A plant lover, Amos Ndungu, with hydroponic grass (right). PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH
What you need to know:
Improved indoor gardening technology, growing demand for clean, healthy food will push this trend in 2017 as people utilise every available space.
A study that has compiled gardening trends over the last 10 years predicts that people will be looking to grow flowers and edible plants both indoors and outdoors as they push for health and wellness in their daily lives this year.
Clean and healthy living is set to inspire the type of plant people grow in their gardens, terraces and even indoors according to “Grow 365”, a report by Garden Media Report. The need for clean eating, water, air, medicine and environments will inspire how people will garden and buy plants and products.
Increasingly, the study says there will be a growth in the number of those who garden and this is set to inspire the “millenials” into horticulture related careers.
Due to harsh environmental and weather conditions people will continue to embrace innovations that help to control the conditions under which plants are grown and innovations like hydroponic have made gardening easier, affordable and convenient.
Under light
As the innovative look for ways to grow their own food out of necessity for clean eating, many and especially those residing in the city will grow plants indoors.
The demand for organic foods will push this trend in 2017 as every available space around the house and garden is utilised.
“Indoor gardening growing under lights in soil, hydroponically or aquaponically is becoming mainstream and destigmatised. From growing arugula to bok choy, clean fresh food will be available to plant, pick and plate every season,” the report said.
“From herbal tea gardens on the window sill and healing herbs under lights to vitamin-packed microgreens on the kitchen counter, medicinal gardens are blooming indoors.”
Growing plants indoors will see people embrace stylish systems and pots to keep the space looking attractive.
Plant pots can be customised according to colour preference to resonate with the indoor space. Stylish and affordable hydroponic gardening systems are also on sale.
Young crop
Latest innovations and smart technology will attract a young crop as these options offer endless possibilities in gardening. There will be more drives towards planting of trees in the garden to promote “soundscaping”.
Growing trees in a compound is said to change every day sounds from adding “bird songs to buffering sirens”.
“The loss of trees changes the soundscape and decreases our quality of life, increases stress levels, affects our mental health and diminishes our ability to focus,” said the report.
Trees provide shape and minimise the harmful effect if UV rays on skin. Shade trees are as important as a hat or sunglasses to protect skin from the damaging UV rays, according to The American Cancer Society.
Gardening trends will also see organisations embrace indoor plants for their offices to create healthier and happier workers and in creating a conducive environment in a bid to increase productivity, lower healthcare costs and absenteeism and turnover.
Pruned, sharpened
De-cluttering the garden will be part of the trend this year, as plants are pruned and sharpened, with designated spaces for them.
“Grow plants in large containers instead of many small ones. Maximise small spaces by growing multiple plants in the same container.”
“Easy-to-grow, low-maintenance container berry plants like BrazelBerries make growing fresh fruit simple –and tidy. These compact blueberry shrubs are neater than larger, leggy berry bushes.”
Embracing healthy living will also involve eliminating synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides in gardening practice.
Organic will continue to be a fad as more people embrace healthy living. More people will control pest naturally by for instance using bats or birds to keep mosquitoes away. Installing an aviary will keep birds around the garden to ensure that insects are kept at bay.
Plants like basil, chives, lavender, mint, rosemary, sage, lemon balm and thyme re good for keeping mosquitoes away.
Subscribing to gardening services that teach people about the latest trends, products and tools will catch on as more gardeners scout for fresh ideas and to engage more in gardening.
Plants Galore, a local gardening firm, offer courses designed to equip people with the latest information regarding the practice to help them stay ahead of trends and technology.
Using metallic ornaments, decorative lighting and furniture to spruce up the outdoor space will also be a trend to watch this year.
