Top 20 New Gardening Trends of 2021
By Chris Edmunds
The gardening trend reports are in. Here’s what to watch for and try in your garden in 2021.
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The popularity of houseplants and gardening skyrocketed around the world in 2020, and it’s set to keep growing in 2021. Here are 20 of the top new gardening trends to watch for in 2021!
1. Even more food gardening. Many people realized homegrown food tastes amazing, and it’s not too complicated, so lots of people will be expanding their veggie, herb, and fruit gardens in 2021.
2. Extending your living space into the outdoors. With people spending more and more time at home and transitioning to working from home, turning your outdoor space into an extension of your home is a growing trend.
3. More demanding and rare houseplants. Houseplants became the trending accessory of the year in 2020. As new houseplant parents gain more experience, they’re on the hunt for more unique, higher maintenance, and more rare houseplants to add to their collection.
Balcony gardens are sprouting up everywhere.
4. Sustainable gardening practices are growing in popularity as people realize that gardening in an eco-friendly way is good for the planet and you.
5. Color-themed gardens are popping up everywhere in 2021. Monochromatic gardens that feature a range of plants in all white or all yellow are especially trendy.
6. More houseplants in general. Taking care of houseplants is not only fun, but it’s also good for your health, and people are on the lookout for more green friends to add to their home.
7. Neutral colors in garden decor. We’re seeing lots of garden decor this year featuring classic neutral colors that make your plants’ beauty pop against the subtle backdrop.
8. Minimalist luxury and Belgian-style patio design. Classic patio furniture designs that are highly refined and sophisticated are a trend that’s spreading around the world from Belgium.
9. Romantic cottage garden style is seeing a renaissance as people have started to embrace more native perennials and less rigid garden designs.
10. Planting for birds, pollinators, and local wildlife is gaining popularity, not just because it’s good for the critters but also because it tends to feature low-maintenance native perennials.
11. Balcony gardens are sprouting up everywhere as people who don’t have backyards find ways to embrace the gardening and plant obsession.
12. Gardening in tiny spaces, wherever you can! Whether it’s a windowsill or on your kitchen table with a few well-placed grow lights or a complex vertical hydroponic system, people are growing wherever they can possibly make it happen.
13. Xeriscaping is a way to cut the time and amount of water needed in half, by choosing plants that are very drought tolerant or native to your area. Xeriscapes have been popular in the western US but gardeners all over are realizing the benefit of only needing to rely on the water nature provides.
14. Garden influencers are growing on social media as new gardeners look for more information and inspiration or simply seek a place to show off their “plant babies.”
15. People are letting go of the lawn. There are some places where lawn grows quite happily and isn’t too much maintenance. But for most areas, it’s a lot of work to maintain, and it doesn’t have much environmental benefit, so many people are trading it out for lower maintenance, eco-friendly options.
16. Mini plants for small spaces are being developed surprisingly fast. There are some compact and cute tomato varieties out there that you could grow in a pot on your patio or balcony! They produce surprisingly well, and the fruit is remarkably tasty.
17. Creating a backyard oasis. With fewer travel options available, people are realizing that you can create a pretty fantastic backyard garden that feels like a vacation retreat. (Or close enough!)
18. Container gardening is heating up. It’s not just the stylish garden containers that make your outdoor space attractive; it’s also much easier to tend to plants on your patio in containers. There’s also usually less weeding involved, which appeals to beginner and mature gardeners alike.
19. Raised garden beds are still on the rise. Even seasoned gardeners who’ve always gardened at ground level are starting to add raised beds to their gardens. It’s so much easier on your body to garden in raised beds than to get down on the ground.
20. Vertical gardeningis rising in popularity, and not just for balcony gardens. There’s something beautiful and calming about having a wall of lush greenery to enjoy.
Ready to get started on some of these awesome ideas? Stop by one of our Kaw Valley locations and pick up all the plants you need to transform your garden!
Need some advice on how to start a beautiful garden? Sign up for our email newsletter, and receive free gardening articles, resources, and container designs to your inbox.