25 Garden Trends

Ten years ago, gardening was all the rage. We flocked to the garden centers as if gardening was something new. But really, it was the natural next frontier for Americans as we realized that our connection to home extended beyond the foundation and that gardens needn’t be confined to yards. Let’s hope our newfound relationship to nature is here to stay. As we once again open our porches, set up our patios, and watch our landscapes spring to life, we went in search of new finds for your home—inside and out.

1. Black & White

From fashion to home décor, garden influences are everywhere. This season’s stylized flowers on crisp black-and-white dinnerware makes a big statement. Add linens with the accent color of your choice to make your tablescape work indoor or out. Dinner plates, bowls, cup and saucer, tea pot, and sugar bowl, $27–$204, all from Bianconero Collection by Missoni. Dahlia salad plates, $10 each, by Waechtersbach. Indigo Silhouette napkin and place mats, $8–$10. Yamazaki silverware, sixty-five-piece set, $675. All items from Marshall Field’s, 612-375-2200

2. Individuality
Artistry in the garden can take many forms. A swirling blend of color in an ever-blooming perennial garden or multiple shades of green formed by an assortment of foliage, shapes, and textures. We photographed our black-and-white dishes among the Japanese irises at the Marshall Field’s and Bachman’s Spring Flower Show, where thousands toured the inspirational display of lush works infused with a stark and modern undertone. This year’s show was one of the best. Don’t let the pressure of getting it right hold you back from expressing yourself in your own garden. There really aren’t any rules, except to tend to it and make it your own.

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

3. Garden Seating

Place a bench within your garden so you can enjoy your garden from within it. We love this seat inspired by Parisian wrought iron balconies. Over time, plants will easily grow through and around the grooves and open spaces, eventually making the bench a part of your garden. Panisse bench, $395. Smith & Hawken, Galleria, 952-285-1110; St. Paul, 651-222-1140; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 763-488-1876

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

4. Alpines

The plant needs to suit the site. A slope or hill in your yard may be the perfect spot to create a rock garden. The plants that will be happiest among the rocks are alpines. (True alpines are native to mountainous regions and grow in crevices.) But any plant that is dwarf, mat- or cushion-forming, lower-growing, or tufted falls within the broader definition. No rocky slope in your landscape? For a similar effect, choose a planter chiseled from stone, such as this Gandalf-like alpine container, which is also available as a statue. Plants and sculptures from Highland Nursery, 1742 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-698-1708

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

5. The New Hydrangea

St. Paul’s Bailey’s Nurseries introduction of the Endless Summer Hydrangea three years ago took the gardening world by storm. It was hardy and bloomed on old and new wood. New for 2006 is Blushing Bride, a new variety with white blooms, blush pink florets, and deep green foliage. The big-blooming ornamental flowers from the end of June until the fall frost and is happy in partly shady or sunny areas. Watch for it at independent garden centers.

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

6. Floral-inspired Fabrics

Decorating with overpowering floral patterns has given way to taking design cues from a flower’s color and texture as well as its bloom. As in your garden, a variety of textures in one color family can have dramatic results. The fabrics here from Designers Guild offer fresh takes on classic patterns in textured crushed velvet (seat) and a flocked-floral (large pillow). And, yes, flocking is making a comeback. KDR Designer Showroom, International Market Square, 612-332-0402

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

7. Urban Sanctuary

Even the tiniest spaces—indoors or out—benefit from the calming effects of a garden. Choose soothing organic colors, a bubbling fountain, and lush, leafy green plants to create a subtle, meditative haven. From the roughness of the rocks to the fluidity of the water, we were drawn to this display at Tangletown Gardens for the variety of textures in the setting and its soft pewter, gray, and granite color scheme. 5353 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-822-4769

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

8. Contemporary Outdoor Furniture

Clean, modern landscapes call for sophisticated garden furniture, and this year, there are more options than ever. We love the contrast in the rough wood of the Montego table and clean lines of the Rio chairs with the soft colors and textures of a garden setting. The table is created from stainless steel and ipê, a strong, dense South American hardwood that, left untreated, will patinate into a beautiful silvery gray over time. Montego table, $699-$899. Rio chair, $79 each. Room & Board, 7010 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-927-8835

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

9. Patio Plates

If you’re too busy for colorful plantings on your patio, bring the color to your table. Funky plates from Target’s Random Acts of Summer line are lightweight, ceramic, and perfect for patio barbecues and poolside picnics. Round decal dinner plate, $3.99.

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

10. Container Plantings

No flower bed? Create a mini garden in a pretty pot. But just as you would never combine plaids, prints, and polka dots, mixing too many types of plants within your pots looks careless. Instead, select various textures, but similar colors, and place varying planters throughout your garden or on your patio or balcony.  And don’t forget that the vessel is an important part of the equation. Choose a pot that best suits your setting or desired outcome. Today you’ll find antique and contemporary, stainless steel, copper, concrete, stone, and iron, plus a wonderful selection of colorful glazes. If you’re not up for the mess of a DIY project, many garden stores, such as Nature’s Harvest, which created this container for us, will do it for you. 320 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata, 952-473-4687

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

11. Contemporary Classics

The traditional forms long associated with more formal gardens—urns, birdbaths, arbors, and sundails—are being reinterperated for gardeners looking to bring these same elements to their modern landscapes. This German-engineered sundail by Blomus stands five feet tall and makes a striking statement in stainless steel. $699. Tangletown Gardens, 5353 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-822-4769

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

12. Public Gardens

The solution for urban loft dwellers with itchy green thumbs? A trip to one of the metro’s twenty-seven public gardens. Enthusiasts flock to Como, Harriet, Eloise Butler, and other gardens for inspiration, enjoyment, and the perfect setting for a picnic. Connoisseurs head north to St. Cloud’s Clemens Munsinger gardens (shown) for explosions of fragrance and color and inspiring symmetry created by the intricate and creative trimming of trees, hedges, and bushes. 320-255-7216

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

13. Faux Moss

Some gardeners are too impatient to wait years for garden objects to develop a patina. Fiberglass ornaments with a faux terra cotta and moss finish are ready to fill your garden’s cozy nooks and provide an attractive vintage appearance of weathered stone. Your guests will be none the wiser. Sphere, $29. Lion, $69. Antoinette Wall Fountain, $199. Smith & Hawken, Galleria, 952-285-1110; St. Paul, 651-222-1140; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 763-488-1876

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

14. Water Gardens

Water gardens create both a sanctuary and a natural habitat. Long used in Asia, ornamental ponds create a sustainable habitat in your garden, housing fish and aquatic plants and attracting birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. There are many options, but the most important thing is to make sure a pond fits the surrounding landscape and environment. You’ll see some of the best local water gardens and gather inspiration and ideas at the Parade of Ponds annual garden tour.

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

15. Art in the Garden

Original works of art are making their way into our landscapes. A trip to the Uptown Art Fair introduced us to Jim Hanson’s unrefined stone garden art, including benches, birdbaths, and bridges. The organic, structural pieces are designed around the individual characteristics of the stone, and whether snuggled under a tree or used as a focal point, these works are beautiful in less formal gardens as well. Starting at $300. 651-248-2260

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

16. Garden Clogs

You needn’t be a constant gardener to own a pair of clogs, or, in this case, Sloggers, that are soft, lightweight, and easy to clean. Keep yours tucked near the back door for quick trips to water your pots or hose off the dog. Once you’ve owned a pair, you’ll never soil your good soles again. Clogs, $14.99. Boots, $24.99. Target

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

17. Koi

Add aesthetically pleasing and colorful koi to your water garden this season. They come in  numerous varieties and colors, some even have sunlight-attracting metallic-like silver scales. Since koi can grow quite large, they require a larger and deeper pond. To protect these colorful creatures, create elevated overhangs to your pond so predators cannot reach in or see the fish from above. Find koi and pond supplies at Hedberg Landscape Supplies. Five metro locations

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

18. Succulents

With soft, muted greens, pinks, and yellows and thick, fleshy leaves, the Echiveria, Cryptanthus, and Kalanchoe succulents look great in rustic terra cotta pots or on a vintage Chinese granite riser (shown)—and add fabulous texture to outdoor spaces. Traditionally a desert plant, the succulent’s ability to store water in its stem makes it a low-maintenance indoor addition during the winter months. All items available at Tangletown Gardens, 5353 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-822-4769

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

19. New Shrubs

Dazzling blooms, fabulous foliage, and a huge variety of sizes and forms await gardeners who shift their attention to shrubs. Nancy Rose, woody plant expert with the University of Minnesota Extension Service, notes the following new introductions as having particular merit—and all are Zone 4 hardy.  Read more.

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

20. Create a Habitat

A well-designed landscape offers food, water, and protection for birds. Add houses so they will also have a place to nest. Most houses can be either hung or mounted, and placing a few around your yard will give birds feeding options. Our functional picks include a cedar log house with a patinaed copper dome that comes in both wren and chickadee sizes, a cedar house for chickadees, and a redwood wild-bird nesting box. $38–$45. Yardware, 3545 W. 44th St., Mpls., 612-922-3295

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

21. Fire Pits

A fire pit has become almost prerequisite for Twin Cities patios, extending your outdoor season—on both ends—with the welcome warmth. And like moths to a flame, you and your guests will be drawn to it’s engaging properties. This chunky iron pit by Oré is both striking and capable of handling a big blaze. $779. Tangletown Gardens, 5353 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-822-4769

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

22. Architecture

More and more landscapes are being driven by architecture. The European-styled walled garden of this Minneapolis landscape was a collaboration between homeowners and design professionals. Plants and architectural elements blend into the surrounding area, and the placement of shrubbery and flowers emphasizes the rectangular design. The strength of the project is in its minimalism and coherence, not in following any particular trend, resulting in a garden room that will sustain itself for years to come and grow better with age. Conceptual planners, Tom Morin and John Skogmo. Architect, Yunker Associates Architecture, Inc., Rehn Hassell, AIA. Landscape design, Sarah Nettleton Architects Ltd., Sarah Nettleton, AIA, and Christine Albertsson, AIA. General contractor, Choice Wood. Landscape contractor, Kerker, Inc.

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

23. Working Gloves

Ironclad’s Evolution gloves protect your paws, but are designed like athletic gloves, which makes them ideal for touch-sensitive tasks. $23.99. Tangletown Gardens, 5353 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-822-4769

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

24. New Perennials and Annuals

With hundreds of varieties introduced each season, it’s tough to know which new perennials are worthy of space in your garden. Local growers Steve Kelley (Kelley & Kelley, Long Lake) and Mike Heger (Ambergate Gardens, Chaska) suggest these Zone 4 picks. Read picks.

The mainstay of creative container arrangements, annuals have lengthier bloom periods than perennials, but only last one season. Peggy Poore, owner of Minneapolis’s Uncommon Gardens, has a keen eye for unique varieties and suggests the following. Read more.

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson

25. Top-Shelf Tools

A chef needs good knives, and a gardener needs serious tools. This stainless steel knife is called Horihori, which means “dig dig” in Japanese. While the straight side cuts through deep roots, the serrated side cleanly divides perennials. The knife’s cup shape also makes it good for digging. Pair it with a weeding sickle (to effortlessly remove those pesky intruders), and you’ll have the essentials. Sickle, $14. Knife, $27. Yardware, 3545 W. 44th St., Mpls., 612-922-3295

Photo by John Wagner and Mike Hendrickson