Looking for fresh ideas to use in this year’s garden? The options are abundant and diverse, but one thing’s for sure — you won’t go wrong if you go green.
That’s because a green theme twines through the many ideas to be found on 2024’s list of new gardening trends. Take, for example, the Garden Media Group’s annual 2024 Garden Trends Report, which not only declared “cyber lime,” a knock-your-socks-off shade of neon green, the year’s hottest color choice but also dubbed 2024 the year of “Eco-Optimism.”
According to the report, cyber lime mirrors the bright green of spring growth found in nature but also has a thoroughly modern techno edginess. Adding plants with cyber lime foliage and blooms — ‘Limelight’ hydrangea, ‘Electra’ huechera, ‘Green Envy’ coneflower and ‘Lemon Lime’ hosta for example — can make the landscape pop. It also mixes well with bold electric blues, hot pinks, bright oranges and purples but also works with more muted colors.
The color can spruce up other elements of outdoor spaces such as in outdoor cushions and planters, and indoors by using houseplants with neon foliage.
Eco-optimism, a sense of hopefulness that sustainable, eco-friendly practices are leading to positive environmental and social changes, is also a way our gardens are going “green” this year.
An interest in environmentally conscious gardening, which can help lower our carbon footprints and support biodiversity, is escalating. That trend can be seen in the number of people opting to replace turfgrass lawns with native plants, create wildlife- and pollinator-friendly habitats in their yards and plant more fruits, vegetables and “edimentals” (plants that are both ornamental and edible) for their families.
While people of all ages are embracing greener ideas, this trend is being rocket-fueled by younger generations, especially the 12- to 27-year-old Gen Zers who keenly experience eco-anxiety (the chronic fear of environmental cataclysm) but also fervently believe they can find solutions and slow, if not stop, environmental threats.
There is also a greenness to another 2024 theme, “hort-futurism,” which connects nature and technology to create more sustainable practices. It also provides opportunities to connect the current craze for all things sci-fi to our gardens, including using otherworldly garden lighting and unearthly looking plants. Houseplants, hanging baskets and bug-themed art and fashion are also “in” this year, which means we can bring nature home.
Of course, not all 2024 trends are green. A growing fascination with Victorian, Goth and graveyard themes is driving a demand for black, blood red and deep purple plants that lend a deliciously dark aesthetic to garden spaces.
Yep, there are lots of trends to consider this year, but never forget: we can set our own trends based on our personal tastes and gardening values. Even if they aren’t in vogue now, we can garden green and still use tried-and-true themes, from ever-wonderful culinary and medicinal gardens to traditional/international English, Asian and Mediterranean gardens to whimsical fairy, gnome and folk-art inspired gardens.
Need help figuring out your style? Explore the many online articles about 2024’s gardening trends, listen to gardening podcasts (one of my favorites is Cultivating Place at cultivatingplace.com). Or check out the many gorgeous and informative books about gardening design and trends including Cultivating Garden Style: Inspired Ideas and Practical Advice to Unleash Your Garden Personality by Rochelle Greaye.
Also, get out and look at gardens. Inspiration and ideas abound in public gardens and through annual tours featuring private gardens, many of which are held in the spring. And don’t forget to tap into such free and expert resources as local Extension agents, Master Gardeners, garden club members and local nursery operators.
Armed with all this knowledge, you can soon have a garden that makes your friends and neighbors green with envy.
Katie Jackson is a freelance writer and editor based in Opelika, Alabama. Contact her at katielamarjackson@gmail.com.
