Top 2023 gardening trends spark green inspiration

by Ellen Thompson
Posted 1/12/23

If the prospect of a frigid February and arctic March makes you daydream about sunny days tending your garden, then the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has compiled a list to prepare you for the spring ahead.

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Top 2023 gardening trends spark green inspiration

Posted

If the prospect of a frigid February and arctic March makes you daydream about sunny days tending your garden, then the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has compiled a list to prepare you for the spring ahead.

The organization that produces the renowned Philadelphia Flower Show has listed the top gardening trends of 2023, a compilation that reflects the growing popularity of climate-wise gardening practices, new gardening ideas for the fall season and the continued popularity of houseplants.

“These 2023 gardening trends offer a great way for gardeners to get inspired and get a feel for what professionals at the forefront of this industry are doing in their own gardens,” said Andrew Bunting, the Society’s vice president of horticulture. “Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned expert, these trends can breathe new life into your space, in an approachable way.”

Here’s a list that will help you keep a garden on the cutting edge

Consider the garden as an ecosystem.

Through incorporating native and pollinator plants, gardeners

are creating habitats for insects and birds with special attention being paid

to the endangered Monarch butterfly through planting native butterfly milkweed, especially Asclepias tuberosa. 

 

 Leave the leaves

This movement encourages people to leave their leaves on the property and convert them into compost, mulch, or fertilizer to reduce landfill waste. 

 Reduce dependence on fossil fuel

Many natural gas-powered garden machines such as mowers, weed whips, chainsaws, and leaf blowers are being phased out for battery-operated options which help to reduce carbon footprint. 

Think about water-wise gardens and plants 

With global climate events and increasingly erratic weather patterns including extended periods of drought, there is an increased need to consider water-wise gardens, xeriscaping,

gravel gardens, and drought-tolerant plants. Great drought-tolerant plants

include cacti and succulents, Yucca, many drought-tolerant grasses, Baptisia, and the thread-leaf bluestar, Amsonia hubrichtii. 

 Get crazy for houseplants 

Houseplants have become an essential part of home décor, health and wellness planning, and social activities. With an increasing number and diversity of houseplants widely available through garden centers, specialty houseplant shops, online vendors, and via social outlets such as plant swaps and Facebook groups, the love and community for “plant parenting” continues to grow. 

Add color in the fall

 Fall has been promoted for the last 20 years as a favorable time in the gardening season to plant perennials, shrubs, and trees. Now, fall is being promoted as a time to add

color to the garden too! Garden centers now offer a wide selection of annuals

and seasonal plants for fall visual interest, all featuring cold tolerance,

beautiful foliage, or interesting fruits and berries. These include colorful

flowering salvias, celosias, asters, ornamental kales, and several plants with

ornamental fruits, berries, or peppers. 



Find the aroids are among us

These popular houseplants that feature distinctive, tropical, and often uniquely patterned foliage continue to grow in popularity such as Philodendron, Scindapsus, Anthurium, Alocasia, and Colocasia, while some rare species like ‘Pharaoh’s Mask’ have sold for hundreds of dollars.  Caladiums, plants known for their lush, multi-colored leaves and popularity in Victorian times, have also seen an amazing renaissance with new introductions like ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Crimson Sky.’

 Feed yourself - and others

 

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a dramatic increase in food

insecurity and the need to grow food. People are discovering that even with

minimal space such as a back patio or a front stoop, they can grow produce

throughout many months of the year; feeding themselves, donating to food

pantries, and even sharing with neighbors. Look for more information coming out

on how to grow food in both large and small spaces. 

For more gardening ideas, visit: PHSOnline.org.