Top gardening trends for 2017
With warm weather on its way, there's never been a better time to start planning your garden. To help you get started this season, we asked Frank Ferragine, aka Frankie Flowers, for his thoughts on top gardening trends this year.
Big pops of colour
Last year we saw some contrast with loud hues married to more muted, pastel tones, but this year is all about bright colours. Calibrachoas will be this year's showstoppers with brilliant purples and beaming yellows. Not only do they require little maintenance, but they'll last from spring until first frost with masses of cascading branches full of petunia-like flowers. Expect to see a rainbow of vibrant impatiens with brighter reds, pinks and oranges in hanging baskets across the country.
Urban planting
This year, condo and apartment dwellers aren't likely to miss out on the gardening fun. “Urban gardening is going to be bigger than ever,” says Frankie. “Hanging baskets will be popular spring purchases and many gardeners are already excited about the wide selection of colourful pots to make a statement in their yards or on their balconies.”
Tough meets tender. A great way to keep your garden looking lush throughout the year is by mixing tough plants with tender ones. While softer, less hardy varieties like peonies, salvia and verbena look lovely, it's a good idea to intermingle them with lower-maintenance resilient varieties like echinacea, roses and succulents that will keep your garden full in spite of harsher, dryer conditions.
Climate-consciousness
Canada is huge and our climate is varied, therefore it stands to reason that a plant that grows well in Victoria may not fare so well in Winnipeg. Plant tags contain key information on plant hardiness zones and what type of plant will do best in specific zones or regions. Still, Frankie shares that “Canadians are more informed than ever about the role our climate can play in growing a successful garden.”
Patriotic plants
Red and white plants are already gaining a lot of attention in the gardening world. “Without a doubt, this year's hottest flower is the Canadian Shield Rose,” says Frankie. Made in Canada, this choice is a perfect way to celebrate our country's 150th birthday. Named as 2017's Flower of the Year by Canada Blooms, this flower is able to survive our rigorous winters from coast to coast. It's the perfect way to celebrate Canada in your garden this summer.
– News Canada