Cooperative Living June 2020 - 33

GreenThumb | Story courtesy of Brandpoint
57% of young
New Survey Digs into
Gardening Trends
Homes for birds, bees and butterflies are
popular with today's gardeners
f you look back to the 1920s, you see a trend that's on the
rise again - a yearning for going back to nature, celebrating
a lush, green and bird-friendly environment. Those gardens
overflowed with all sorts of greenery, fishponds, birdbaths
and bird feeders.
Today's interest in sustainable gardens offering a home
for pollinators is not too different from the desire for bird
watching and natural gardening of 100 years ago.
A new survey by the National Garden Bureau, which is
observing its 100th anniversary, found fascinating trends
among today's gardeners, both expert and novice, which
might inspire ideas for your own gardens.
GROW TO EAT
More than half (57%) of those age 35 and under said they
use their green space to grow their own food. That interest was
echoed by respondents over 35, with 65% saying they planned
to turn at least part of their future gardens into more of a food
source. Many expressed interest in growing their own herbs in
their kitchens, with more than 65% of those 35 and under
sharing plans to grow herbs indoors in the future.
New to growing veggies, fruits or herbs? Consider starting
seeds in your kitchen or creating a small raised garden bed
outdoors. Research what grows best in your region and the
most ideal time for planting. Start small with just one or two
types of plants, so you don't feel overwhelmed. And grow
something you know you'll love to eat.
I
to be planted with trees, shrubs, flowers, fruits, herbs and
vegetables. And more than 60% of gardeners of all ages want
to grow pollinator-friendly plants and flowers.
What does that mean for gardens of the future? They'll
likely offer more variety, from the ornamental to the edible.
Look at your yard and decide how much of it you want to
dedicate to your garden and containers, or perhaps what
other types of plants you could grow instead.
VICTORY GARDEN 2.0
When the " Victory Garden Manual " was first written in
1943, reasons to grow your own vegetables were obvious;
it was wartime and food was scarce. Statistics indicate that
in 1943, nearly 40% of all fruits and vegetables grown in the
U.S. were grown in home and community victory gardens.
As National Garden Bureau celebrates its 100th
anniversary, it seems timely to reintroduce the concept of
victory gardening with quick and easy steps to plan and grow
your own vegetable garden. Before digging in, it might be
helpful to create a list of vegetables that your family enjoys.
From there, plan your garden space and determine if you'll
be planting in the ground, raised beds, containers or a
combination. Don't forget to add pollinator-friendly flowers
to ensure vegetables are properly pollinated.
FUTURE GARDENERS
Young people are somewhat less likely to be active
Old-fashioned gardening is taking a modern turn.
MIXED-USE GARDENS
Gardens past and present have served multiple purposes.
More than 67% of respondents 35 and under said while they
want some green lawn, they also want the rest of their yard
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gardeners. Lack of time and space are the biggest hurdles
to gardening. But many younger gardener wannabes hope
to graduate from growing houseplants and succulents indoors
to becoming gardeners in the future: 53% said they hoped to
grow houseplants, with 58% planning to graduate to flowers,
and more than 65% planning to grow fruits and vegetables.
If you're thinking of taking the gardening plunge for the
first time, or expanding your gardening efforts, talk to family
and neighbors who have successful gardens for their advice. ■
For more information, tips, blogs and lots of inspiring
gardening ideas, visit ngb.org.
June 2020 | Cooperative Living | 31
gardeners grow
their own
food
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF SEMINIS HOME GARDEN
http://www.ngb.org http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living June 2020

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