Plant Trends for 2024: Support Wildlife, Make an Impact
Introduction
In 2024, gardening trends are all about supporting wildlife and making a positive impact with minimal effort. Gardeners are looking for plants that are not only beautiful, but also beneficial to pollinators and other creatures.
Bold and Beautiful Blooms
One of the biggest trends for 2024 is bold, impactful flower heads. These flowers are often in old-fashioned blowsy blooms, with romantic shades of pink and purple. Some popular choices include:
- Hydrangeas
- Grandiflora roses
- Frilly petunias
Native Plants for Pollinators
With climate change becoming increasingly unpredictable, it’s more important than ever to plant native species that support pollinating insects. These plants provide essential habitat and food for bees, butterflies, hoverflies, moths, and hummingbirds. Some excellent native plants for pollinators include:
- Butterfly weed
- Asters
- Bluejoint grass
Multi-Task Plants
Another key trend for 2024 is multi-task plants. These plants not only look beautiful, but they also add color, structure, and have long flowering periods. Some great multi-task plants include:
- Small-space vegetables
- Compact buddleia
- Colorful yarrow
Sustainable Gardening
Sustainability is another major focus for 2024 gardening trends. Gardeners are looking for ways to make their gardens more sustainable and lower-maintenance. This includes planting native species, using less water and fertilizer, and choosing plants that are resistant to pests and diseases.
Specific Plant Recommendations
Here are a few specific plant recommendations for 2024:
- Hydrangeas: These shrubs are a must-have for 2024, with their large, showy flower heads in a variety of colors.
- Grandiflora roses: These roses are a cross between hybrid tea roses and floribunda roses, giving them the best characteristics of both. They have large, fragrant blooms on long stems.
- Frilly petunias: These petunias have ruffled, velvety petals that come in a range of colors. They are a great choice for adding a touch of whimsy to your garden.
- Butterfly weed: This native plant is a favorite of Monarch butterflies, with its clusters of bright orange flowers.
- Asters: These late-blooming perennials add a splash of color to the garden in fall, when most other plants are starting to fade.
- Bluejoint grass: This native grass is a great choice for erosion control, and it provides habitat for birds and small mammals.
Conclusion
By following these trends, you can create a garden that is both beautiful and beneficial to wildlife. With a little planning and effort, you can make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying the beauty of nature.
