Top 10 gardening trends for 2009

Americans craving authenticity and fretting over a bleak economy have reinvigorated the trend to “grow-it-yourself.” From blueberries to houseplants, GIY is the new mantra as folks turn “back to the future” to simplify their lives while gardening for the greener good.

“It’s a resurgence of gardening for the greater good — for the earth and our wallets,” says Susan McCoy, trend spotter and president of the Garden Media Group. “The most exciting movement seems to be that gardening is popular again, particularly among younger homeowners,” she said.

GMG’s gardening trends for 2009 reveal a resurgence in perennials, growing native plants, creating “blended” gardens using vegetables and herbs in flower beds, cultivating with best practices, planting to attract wildlife and going local.

“The urgent commitment to environmental sustainability and the basic desire to make our homes our havens is reflected in all gardening trends for 2009,” said McCoy.

What’s in: Eco-boosting
What’s out: Conspicuous consumption

One simple way to be an eco-booster is to create natural habitats for wildlife with native plants that attract birds, bees and butterflies. Look for eco-friendly plants like the line of native plants from American Beauties or the Knock-out family of roses that are drought and disease resistant and require little care or chemicals. Go organic with peat-free soil that supports sustainable practices and feeds plants from the soil up.

What’s in: Grow-it-yourself br /> What’s out: Having someone do it all for you

Tranquil moments may be few but the recent rise in gardening reconnects us with nature, family and friends as we share our bounty. With the increase in demand for year-round fresh fruits and vegetables, local farmers markets are seeing an upsurge in business, community gardens have waiting lists and plant swaps are on the rise.

What’s in: Blended gardens
What’s out: Segregated gardens

Plant mint and fragrant thyme varietals in between cracks of stone pathways and grow strawberries for a delightful edible groundcover around trees. Fruit-bearing shrubs and trees provide color, privacy and fruitful bounty mingling among veggies and perennials.

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