Each year, industries try to predict what will be the new trends for the upcoming year. After a year of uncertainty and the unexpected occuring, this year's trends are a reflection of how oue world has changed.
PANTONE
For 2021, Pantone has announced that its color of the year is actually two! PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating are the two independent colors that Pantone has announced to be the colors of 2021, a combination that will "Highlight how different elements come together to support one another...It is a story of color that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and friendly." [pantone.com]
NATIONAL GARDEN ASSOCIATION
Each year the National Garden association choose an annual, perennial, bulb, edible and flowering shrub to be the plants of the year. This year they have chosen:
- Year of the Hyacinth (Bullb)
- Year of the Sunflower (Annual)
- Year of the Garden Bean (Edible)
- Year of the Monarda (Perennial)
- Year of the Hardy Hibiscus (Flowering Shrub)
These are all great plants and could be fun to try in your garden this year if you haven't already planted them,. Monarda is a favorite of ours, as it is also called Bee Balm. Everyone knows helping out pollinators is a must, so try a variety of Monarda in your garden if you can this year!
COVID-19
COVID-19 changed our ways of life in 2020, and come of these changes will be here to stay. Here are some of these trends that will carry-over into 2021:
Growing your own vegetables and food, or edible gardening, has been growing in popularity for many years, but with the pandemic impacting supply chains, people wanting to avoid crowds and stores running out of inventory, growing as much food at home as possible will continue to be popular in 2021.
The way you shop has also changed and may be here to stay. Online ordering and ordering ahead for delivery or curbside pick-up will continue to be popular and available in most retail experiences.
As we all spend more time at home, crating an outdoor living space will continue to be a trend. Whether it's an area to relax and escape, or even an outdoor work area, outdoor living is here to stay.
Finally, getting kids involved in gardening is a trend that wil be here to stay. While last spring gardening may have been a way to teach them a little science while they were home from school, and a way to keep them busy, having their help with weeding and watering will help free up your time while creating a bonding experience between you and your little ones.
No matter how you find yourself gardening this year, just be sure to get out there and garden!