As we approach 2025, gardening trends are reflecting deeper cultural shifts, blending aesthetics, sustainability, and technology. Here are the key themes for the upcoming year, inspired by the National Garden Bureau and the Garden Media Group: 1. "Nature's Renaissance" Movement This overarching theme emphasizes reconnecting with nature in urban and personal spaces. Cities are adopting green strategies like urban gardens to combat the climate crisis, while individuals are favoring designs that incorporate natural, "lived-in" aesthetics 2. Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse Pantone announced 2025's color of the year earlier this December. Mocha Mousse is a warm neutral tone, helping to create a feeling of comfort. 3. Emerging Trends Lived-In Gardens: Rustic and authentic spaces featuring upcycled materials and thriving, less-manicured...
With the holidays fast approaching, finding the perfect gift for the gardener in your life can be both exciting and challenging. Whether they’re a green-thumbed veteran or a budding enthusiast, there’s a wealth of options to bring joy to their gardening adventures. Here’s a curated list of thoughtful and practical Christmas gifts that will keep their garden blooming all year long. 1. High-Quality Gardening Tools Investing in durable gardening tools is always appreciated. Look for ergonomic hand tools, like pruners, trowels, and weeders, made of stainless steel or carbon steel. For an extra special touch, consider a personalized toolset with engraved handles. 2. English Garden Basket For gardeners who enjoy cultivating plants year-round, an English garden basket is a fantastic gift. This...
Mid to late summer often brings a surge of weeds that can quickly overtake your carefully tended garden. Identifying and managing these weeds is crucial to maintaining a healthy and productive garden. Here are some common culprits to watch out for: 1. Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) Crabgrass is an annual weed that thrives in the warm, sunny days of summer. It germinates in spring but becomes more noticeable as it matures in mid to late summer. Its wide, blue-green blades and sprawling growth habit can quickly smother your lawn and garden beds. Hand-pulling before it seeds and applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring can help manage this persistent invader. 2. Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) (pictured) Bindweed is a perennial vine that...
Roses, with their enchanting beauty and delightful fragrance, have captivated gardeners for centuries. For those in the Midwest, growing these elegant blooms can be particularly rewarding, given the region's unique climate and soil conditions. While the task might seem daunting to some, with a bit of knowledge and careful planning, anyone can nurture a thriving rose garden. Choosing the Right Roses Climate Considerations: The Midwest experiences a wide range of temperatures, from hot, humid summers to harsh, cold winters. It's crucial to choose rose varieties that can withstand these conditions. Hardy varieties, such as the Rugosa, Explorer, and Buck roses, are excellent choices for the region. Disease Resistance: Roses can be prone to diseases like black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. Selecting...
Gardening in the Midwest presents unique challenges and opportunities. The region's climate, with its hot summers, cold winters, and varying precipitation, requires careful selection and management of plants to ensure a beautiful and thriving perennial garden. Here are some tips to help you create and maintain a perennial garden that will flourish in the Midwest. 1. Choose the Right Perennials Native Plants Opting for native plants can be highly beneficial. They are adapted to the local climate and soil, require less maintenance, and support local wildlife. Some excellent native perennials for the Midwest include: Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Known for its striking purple petals and resilience. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Bright yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to fall....
