Everyone is trying to be greener in 2012 and that includes incorporating more green in their lives through gardening. The trends of gardening this year incorporate more creativity and personality and prove that you can add some green to your life no matter how small your living space may be. Read on to learn more about top gardening trends in 2012.
Small Space Landscaping
More and more people are finding ways to incorporate gardening into their lives no matter how small their living space may be. Roof tops, balconies, and even window sills are flourishing around the country with beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Companies like Ball Horticultural Company are making these mini gardens even easier to create by producing dwarf series of some of our favorite plants including butterfly bushes, hydrangeas, and ninebarks. Join millions of other American this year in creating some green space in your living quarters, no matter how small it may be.
Grow Vertically
Another gardening trend in 2012 is adding some vertical growing elements to your garden. Adding more trellises, wall gardens and climbing plants not only adds height to your garden but also helps maximize smaller spaces as well. Even some fruit trees are being stretched to taller and skinnier forms. Urban Columnar Apple Series grow about 8 to 10 feet tall and are less than 2 feet wide. These columnar apple trees give you the benefits of an apple orchard in a space as small as your back patio and serve as an excellent focal point for the rest of your landscape.
Outdoor Fire Pits
Traditional fireplaces are moving outdoors in 2012 as people choose to incorporate fire pits into their gardens and outdoor space. The popularity of fire pits is expected to continue moving into the new year as people are finding more and more ways to enjoy the outdoor space they have created. Fire pits are usually less expensive than fireplaces and serve as a perfect setting for spending time with friends and family.
Vintage and Rustic Containers
Gardens are taking on more rustic and vintage looks for their containers and furniture in 2012. Encrustations, patinas, and crackled finishes produce more muted and earthy tones which contrast very nicely with the vibrant colors of foliage you plant around them. Place these pieces as the focal points of your garden and really incorporate some personality into your outdoor space.
Creative Vegetable Gardens
Home grown produce has become very popular over the last few years and people are finding more creative ways to incorporate vegetables into their gardens. Raised beds are taking on more style by being built out of galvanized steel or other rustic metals. Vegetables no longer need to be grown in straight rows but are instead sporting creative curves. Some gardeners are even planting perennials next to their sage and basil for another creative and beautiful look. Take your landscaping skills to new heights by incorporating your own personal style when planting the produce in your garden.
- Watering Sweatpea Seedlings by Petra Louise from Fotolia.com
