It's planting season, and gardeners are getting ready to stock up on greenery.
From tiny urban gardens to rolling landscapes in the suburbs, here are nine hot trends for 2019, according to horticultural experts.
No Space? No Problem
The biggest issue for most gardeners this year figuring out how to tackle a small garden.
According to the experts at plant supplier Proven Winners, consider opting for fastigate shrubs.
Fastigate plants are those that grow with branches sloping upward, nearly parallel to the main stem. These plants save on space by growing upward instead of outward. According to Proven Winners, bushes and shrubs that fit the bill yet offer a splash of color and interest include Hibiscus purple pillar, Rose of Sharon, Japanese holly, or elderberry.
Climate Change Gardening
Sue Townsend of the Society of Garden Designers said creating gardens that can deal with extreme temperature swings will be a key trend this year. The designer suggested that gardeners should have the right plants that fit the condition of the garden, store water and allow excess water to be collected then dissipated through the soil. Think plants labeled drought-tolerant, cold tolerant, etc.
Save the Pollinators
Pollinators vital to keeping the world's crops thriving are under major threat from disease, loss of habitat and other stressors. Gardeners are encouraged to grow plants that support pollinators, such as like Sonic Bloom reblooming weigela, single-flowered roses like Oso Easy Paprika and Oso Easy Urban Legend.
Landscape Friendly Natives
Planting shrubs or trees that are native to a particular region or ecosystem can provide enhanced habitat for wildlife as well as natural beauty, said the Michigan State University Extension. In addition, native plants help the environment by reducing the amount of water used and less need for pesticides and fertilizers. For gardeners who do not want to take on too much work, natives can be low-maintenance.
Perennial Power
The Home Depot's blog, the Garden Club, said a trend that started in Europe called the New Perennial Movement is making its way to the United States. The movement's primary characteristic is "layers of perennials that evolve through the seasons."
Build a Meadow
Another space-saving tip for green thumbs is creating a meadow, which can be maintained from April to late November with little upkeep.
Yellow Flowers Rule
Yellow is this year's hot color, according to Home Depot. Use flowers such as yellow tulips, forsythia shrubs, daffodils, pansies, dandelions, marigolds, daylilies, black-eyed Susans, and daises to liven up their spaces.
Patterns Are Big, Too
Variegated foliage, with different colors and patterns in its leaves, are hot this as well, according to Home Depot. Consider adding plants such as coleus, geraniums and begonias for variety.
Crazy Paving
Crazy paving-walkways using irregular patterns and sizes of stones-along with gabion walls and, charred timbers all are popular choices for gardens.