5 Garden Trends To Watch For In 2022

There is no doubt the last two years had a significant impact on the world of gardening. When working and having to entertain the kids from home became the new norm, suddenly so many people could spend time in their yards and gardens like never before. But now, some kids are back in school; many will head back to the office at least a few days a week, and weekend calendars can get filled up quickly with activities and events —which makes it an interesting year for trending garden ideas!

If there is one thing we can say for certain, we are pretty sure the increase in popularity that gardening has seen throughout the pandemic is not slowing down anytime soon. These are some of the most interesting trending garden ideas we’ve got our eyes on for 2022.

1. Habitat Gardening

If we have noticed anything throughout the pandemic, it’s that many folks are making decisions a little more intentionally these days. Wildlife-friendly gardens are not a new concept, but they are certainly picking up steam. It’s not just about putting up a birdfeeder and calling it a day anymore. Information about the impacts of gardening on the health of the wildlife around you is undeniable, and there is plenty that you can do to create a garden that is both gorgeous and good for the local wildlife. This gardening trend idea can be carried out in so many facets of your yard by:

Selecting native, non-invasive plants.
Avoiding the use of chemicals whenever possible.
Providing habitats for local wildlife by making intentional decisions like replacing mulch with groundcover plants that provide critters like lizards and pollinators a safe place to retreat to.

2. A Focus On Outdoor Entertainment & Living Areas

While large gatherings used to take place around the TV in the family room or the kitchen island, the last two years sent us all outdoors! Backyard gatherings have been considered and felt like a much safer option for many of us throughout these uncertain times, which has put a big spotlight on the idea of outdoor entertainment and living areas.

This trending garden idea may require a bit of an investment upfront, but a well-planned outdoor entertainment area can be enjoyed for years to come. We’re talking outdoor kitchens equipped with storage, counter space, and as much cook space as you would see indoors. Add luxurious living room quality furniture that can withstand the elements, and outdoor bar areas that bring all the neighbors out of the woodwork!

3. Edible Gardens

This gardening trend has been gaining steam for a few years now, but the pandemic put that momentum in the fast lane—and it is not slowing down anytime soon. Regardless of the size of outdoor space that you have access to, planting veggie and herb gardens is an amazing and sustainable way to provide your family with fresh, nutritious food right from your own backyard.

Something about the pandemic made so many of us want to return to a simpler, more hyperlocal way of living, and an edible garden helps you do just that. Edible gardens can take so many different fun shapes and sizes. From vertical herb gardens to full-scale plots of raised beds, homegrown produce and the farm-to-table movement is here to stay.

4. Climate-Conscious Gardening

Just like considering critters, climate-conscious gardening is expected to pick up steam in 2022. In addition to the craziness of the pandemic, we have seen the intense effects of climate change in the form of extreme drought, forest fires, and in many places in the world, excessive flooding and hurricanes.

If you’ve been in the gardening game for long enough, you’ve probably already realized how much gardening has changed as a result of climate change. Water conservation remains a top priority here in SoCal. Gardening with water conservation in mind involves selecting water-wise (often native) plants for your garden, installing an efficient sprinkler system, grouping plants with similar water needs and reducing or eliminating the amount of real estate you take up with turfgrass.

5. A Focus On Front Yards & Porches

Social media mentions of ‘front yard’ and ‘front porch’ reached a five-year high in 2021, suggesting that curb appeal is at the top of many homeowners’ minds as we head into the new year. From window boxes to cool container plants, we expect to see a lot of attention paid to front yards in the year to come! Low-maintenance options will be key, though, as while the pandemic gave many homeowners the flexibility to spend more time in their gardens, their fancy new front yards will need to fit into the return to ‘normal’ work life.

We are so excited for the new year and to see how these gardening trend ideas play out in yards and gardens throughout the Orange County area as 2022 begins to unfold.

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