of China's citizens will eventually live in its cities

The concept by Israeli Knafo Klimor Architects is a combination of housing

and urban agriculture.

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1. Eco-Boosting: Slow Sanctuaries

Gardening is all about nature, wildlife and

Slowing down

Finding solitude

Communing with nature

Exercising outdoors

Meditating

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1. Eco-Boosting: The Happiness Thing

Today’s consumer looking for brands that help them find and create happiness in themselves

Happinomics – after $50,000 in personal wealth, happiness comes from within.

Gardening is part of this ‘happiness trend’

Gardening = Relaxation & Peace

Tending a garden helps people achieve higher levels of happiness self gratification

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2. Grow It Yourself (GIY)

“Coming home” is the over-riding trend.

Doing it ALL for Me is Out – for most who just can’t afford this luxury.

Due to economic, environmental and geo-political concerns, Americans seek authenticity and simplicity.

Garden Design July August 08

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2. Grow It Yourself (GIY)

“I think we are going back to the 50’s decade…

we expect consumers to start growing food in their own gardens.”

Faith Popcorntrend analyst

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2. Grow It Yourself (GIY) GWA Late June 2008

Almost 1/2 of households - 43% - grow vegetables

The top reasons they do not grow vegetables:

No time (29%)

No interest (21%)

No space (20%)

Lack of knowledge (8%)

Not enough sunlight (6%).

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2. Grow It Yourself (GIY)

Recent National Gardening Association survey shows Lawn and garden activities up more than a billion dollars to $35 billion *

Garden Writers Association 2008 late spring survey

More than 1/3 of Americans are adding a vegetable garden

and 10% plan to add herb gardens

Young people are growing herbs and spices along with vegetables in their gardens.

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2. Grow it Yourself (GIY) 2007

Interest in growing fruit, vegetables and herbs has risen 21% since 2007*

Vegetable gardening has risen 22%* in 2007

Herb gardening has increased 39%: over 15 million households participated in 2007*

Strawberries are being used as ground covers

Seed sales reportedly have doubled this year over last year.

*NGA 2007 Survey

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2. GIY: Swapping & Sharing

CSA’s increasing and full

Community Garden waiting lists lengthening

Plant swaps on the rise

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2. Vertical Farming

It will take just 150 buildings to feed the entire city of New York per year.

Even better, these farms would be self-sustaining and LEED certified.

The cost would be around $20 million per building, but could feed over 50,000 people.

The benefits of Vertical Farming clearly outweigh the drawbacks:

Access to year-round fresh fruits and vegetables

Organically Grown: no herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers

More food using less landHeliumBalloon.blogspot.com

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2. GIY Slow Gardening

GIY is an off-shoot of slow food movement

People taking more time to enjoy life:

To grow plants from seeds or transplants

To grow herbs and veggies and actually harvest and cook them

To enjoy the bounty with friends and family – the ultimate luxury!

To reconnect with nature

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3. Blended Gardens

"Instead of mowing your lawn, you should eat it."

Eric Schlosser

FAST FOOD NATION

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3. Blended Gardens

Edible plants in ornamental

beds will be less of the strange

combination people perceive

it to be.

Steve AitkenManaging EditorFine Gardening

Garden Design June July 2008

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3. Blended Gardens: Edible Landscapes

Garden Centers report they can’t keep vegetables on the shelves.

Safe, wholesome consumers have control of the food chain

Cooking shows are hot

Edible landscaping is where

‘practical meets pretty.’

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3. Blended Gardens: Design for Life

Food prices continue to rise

Gas continues to go up

Will see more homeowners wanting to mix their “annual vegetables”

And small fruit trees with their perennials and shrubs

‘Pink Lemonade’ – the first pink blueberry

Briggs Nursery

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3. Blended Gardens: Fruit

Fruit-bearing shrubs like blueberries and gooseberries are showing up as ornamental shrubs – to feed both the birds and the homeowners

Demand for strawberries, raspberries and blackberries bushes is high

Fruit trees are selling out

Great way to landscape, eat, and have fun!

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3. Blended Gardens: Back to the Land

The focus is back to the land: the garden as outdoor living area is firmly rooted, now we want to add home-grown to the entertainment mix for family and friends.

Edible Estates (making the front lawn into an ornamental but productive space), to mixing lettuces and parsley with the roses and petunias.

We’re buying into the small local farm-CSA-farmer market lifestyle, and bringing it home.

Mini-veg, colorful veg (think Ros Creasy).... Chefs label ingredients with the source; we can do the same saying “I grew it myself.”

It’s hip, its cool, and its what gardens started out as!

Ethne ClarkeGarden Editor, Traditional Home

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3. GIY Color Influence

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“Locavore” was first introduced in 2005

The word spread like wildfire

New Oxford American Dictionary named locavore the word of the year for 2007

‘‘Lo-ca-vore’Lo-ca-vore’

4. Local is New Organic

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Consumers looking for local purveyors of anything – from jewelry to plants

Regional plant sourcing huge for consumer success

Clearly, the right plant from the right spot is on the consumer’s mind

Local is now your backyard

Educate, educate, educate

4. Local is New Organic

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4. Locavore

Increased emphasis on native American and prairie plants.

James A. Baggett, EditorNature’s Garden

Better Homes and Gardens

Natives are the new “local”.

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4. Local: Natives Rule

Natives should rule the garden.

“Nativar” – A cultivar and/or hybrid of a Native species.

Allan ArmitageBreeder and Author

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4. HYPERLOCAL

People cling to the local more fanatically than ever.

Millions of consumers find themselves in a very local world 49 weeks of the year.

Preference for things produced locally, ethically, and authentically attract eco-loyalty.

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5. Water is In and Out!

Wasting water is definitely “out!”

Promote better land stewardship & create a more positive image for plants, landscapes & your business.

Educate your community about drought resistant plants & water conservation

For tips & strategies, visit: anla.org/waterwise www.costafarms.com www.epa.gov/watersense

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5. Water is In

86% of Americans say they are conserving water to reduce their impact on the environment. *

13 million households participated in water gardening.

Rain gardens are popping up

Offer water saving products – timed sprinklers, soaker hoses, rain barrels, rain water tanks, water-efficient nozzles

*Cone Consumer 2008 Environmental Survey

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5. Water conservationGWA Late June 2008

Noticeably more Americans are planning to save water this year 70% in 2008 vs. 61% in 2007

Although Cone says 86% are conserving water, GWA reports 30% of households have no plans for water conservation

1 in 4 or around 24% plan to use more mulch to do the job, while about one out of seven are planning to use either drip irrigation or more drought tolerant plants.

81% have a high level of interest in conserving one of our most precious natural resources.

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5. Water: High Energy Gardens

And of course we are increasingly interested in the environment.

Waterwise planting and water recycling is fashionable but the intelligent use of water and low-energy gardens are the future.

We are already seeing thedemise of the patio heater;

Maybe we will see the demiseof the high-energy garden?

Fisher TomlinThe Garden Journal

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5. Water: Plants that Drink Responsibility

Desert Plants

Grasses

Prairie Plants

Mediterranean

Native

Garden Shrubs & Perennials

Succulents, cacti, yucca and ferns

Blue Maid holy

Twister Baby locust

Cacti Garden

Costa Farms

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5. Water

Water in the garden is an essential element

Fountains – water without the mess or maintenance

Add value

Plug & Play

I’m seeing lots of water features such as fountains- not

only in the garden but on tabletops, and sometimes

more than one in the garden. Adding a fountain to your

garden, even a small fountain, is a great investment.

Jon CarloftisGarden Designer

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6. Bringing Outside In is In

Homeowners are now extending nature’s influence by bringing the outdoors inside.

Indoor houseplants are in demand

Consumers concern for health benefits and indoor air quality

The USDA saw a 19.3% increase in Foliage sales in 2007

Red Sister Cordyline

Costa Farms

Peace Lily Costa Farms

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6. Outside In: At Home

NASA scientists recommend at leaset one indoor plant for every 100 sq. ft of living space

Indoor plants = healthy living

Seeing more:

•Inoor tropicals

•Live plants for the holidays

•Indoor herbs gardens

•Micro-greens

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6. Outside In: The Office

Peace lilies at the office.

Research shows plants in the personal space at the office:

Increase productivity

Reduces stress

Reduces headaches and dry skin

Cleans the air of up to 87% of the indoor air pollutants

Add humidity

Increases attendance

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Green roofs and walls appeal to households . . .

increases

6. Outside In: Living Walls

Manhattan living room

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6. Outside In: Greenbuildings

Plants are going vertical, horizontal, and everywhere in between.

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6. Outside In:Urban Vertical Farming

A cluster of 30-story towers on Governors Island that generate clean energy and purify wastewater.

Not too advanced, right? What if those buildings also produced fruit, vegetables, and grains?

The idea of "eating local" just got a lot more interesting.

Dickson Despommier, a professor of public health at Columbia University hopes to make these visions a reality. HeliumBalloon.blogspot.co

m

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6. Outside In: O2 for You: Plants with a Purpose

Public service launched “O2 For You - Plants with a Purpose”

This grass roots public service campaign educates about the dangers of indoor air pollution

Raises awareness about the health benefits of indoor plants:

Producing oxygen to removing VOCs and carbon dioxide

Purifying the air of indoor toxins

The Green Industry has a message to tell. Let’s tell it.

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7. Info Lust

Lack of knowledge is still the #2 reason people do not garden more

Gardener are getting their garden information from:

Friends Sharing knowledge Classes & workshops Local Garden Media Extension Agents Magazines & Books Internet Blogging

Tags are critical

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7. Info Lust: Sharing Knowledge

78% turn to neighbors and friends for gardening advice – A survey of 1,000 Minnesota gardeners published in the HortTechnology January–March, 2008

Publications containing color photos and illustrations were also highly valued.

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7. Info Lust

Wanna be gardeners are packing master gardening classes

People are traveling long distances for ‘how to’ instruction on gardening.

Hungry for inspiration

Hungry for information

Hungry for instruction

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7. Info Lust: Internet

1/3 expressed high interest in web-based gardening information

Blogs have a strong following among gardeners,

23% read blogs of all types

Of those, 27% read garden-related blogs

GWA June 2008

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8. Quick & Simple

We will see less over-the-top gardens, more sustainability, more organic, more recyclable pots.

“Quick” and “simple” continue to be great catchwords,

but the industry needs to follow through on those promises.

Steve AitkenManaging EditorFine Gardening

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8. Quick & Simple: Shrubs

Shrubs – Sustainable and less work.

Less maintenance – people are looking for more reward for the work they do. Lots of blooms and easy care.

People have less time. Less struggle and want more success with no special care.

Multi Tasking – provide beauty combined with food and shelter

The Queen of Quick & Simple

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8. Quick & Simple: Shrubs

Shrubs have strongest growth potential for long term success.

Plant the right shrub in the right spot, and it will live almost forever with little to no care –

low eco impact.

Allan ArmitageBreeder and Author Viburnum nudum

'Winterthur' Star Plants

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8. Quick & Simple: Containers

From extra large perennials to gigantic-sized

pots, bigger is better.

Doug JimersonGarden Editor-in-chief

Better Homes & Gardens

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8. Quick & Simple: Containers

Containers no longer a trend but a garden stable.

People gardening in smaller spaces – often only in a container.

Foliage gives boom without the bloom – all year.

Square is the new round

Succulents in CampaniaNyssa cast stone planter

Rose Iresine

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8. Quick & Simple: Perennial Containers

Seeing lots of containers with shrubs and perennials.

Seeing the one note containers with just one evergreen

Mini GardenCampania Medallion Planter

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8. Quick & Simple: Easier

Gone are the 3 note containers with the thriller, spiller and filler formula

Containers are more free form and fun.

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8. Quick & Simple: Sustainable Accessories

Move toward natural materials like cast stone and terracotta instead of plastics

  Also earth tones – naturals are

more organic, sophisticated

Peter Cilio

Campania

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8. Quick & Simple

Need good programs to reach the “new gardener” – young mothers, 25-35ColorEasyWatering/Care

Instructions

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8. Quick & Simple

Test program from Costa Farms

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9. Global Colors

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9. Global Color Forecast and Trend Inspirations

Awareness of Global Connectedness

and Environmental Responsibility

Drive Consumer Color Preferences

for 2009

Strong feelings about increasing cultural unity& personal commitments to a better environment are the inspiration for colors.

Expect consumers to choose bright, layered colors as opposed to the earthy, neutral tones of 2008

2009 edition of ColorForward™

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9. Color: Pantone Summer 2009

No one specific trend in color

Summer 2009 focuses on a state of mind

Colors celebrate the spirit of independence

Colors promote individuality

Largely influenced by sociological factors . . .

• Changing world • Emergence of new markets • People taking a proactive stance for the betterment of the world.

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9. Pop Art Color

Colors are bold, crazy, exaggerated and in your face, almost like pop art.

Reflecting a playful spirit in the face of world events

Donna DorianGarden Design Magazine

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9. Colors: Warming trend in colors

Metallics everywhere. Bronze, gold, silver, stainless steel

Acid Colors: purple haze, electric pink and acid yellow, far out green

Mixing it up with neutrals

Tan browns and nature inspired greens

Incorporate these color combinations into plants and products.

Patmos Bronze Planter Campania

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9. Color 1st

Color 1st , most important, in gardeners’ mind

And people get their color from flowers

Followed by foliage – more sophisticated look

Seeing lots of texture in the shade

Gene BussellGarden Editor

Southern Living

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9. Fashionable Return to Color

“Show garden designers have been leading us out of a decade of monochromatic grasses into much stronger colour combinations.”

Fisher Tomlin

From deep purples to rusty reds and ochre to sunny mixes of blues, yellows and oranges

Simple palettes to exuberant mixes

A spirited Mosaic of strong saturated hues intermingle cultures and express an openness to making new choices.

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9. Color: Chelsea goes green

Not just in the sense of recycling and reusing, but also in planting schemes.

Blue and purple flowers may have dominated Chelsea as of late, there has been a shift:

This year the Main Avenue was all shades of green.

Show designers made lush foliage a feature, with strong lines of hedges, tall palms and sculptured Buxus.

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9. Color Agents: Yellow in 08

Interior, leisure, travel and dress trends influence our use of color

Most important and fastest changes come from within the industry

Development and marketing of new plants and products influence colors

Garden designers and garden writers pick up trend from breeders and growers Bahama Bay®

Calibrachoa Cabaret Yellow

Sunny Knock Out®

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'Trocadero' HachmannBriggs Nursery

MICHAEL KORS SPRING ‘09

Sun Parasol® Crimsonmandevilla

Costa Farms

‘Carefree Spirit‘ Star Roses

‘Knock Out‘ Star Roses

Red Red Red 092009 AARS Winner

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10. Global Color: Focus on Foliage

We have moved away from vast tracts of grasses to an emphasis on trees and structural foliage to set off more varied plant structure.

Less wispy grasses, more foliage contrast.

Fisher Tomlin

Journal of Garden Design Caryopteris x 'Snow Fairy' Variegated Blue Mist Shrub

North Creek

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10. Worldly: Global Comes Local

Multicultural world ‘bazaar’ of colors, textures, sights & sounds.

From antique weathervanes, birdbaths and rakes, to watering cans full of artful flowers, folks are turning back the clock.

One-of-a-kind hand-carved artisan pieces are in demand,

Natural materials and designs are incorporated into the 21st century.

Found objects, like these 300 year old India doors, are popular at

terrain at Styer’s

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10. Worldly: Personal Space

As we travel more, we tend to bring more of our “memories” home.

Couple this with the current Asian influences “hot” with the approaching Beijing Olympics.

Creating a personal vacation spot at home - personal retreat or Zen garden. Sound of water but not a big expensive pond

Rich gem tones for color   Whimsical and Mythical pieces for

the garden - to have a little fun. 

www.CampaniaInternational.com

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10. Worldly Is In

Elements reveal the simple lines and zen-images associated

Asian influences evoke tranquility and serenity.

African, Indian, and mid-eastern and “ethnic” elements are seen in patterns, textures and colors.

Folk Art is In adding elements that hearken to a simpler time.

And modernist-free-forms reminiscent of the 60’s-70’s era.

Asian earthenware by CampaniaAsian earthenware by Campania

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11. Bubbling: Protecting Our Space

People are staying at home in their own bubble.

It’s different from cocooning.

They are very into their space.

Donna DorianGarden Design Magazine

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11. Bubbling: Fast Sanctuaries

Not like the cocooning after 9/11

People into their entire backyards – their personal living space -- sociable spaces, from outdoor kitchens to showers, offices to gyms

Staying home and enjoying entertaining, outdoor dining, relaxing, and playing

Looking for that 3rd place – the Starbucks Syndrome.

“No longer content with just outdoor kitchens,

homeowners will add entire great rooms outdoors this

year.” American Society of Landscape

Architects (2008)

99

11. Bubbling

One out of three (33%) say their primary reason for gardening is better mental health, nutrition or fitness.

30% garden to increase curb appeal and property value and create a better home environment.

*Garden Writers Association late spring survey-2008

100

11. Bubbling

People staying at home – they are investing in their homes.

Shrubs, perennials, natives - anything with lasting value.

Want to keep up with the Jones’ but with own style and personality

Still time strapped so looking for easy care, high value plants.

Gene BussellGarden EditorSouthern Living

101

11. Bubbling: Curb Appeal

People trying to sell their houses will likely regard good landscaping as a selling point along with fresh paint.

 And continued high gas prices

and the weak economy will prompt more people to stay at home rather than travel or shop, where they may find more time for their lawns and gardens.

Bart ZieglerWall Street Journal

102

This slow awakening is driving a new focus toward plants

and away from hardscaping.

103

And the buzz . . .

It’s All About the

Plants.

Plants are

the trend

&

the fashion.

104

In the end . . .

‘Flower in the crannied wall’Alfred, Lord Tennyson  

(1809–1892)  

FLOWER in the crannied wall,

I pluck you out of the crannies;

Hold you here, root and all, in my hand,

Little flower-but if I could understand

What you are, root and all, and all in all,

I should know what God and man is.

105

© 2008 Garden Media Group

To download & reprint the GMG 2008 Garden Trends Report

or view all Trend Reports, go to:GardenMediaGroup.com

& Please remember to give GMG credit.Susan@gardenmediagroup.com

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