Gardening Trends for 2010

Each year Garden Media Group, a public relations and marketing firm for the gardening industry, forecasts gardening trends for the coming year based on consumer spending habits from the previous year. According to this year's trends, America is seeing green. Most gardeners already have a sense of coming trends, because they are the consumers doing the spending. Nevertheless, here are Garden Media Group's seven new predictions for the 2010 gardening season.

1. Main Street Is In (Wall Street Is Out)

According to Susan McCoy, president of Garden Media Group, in 2010 we are going to see the return of Main Street American values. There's been a shift of priorities between balancing practicality with comfort and fulfillment. It seems that most people, including gardeners, are taking a hard look at what is important in life. "Core values of responsibility, meaningful relationships and connectivity to neighbors and communities are surging," says McCoy.

2. Edible Gardens Are In (Lawns Are Out)

If you've been looking to grow your own groceries, you're in good company. According to the National Gardening Association, 2009 saw a 19% increase in edible gardens-including space-squeezed gardeners transforming their front yards into vegetable gardens. The great American "de-lawning" has officially begun.

3. Slow Gardening Is In (Instant Gratification Is Out)

The simple life is making a comeback. People are doing more cooking and gardening-even raising chickens. Due to increased demand for organic, locally grown food and increased energy efficiency, community-supported agriculture programs (CSAs) and produce exchanges are popping up throughout urban and suburban communities. According to LOHAS-Lifestyle of Heath and Sustainability, seed sales are up by 30-50% and canning and preserving food has increased by as much as 45%.

4. Mindful Is In (Bling Is Out)

Included in the return to more traditional American values is increased volunteerism and a shift from a "me" to "we" mentality. Most gardeners are demanding "green" products and technologies that are long-lasting and save time and money. People are looking for value, price, and performance in products designed with sustainability in mind.

5. Eco-boosting Is In (Chemical Dependent Gardens Are Out)

Gardeners are demanding more products that work with nature, not against it-and the industry is responding. This year gardeners will see more organic and earth-friendly products that are safe for people, pets, plants, and the environment.

6. Multi-tasking Is In (Single-Purpose Gardening Is Out)

Rain barrels and rain gardens continue to be popular as gardeners seek ways be good stewards by reusing rainwater and reducing run-off. Urban roofs are being transformed into green spaces that not only absorb rainwater and filter air pollutants, but also grow food and create habitat for wildlife. More people are using houseplants for decorating indoor environments and cleaning and purifying the air.

7. Perennials And Shrubs Are In (Divas Are Out)

It's all about the balance of nature. Gardeners are favoring sustainable landscapes, water conservation, and perennial plants that have high-impact but require minimal maintenance. Native plants that attract pollinators and birds are catching on, as are small edible shrubs that produce fruit and berries, while still looking great in the garden.