What’s in, what’s out for 2009

1) An interesting word has been developed to describe a certain type of consumer: locavore. It refers to people who are dedicated to growing or buying their food locally. Planting your own vegetable garden is a start, in addition to supporting local dairies, orchards, poultry and beef farms. Choose to do this instead of relying solely on imported fruit and meats.

2) Blend that garden. Swaths of monotonous annuals and mass plantings are passe. Savvy gardeners are marrying edibles like strawberry plants, lettuces and blueberry bushes with perennials and containerized mixes.

3) Think global. At least when it comes to colours. Expect exuberant palettes and bright, layered hues. Vibrant reds and oranges are going to heat up the summer.

4) KISS - Keep it simple silly. Easy care shrubs and hardy, robust perennials are the chosen ones for todays busy homeowners. Stuff non-stop bloomers in an assortment of containers and you are good to go. Tiny, high maintenance, rock garden gems are going to be few and far between.

5) Info lust. There’s no excuse for a lack of knowledge amongst gardeners today with all the books, magazines, TV shows and Google for answers to common garden questions. Naiveté is out; education is in.

6) Grow-it-Yourself (GIY). There’s renewed pride in the act of growing plants to fruition whether it be showcase blooms or tasty edibles. Community gardens are booming, farmers markets are in demand and plant swaps are busy events. Relying on someone else to garden for you just doesn’t provide the same level of fun.

7) Culturally connected. Garden furniture and accessories that help transform your outdoor living area into a cozy exotic paradise will reflect a world bazaar with bright colours, textures, sights and sounds. Gone is the cheap, lightly constructed patio set with the troublesome umbrella.

8) Water is in and water is out. The sound of water gurgling and flowing in its natural state is the goal in today’s landscape. Poorly installed fibreglass pools with edges showing and mechanics blatantly displayed are a definite no-no.

9) Harness the sun. Solar power technology has made huge leaps in the past few years with panels now available for uplighting, security, and even to run fountains. Yards of extension cord are no longer necessary.

10) Garden art is in. Hand sculpted wall decor, unusual trellises, birdhouses and custom made garden gates can be enjoyed on a daily basis. Plastic statues are out.