More than half of the households in America feature at least one garden. At the end of 2023, this worked out to 71.5 million households and nearly 186 million Americans. The United States ranks among the three most active gardening nations in the world. As the world continues to change, particularly in areas of sustainable practices and renewable energy, gardening has changed as well. There are a few key trends that will define gardening in 2024 and beyond, such as Mediterranean gardens.
A Mediterranean garden is valued for its low water demands. Water is a precious resource all over the world, but Mediterranean gardens are especially beneficial in hot, arid regions that receive little to no precipitation. They can also prove useful to any gardener dealing with fast-draining soil. These gardens feature popular plants consisting of waxy leaves, succulent foliage, and taproots that reach deep into the soil to absorb all available moisture. The plants range from acacia trees to low-water usage shrubs, including juniper and cypress. Mediterranean gardens are also ideal locations for outdoor seating areas.
Micro-homesteading is another trend on the rise among American gardeners. Available to both suburban and urban gardeners, micro-homesteading is the practice of blending sustainable gardening activities with landscaping projects. The primary focus of micro-homesteading is to grow natural foods, which are healthier and less costly compared to store-bought fruits and vegetables. The average garden produces about $600 worth of fruit and vegetables annually. Micro-homesteading enthusiasts also grow medicinal herbs along with other produce. As an added benefit, impressive landscaping features can increase the value of a home by up to 12 percent.
Food forests are unique gardens designed to imitate whatever ecosystem they are planted in. The process of replicating an ecosystem in one’s yard may sound complex or overwhelming, yet a food forest can be as simple as a few apple trees. Food forests often yield more produce than gardeners need, providing the perfect opportunity to share fresh goods with neighbors and the community. In recent years, numerous cities have opened food forests and community gardens at no charge to citizens.
Other gardening trends are more specific. Minimalism, for example, is an approach that can be applied to many different types of gardening. There are many benefits to downsizing and simplifying a garden’s layout, especially for inexperienced planters or gardeners working with limited space, such as a small front porch or back deck. A minimal garden, also known as a formal garden, requires little maintenance. It is also a great way to save money on a garden, which can require up to $500 in gardening tools alone.
Still, some styles never go out of fashion. The Victorian garden is essentially the opposite of a minimalist garden. Defined by opulence and excess, these gardens include well-kept hedges and elaborate, geometric designs. Gardeners require ample space to begin a Victorian garden. They should also have considerable experience with smaller projects, as Victorian gardens carry many unique challenges, such as caring for numerous seasonal plants.
Whatever gardening trends take hold in America will be defined by the nation’s youth. The bulk of America’s gardeners are under 44 years old, and Millennials make up nearly three out of 10 gardeners in the US.
