2011 Trends: Growing Media Group sees Urban Farming and Edible Ornamentals as hot

Image from Growing Media Group presentation.

Growing Media Group 2011 Garden Trends

By Suzi McCoy
Growing Media Group
2010

Urban Farming and CSA’s

In step with the move to reinvigorate communities with gardens, urban farming and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA’s) are springing up. Urban farming “micro-farms” are converting small spaces in blighted areas into thriving farms that produce fresh produce for inner city communities.

CSA’s provide fresh produce and companionship with full waiting lists. Even garden centers are getting into the act and offering community gardens to learn about varieties and “how-to” maintain plants and share experiences. According to the Slow Food Movement, farmer’s markets and CSA’s are up a whopping 60 percent.

Like minded young gen Y’s are joining together to plant specific herbs, exotic spices, small fruits and haute couture veggies that enhance cooking and sharing their edibles with the “tribe.” It’s a modern version of the “pot-luck” dinner that allows people to connect over the food they grow and eat, creating a unique bonding experience that in today’s techno world feeds the soul – as well as the belly.

Edible Ornamentals

Go ahead and mix it up! Berries next to tomatoes and azaleas under grapevines may sound odd but not to the professional landscape designers of APLD.

“We’re seeing rising consumer interest in edibles: small fruit bearing shrubs like berries and smaller trees,” says Doug Jimerson, executive director of the Better Homes & Gardens content core for Garden and Outdoor Living.

Fresh berries like raspberries and blueberries you can pick right from home are spiking in popularity. Blueberries offer four seasons of color and juicy berries rich in antioxidants.

According to a recent survey by the Garden Writers Association, about 16 percent more American households planned to add a veggie garden and an additional 12 percent planned on adding an herb garden. Why? More than three-fourths of respondents felt veggies are less expensive with better taste, quality and nutrition.

See more Growing Media Group gardening trends here.

See an excellent Powerpoint presentation from the Group here.