Whether you are just starting a garden for the first time in 2014, or have been gardening for years, it will be no surprise to find out that the amount of money we spend on our gardens ranks #3, just behind Christmas (#1) and Weight Loss (#2). $58 Billion is spent annually on gardening, according to the Garden Media Group 2014 trend report. www.gardenmediagroup.com
Deb Wiley, who writes nationally for garden publications, outlined the top garden trends for 2014 at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden “Learn on Saturdays” program. Some are worth bringing to your attention. These are the top 3 garden trends for the year:
- Food is Pretty- Growing edible plants in garden beds is a trend that is skyrocketing. Food gardeners now spend more money annually than flower gardeners. 33% more people will be growing some of their own food in 2014.
- Hyper-local Sourcing and Organic Gardening- Sustainable practices, such as composting and water conservation, are on the rise. The number of organic farms is increasing by 9% each year. The National Restaurant Association reports a big increase in the number of restaurants who hyper-local source or offer farm-to-table menu items.
- Mindful Living in the Garden- The Huffington Post designated 2014 as the “Year of Mindful Living”. We are all trying to find our bliss and our balance in life. This includes creating our own garden spaces as places to reflect, recharge, rejuvenate, to entertain those we care for, and that bring us happiness.
Here’s to happy gardening in 2014!