The gardening trend keeps growing and shows no signs of slowing down in 2024. Millennials embrace sustainability and are reshaping the nursery industry in new and exciting ways. Millennials are highly motivated and responsible, searching for quality over quantity. This doesn't mean flats of pansies are out; it only means that the next generation is looking for unique plants and garden accessories with interesting stories.
Here's a look at some of the future trends for the nursery industry in 2024.
Futuristic Accessories and Designs are In
For years, natural terra cotta pots and other natural materials were the must-have style for gardeners. Crafty ones even spent time painting the pots to reflect their personalities. This doesn't mean craft stores are getting ready to lose customers; it only means millennials have other ideas.
Bright-colored pots and planters are in. The bolder and brighter, the better. The next generation of gardeners wants their pots and accessories to make a statement, along with their plants. Metallics are on the way out as millennials look to create futuristic-inspired gardens.
Nurseries should consider adding neon display signs and bright-colored floral designs to showcase their plants. Sweeping vines with and without bold flowers are other must-have items. Consider offering closed ecosystem terrariums for gardeners with limited space. Plants often used in foraging are also gaining popularity as millennials look at an uncertain future. Survivalist gardens are quickly becoming the next big thing.
Nighttime Gardens for Sensitive Souls
Cemeteries are becoming popular gathering places where visitors can participate in everything from an outdoor movie night to hot yoga. This renewed interest in the occult is spilling over into the garden. Hashtags like Halloween gardens and goth gardening are trending. While this doesn't mean nurseries want to forget sun and shade gardens, they will want to also consider bringing in plants that thrive after dark.
Along with night-blooming plants, consider helping customers create cemetery gardens. Stock up on books and guides to help customers identify which plants grow best in a cemetery garden. Even though the garden isn't neglected, it will receive less care. This reduction in care isn't due to laziness. It's necessary to create the desired effect. Nurseries may want to consider slowing down on deadheading and trimming existing stock. If plants look a little less than perfect, don't mark them down or toss them in the trash.
Try creating a new category for these plants. Chances are, you'll find a new group of customers desperately searching for the right plants to add to their nighttime gardens.
Gardens for Insects
Millennials are concerned about the environment. From choosing native plants to preceding the use of chemical fertilizers, the next generation is working to make a difference. This even includes attracting insects like bees, butterflies, and birds. Just from my own experience, it seem the number of people searching for native plants has doubled over the last couple of years.
If your nursery isn't already stocked with native plants, it's a trend that's here to stay. Even garden décor featuring native plants, insects, and birds is growing in popularity. A good idea for your nursery and the environment is hosting insect-themed classes. The classes can range from using decorative items to which native plants are best suited for the local wildlife. You may even want to get creative and bring in a chef familiar with cooking with insects. Even though everyone may not sample the dishes, it's sure to generate interest in your nursery.
Gardening for Small Spaces
Millennials often garden in small spaces — such as tiny homes and apartment balconies. The combination of high home prices and the trend of going small means gardening space is often limited. This doesn't mean your nursery is at risk of losing business; it only means that you need to adapt to the tiny garden movement.
Containers and planters are a start. You can find these items in almost any nursery. However, it's also important to consider the types of plants. Not all greenery grows excellently in a small space. For example, you don't want to plant a peach tree in a tiny garden. Even if there's enough space for the tree to grow and branches to spread, there's little room for anything else. Consider increasing your selection of hanging pots and baskets. Bright-colored blooms are in like trailing pansies and purslane. Simple greenery is another great option, especially when mixed with flowering plants.
Privacy screens are also becoming the next big thing. Adding these to the garden center can help draw the next generation in. Consider placing the screens by vining plants. You may even want to start a few plants climbing on the screens. Vertical gardening is big on TikTok and Instagram, so help your customers stay current with the latest trends.
Go Bright Green
The color of 2024 is a vivid cyber lime green. From pots and garden accessories to the color of the plant's leaves and even flowers, expect to see this color everywhere. It's not only cyber lime that's a hot color in 2024 — earthy tones are also making a comeback. Almost any color found in nature is a must-have in the new year.
The idea behind the latest color trend is its ability to mix sustainability and the environment while still creating a stunning effect. Consider making a nature-themed section if your nursery has a mix of customers. This way, you can showcase the latest color trend and still have something to offer your other customers.
Chaos Gardens
Perfectly planned and planted gardens are on the way out. Even cities seem to be getting on board — I've noticed it in Seattle and Sarasota. Cities are persevering the canopies of trees along sidewalks and roads. Gardeners are beginning to let their gardens grow a little more wild.
Native plants are replacing cultivated and imported varieties. Trimming and pruning aren't out, but they're happening a little less. Reducing the pruning and trimming of nursery stock can help chaos gardeners get a head start.
Give some of these trends a space in your nursery and see how your customers react!
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
