34 | APRIL 22 • 2021
G
ardening enthusiasm
is surging thanks to
our increased time at
home — whether on a small
patio or in a larger backyard.
In fact, people spent 42% more
time gardening in 2020 than
the year before, according
to Axiom Marketing’s 2021
Gardening Insight Survey, and
it is estimated the pandemic
contributed to creating nearly
20 million new “gardeners.”
Many experts agree the trend
toward nurturing flowers,
plants and vegetables will
continue into 2021 and
beyond.
If you’re looking to test your
new green thumb or bring
this year’s garden to the next
level, consider these top trends
and simple ideas from the
experts at Ball Horticultural
Company:
THE YEAR-ROUND FRESH
AND HEALTHY GARDEN
Gardening can provide fresh
access to produce that can help
encourage healthy eating. You
can feel confident knowing
exactly where your food comes
from and enjoy the satisfaction
of growing it yourself. Plus,
it doesn’t get fresher than
picking something from your
own garden just minutes
before preparing a dish.
You don’t need an expansive
garden to enjoy the many
benefits of fresh, healthy
vegetables and herbs. In fact,
you don’t need a garden at
all! Check out Kitchen Minis
from PanAmerican Seed and
enjoy a variety of peppers and
tomatoes that can be grown
inside on a sunny windowsill,
countertop or outside as patio
tabletop plants. You can grow
and harvest your own Kitchen
Minis flavors most of the year.
THE MULTI-PURPOSE
FLOWER AND HERB
GARDEN
Don’t be afraid to mix your
flowers and herbs. Trending
in 2021 is bundling your
plants together to save space
and make a multi-functional
showcase. Start with a tiered
fruit stand, line it with coco
liner cut to fit inside each
bowl space, and then add soil
and plants of your choice. The
handle and lightness of the
stand make it easy to hang as
a basket or decorate a patio
or table for a beautiful and
functional addition wherever
you garden.
Be sure to select plants
that have a lot to offer in a
compact space. For example,
herbs from Burpee Plants are
ideal for small gardens, so
you can enjoy fresh flavors
like mint, rosemary and
parsley at a moment’s notice.
If you’d prefer a centerpiece or
accent decor for entertaining,
petunias from Wave Petunias
are low-maintenance and
stunning, easily adding
a punch of color to your
container.
THE BEAUTIFUL GARDEN
FOR A BOLD AND
COLORFUL OUTDOOR
LIVING SPACE
As people spend more time
enjoying the outdoors from
the safety and comfort of
home, they are taking a new
look at their exterior spaces.
Colorful blooms brighten
the outdoors and elevate the
mood, which is why flower
gardening is flourishing.
However, people want this
outdoor beauty without
extensive maintenance, so ease
is essential when planning
your flower garden.
When it comes to pairing
beauty and simplicity, Beacon
Impatiens are a great choice,
especially for those whose
outdoor spaces don’t get
a lot of sun. Available in
bright, bold colors, you can
fill baskets, window boxes,
patio containers and shade
landscapes with Beacon to add
vivid, dramatic color to your
HOME & GARDEN
BPT/BRANDPOINT
to Enhance Your
Easy Ideas
2021 Garden
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