Gardening Trends for 2009

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

19 Jan 2009 06:02 AM

I came downstairs this morning and took a look out of my kitchen window, which looks out onto the backyard. There is a good dusting of snow covering it all. But the first thing I thought about was this year's garden. I know that seems strange, but spring will be here before we know it, and it is time to start planning.

If you are looking for some new ideas for your garden this year, take a look at the following trends. These things are all areas in which homeowners and gardeners have shown interest in 2008, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac. I've seen this interest first hand, and I believe that the following ideas will continue and increase in popularity.

Vegetables are making a comeback and we'll see more of them integrated into annual beds and perennial borders. The best way to do this is to place the vegetables in containers that complement both the vegetable plants and your flowers.

Speaking of containers, the old terra cotta pots are decidedly out. Instead, take advantage of all of the many different looks and materials in containers and choose some that really complement your tastes.

Another trend in containers are "high tech" ones. Okay, they really are more of an exercise in good design and functionality. You'll find containers that water themselves, containers that are water and weather resistant, and containers that look hefty but are really lightweight.

Along with vegetables (people are growing more food now), you'll see a wide variety of herbs that are great for ethnic cooking. There are many varieties of basil, for example, such as Thai basil, and cilantro is a good herb to plant for use in many ethnic dishes.

Wildflowers and native plants are really popular right now. but this year we'll see some brand new varieties. Flower catalogues are showing a wide variety of black-eyed Susan, for example. Happy gardening!

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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