2016 Gardening Trends

The gardening trend we expect to see most in 2016 is: "Syncing With Nature."

Connecting with nature for your health

Take it from us, gardening is great for your spiritual, mental and emotional well-being. This year, while spending time in your garden, be sure to inhale deeply and savor all the fresh air around you. When your hands are covered with dirt after a hard days work, think about how dirt sustains life. 

Incorporate more native plants in the garden

When planning your landscape this year, try to utilize as many plants and shrubs that are native to your area as possible. They are critical for maintaining biodiversity, which is what ensures a well-rounded environment for other plants, insects and wildlife to not only enjoy, but flourish in.

Create a hardier landscape: More trees, shrubs, and evergreens; fewer annuals.

While annuals need to be replanted yearly, using a majority of trees, shrubs and evergreen will create a landscape that will last year after year when cared for properly. An established landscape will also do wonders for your home or business' drive up appearance. 

Tiny gardens for tiny spaces.

No matter how much or how little space you have, you can create a garden best suited to your needs. There are countless DIY instructions out there for container gardens and raised beds. Get creative!

Reducing chemical use in the garden.

We recommend using as many natural gardening products in your landscape as possible. While chemical treatments might seem to be more efficient, they are actually more harmful to our environment in the long-run. Using natural products will protect your plants without causing unnecessary harm to their surroundings. 

Winterizing Trees & Shrubs

Most shrubs and trees require no special preparation for winter, aside from making sure they are watered and old flower heads are removed.

Trees with smooth bark will benefit from tree wrap. Starting at the base of the tree, wrap the trunk to the lowest branch, overlapping each layer by 1/3. Secure at the top with duct tape or twine. Remove the tree wrap by the end of April.

Broadleaf evergreens, such as Holly and Rhododendron, can be sprayed with Wilt Pruf to prevent dissecation. Apply late in the season while temperatures are still above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You can reapply mid-winter if there is a brief warm spell. Wilt Pruf can also by sprayed on any plant, with or without leaves, that is in a very windy location. Use with caution on plants with very fine needles (Hemlock, Arborvitae, Juniper); follow the product’s instructions on the label.

Plants sensitive to wind or sunburn can also be wrapped with burlap. Wrap in late fall and secure with twine or staples. Burlap can also be used to protect plants from deer and rabbits.

A-frame shrub protectors can be placed over plants that are under the drip line of your roof to protect them from snow or ice damage. They will also provide some protection from wind and sun.

Spray-on deer and rabbit repellants can be applied mid- to late fall. Follow the product’s instructions on the label for effective coverage.

A small group of shrubs require special winter care: Buddleia (Butterfly Bush), Caryopteris, Vitex (Chaste Tree), Scotch Broom, Big Leaf Hydrangeas (pink or blue flowering varieties). After the leaves have fallen from these plants, apply 12–18” at this time. Caryopteris, Scotch Broom and Hydrangeas can be cut back to green growth in the spring. The mulch should be removed in spring as the temperature warms.

The following plants are slow to start growing in the spring, so a little patience is required: Butterfly Bush, Caryopteris, Chaste Tree, Ornamental Grasses, Hardy Hibiscus.