Brian

The trend this year is a concerted effort to tie plants into the concept of backyard escapes Published Jul 27, 2024  •  Last updated Jul 27, 2024  •  5 minute read 0727 minter Cultivate, America’s largest and most diverse horticultural show is held every July. It’s here that folks present new garden products, concepts, ideas and technology. Brian Minter photo In the rapidly changing world of gardening, it is important to get a sense of some of the new trends, and that is why I travelled to Columbus, Ohio, to attended Cultivate, America’s largest and most diverse horticultural show which is held every July. It’s here that folks present new garden products, concepts, ideas and technology. Major suppliers attend to provide access to many new plants, and plant breeders participate as well to provide background and insight about current and future breeding programs. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. Sign In or Create an Account or Article content The first trend I noticed was in the area of garden design. Growers and plant suppliers always showcase their new introductions in beautiful plant displays, and this year there was a concerted effort to tie them into the concept of backyard escapes. Simple, yet elegant, outdoor structures were created and accessorized with comfortable all-weather furniture, and the new plants were integrated to enhance these comfort areas. The designers were connecting plants to a lifestyle. I thought it was a brilliant move, and ironically, at this very busy show, these areas that were meant for display only, were packed with show attendees who were looking for little spots where they could escape and recharge. When featuring indoor living, designers used tropical plants that had taken a turn toward the unusual. Traditional tropicals had given way to crazy colours. Any plant with an unusual leaf form or variegation was front and centre. Speckled, splashed or spotted foliage was definitely in. Many of today’s sophisticated millennials are experienced indoor gardeners, and they have an eye for plants that connect to their lifestyles. They love discovering new, unique plants and having the bragging rights of being the first to own one of these new, amazing varieties. This is a good thing. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Article content Article content Proven Winners has developed a new line of plants that can be sold in unique glass containers filled with just water for a more contemporary look. They have captured the essence of this trend and are trying to create a distribution system across the U.S., and Canada is on their radar. I also noticed that many plant suppliers, mostly from Florida, are now able to provide more of these newbies. As climate change evolves, both heat and drought have become serious issues.  There have been some great developments taking place to address this new reality, with many breeding programs now focused on new plant varieties that can handle these conditions. They have not yet caught the attention of most consumers, but that should change in 2025. Growers and plant suppliers always showcase their new introductions in beautiful plant displays, and this year there was a concerted effort to tie them into the concept of backyard escapes. Thanks to new breeding techniques, traditional heat-lovers, like SuperCal, petunias, scaevolas and vinca major, have been given an expanded colour range, blossom size and plant forms. They are also now versatile enough to be used in containers and hanging baskets, as well as ground plantings. Until now, Soiree, one of the superstars, had never garnered the attention it deserved, but that has changed. Improved blossom size, colour range and plant habits are making a big difference. Now growers, retailers, landscapers and park and garden designers need to showcase all these spectacular new varieties. Article content Cupheas, which have mainly been used to attract hummingbirds, are now creating that wow factor when used as great focal points. Mandevilleas, too, have exploded in plant forms, blossom size and colour range, thanks to new breeding programs. They need heat to thrive, and they really deliver when it comes to easy care and great beauty. Keep watching for these many new and improved