As the new decade begins, gardeners are keen to find out more about trends likely to be a factor in the industry in coming months.
Top trends see a continuation from previous years, reconnecting and strengthening our bond with nature, creating habitats for wildlife and regenerating the soil.
Green cities
As cities face the hazards of climate change, the focus for 2020 is on the development of parks and greener infrastructure.
Against this backdrop, the aim is to develop the greening of a central recreational district (CRD) rather than central business district (CBD).
Trees are an important part of a well-canopied city. They create a shade canopy that lessens heat island temperatures, improves air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide, controls water run-off and reduces urban noise and dust. Research has shown that green spaces in urban areas help reduce the stress of modern life.
The trend towards greening cities includes sunny open spaces that are as important in cities as trees, for families and office workers to enjoy the sunshine, and as places for plants and pollinators.
Wetlands also serve an important function in urban landscapes, as these sponges reduce the impact of flooding, prevent soil erosion and support wetland plants that provide food and shelter for birds, frogs and insects.
Circular economy
This major trend for 2020 minimises waste and makes the most of resources by reusing, reducing and recycling. What can you do?
Reuse water.
Install a grey-water system using household water from baths, showers, hand basins and from washing machines which use biodegradable soap that is phosphate and boron free to water the garden.
Reduce
the need for air conditioning by planting deciduous trees to provide shade for buildings in summer and allow the sunlight in during winter.
Recycle.
Wash nursery pots and reuse them for sowing seeds or for rooting plant cuttings.
Give tired garden furniture a fresh coat of paint. Grow vegetables in raised beds made from wooden pallets.
How can you be a more eco-friendly gardener?
Create a garden which includes plants that are adapted to local conditions and climate and attract pollinators. Without pollinators, plants would not produce seed or set fruit.
Plant flowers in groups to make it easier for pollinators to find them, and choose single flowers that are easily accessible.
Gardening begins with good soil. Reduce your carbon footprint and the amount of garbage sent to landfills by making compost with garden and kitchen green waste. Layer green material (vegetable peelings, spent plants and lawn clippings) and dry material (fallen leaves, twigs and small branches).
Compost breaks up clay soils, improves sandy soils and returns nutrients to enrich and revitalise the soil.
Plant trees and shrubs that help filter heavy rain. Ensure that water run-off from hard surfaces (driveways, paths, paved areas) permeates slowly into the soil in a low-lying area in the garden that would be ideal for a frog-friendly pond with sloping sides. Frogs in your garden are an indication of a healthy environment and help to keep pests like mosquitoes under control.
Colour trends
The Dulux Colour of the Year Tranquil Dawn is reminiscent of an early morning sky. Picture: Supplied - Dulux
Colour for this year sees a move away from the brighter hues of previous years to more restful and calming shades. Dulux colour of the year is Tranquil Dawn, a delicate shade between green, blue and grey.
There is a restfulness about a garden with this colouring, where simplicity and harmony are the keynotes - qualities that are increasingly important in our busy and often stressful lifestyles.
Plants in these muted shades will soften and tone down bright colours and add variation of form and texture in gardens.
Names old and new
Plant names are derived from Latin roots and each plant is given two names. The first name refers to the plant’s genus and the second to the species of plant. Many plants were categorised and named centuries ago but modern DNA testing allows scientists to reclassify them and make name changes where necessary.
Rosemary
The name Rosmarinus officinalis has been used since 1753. Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus noted the close similarity between rosemary and salvia. Recent research has shown one of the crucial distinctions he made between them - a difference in their stamens - is less significant than previously thought and down to a small adaptation to pollination. Rosemary will now be known as Salvia rosmarinus but will retain its common name of rosemary.
Cape honeysuckle
Originally, the Cape honeysuckle, Tecomaria capensis, was changed to Tecoma capensis because the flowers were so similar to other tecomas. Now DNA evidence has shown that Tecomaria is more closely related to Podranea than Tecoma, so that the genus Tecomaria has been re-instated. De Wet plant breeders have released a compact free flowering Tecomaria series in red, yellow, orange, gold and pink, perfect for small gardens.
Plectranthus
Flowering plants provide nectar and pollen for the bees. Pictured, Agapanthus praecox. Picture: Supplied
Also bred by De Wet Plant Breeders, Plectranthus “Magic Mona Purple” is an autumn flowering plectranthus with well-branched growth (70cm tall x 60cm wide) and large purple flowers that attract bees. Grow in semi-shade in well-drained soil, in the border and in pots.
Impatiens
A breakthrough in impatiens downy mildew, the Impatiens Beacon Series has high resistance to this fungal disease and summer shade gardens can once again be bright with these popular annuals in white, coral, orange, red, salmon and violet.