WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES MARCH 18, 2021 27
Gardening enthusiasm is surging
thanks to our increased time at
home — whether on a smallspace
patio or in a larger backyard.
In fact, people spent 42% more time
gardening in 2020 than the year before,
according to Axiom Marketing’s
2021 Gardening Insight Survey, and
it is estimated the pandemic contributed
to creating nearly 20 million
new “gardeners.” Many experts agree
the trend toward nurturing fl owers,
plants and vegetables will continue
into 2021 and beyond.
If you’re looking to test your new
green thumb or bring this year’s
garden to the next level, consider
these top trends and simple ideas
from the experts at Ball Horticultural
Company:
THE YEAR-ROUND FRESH
AND HEALTHY GARDEN
Gardening can provide fresh access
to produce that can help encourage
healthy eating. You can feel confi dent
knowing exactly where your food
comes from and enjoy the satisfaction
of growing it yourself. Plus, it doesn’t
get fresher than picking something
from your own garden just minutes
before preparing a dish.
You don’t need an expansive garden
to enjoy the many benefi ts of
fresh, healthy vegetables and herbs.
In fact, you don’t need a garden at all!
Check out Kitchen Minis from PanAmerican
Seed® and enjoy a variety of
peppers and tomatoes that can be
grown inside on a sunny windowsill,
countertop or outside as patio tabletop
plants. You can grow and harvest
your own Kitchen Minis fl avors most
of the year.
THE MULTI-PURPOSE
FLOWER AND HERB
GARDEN
Don’t be afraid to mix your fl owers
and herbs. Trending in 2021 is
bundling your plants together to save
space and make a multi-functional
showcase. Start with a tiered fruit
stand, line it with coco liner cut to fi t
inside each bowl space, and then add
soil and plants of your choice. The
handle and lightness of the stand
make it easy to hang as a basket or
decorate a patio or table for a beautiful
and functional addition wherever
you garden.
Be sure to select plants that have a
lot to off er in a compact space. For example,
herbs from Burpee Plants are
ideal for small gardens, so you can enjoy
fresh fl avors like mint, rosemary
and parsley at a moment’s notice. If
you’d prefer a centerpiece or accent
decor for entertaining, petunias from
Wave® Petunias are low-maintenance
and stunning, easily adding a punch
of color to your container.
THE BEAUTIFUL GARDEN
FOR A BOLD AND
COLORFUL OUTDOOR
LIVING SPACE
As people spend more time enjoying
the outdoors from the safety and
comforts of home, they are taking a
new look at their exterior spaces. Colorful
blooms brighten the outdoors
and elevate the mood, which is why
fl ower gardening is fl ourishing. However,
people want this outdoor beauty
without extensive maintenance, so
ease is essential when planning your
fl ower garden.
When it comes to pairing beauty
and simplicity, Beacon® Impatiens
are a great choice, especially for
those whose outdoor spaces don’t get
a lot of sun. Available in bright, bold
colors, you can fi ll baskets, window
boxes, patio containers and shade
landscapes with Beacon to add vivid,
dramatic color to your spaces and
have confi dence in their performance.
These impatiens are low-maintenance
and have high resistance to Impatiens
downy mildew, a disease that has
caused plant loss in recent years.
THE FUN FAMILY-FRIENDLY
GARDEN
Having a family garden comes with
many benefi ts. Whether it’s you and
your partner at home or the entire
family, gardening has proven to be a
fun and safe hobby that people of all
ages can do together. Enjoy spending
quality time while breathing fresh air
and learning important lessons from
nature and the environment.
Gather everyone’s input on a plan
for your family garden and work together
as a team to make it a success.
One plant that’s particularly fun for
families to include is Lavender Primavera
from Darwin Perennials.
The rich purple color is visually
stunning, plus lavender attracts pollinators
like bees, butterfl ies and
hummingbirds, so you’re enhancing
the natural world around you.
Additionally, you’re sure to enjoy
the relaxing scent wafting in the
breeze, and you can harvest your
lavender to use in DIY craft projects
around the house or as gift s to loved
ones.
START GROWING TODAY
The ability to explore interests
like gardening and plant care is a
silver lining of spending more time at
home. Gardening is a healthy activity
for anyone, and there are many resources
- from your local gardening
store to online blogs and videos - to
help you be successful. 2021 is your
chance to dig in and grow!
— Courtesy of BPT
AT HOME
4 easy ideas to enhance your 2021 garden
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