Trends Are Changing the Way Melbourne Thinks About Plants
Trends and fashions come and go, and in the gardening world it's no different. Every year, there are new fashionable ideas that come and go with the tide. They might get mentions on gardening shows and festivals. They might get featured in gardening magazines or on a reality show. It can be tough to keep up with the different trends that seem to dominate the gardening landscape. One benefit of having these trends is that they bring new light to some of the plants that Melbourne chooses to use in their gardens.
Native Plants
At once, it was popular to say that a home had a native garden. This was code for "having a weed patch that's been unmaintained for years". It wasn't seen as a desirable garden to have natives as part of the landscape. A decade ago, they were old, uncreative, and not pleasant. Now, natives have become trendy and fashionable. They are relevant to the Melbourne landscape, because they can handle the climate that Melbourne suffers from. They are drought-resistant and can retain water until the next rain comes. They also don't require much attention or care as compared to other exotic plants. Natives grow exceptionally well, and with some forethought and planning, a native garden can be stunning and really inspire a patriotic feel.
Water Plants
As trends grow to having entire water features as part of the backyard landscaping, water plants are making a comeback as being a plant of choice. There are ponds and waterfalls, creeks and still reflecting pools being installed in Melbourne gardens all over the city. As part of that design, water plants add a touch of reality to the look. Reeds and marsh grasses add to the whole wetland feel. Lily pads and water blooms also help transform the look of a pool from a concrete base to a more natural feel and look.
Edible Plants
The choice to harvest plants is being seen more than just a trendy option for gardens. They are also now a way to be sustainable and environmentally friendly with a garden choice. The garden can produce fresh foods for the family to enjoy. They are organic, locally produced, healthy, and fun to cultivate. It's now almost essential to have raised garden beds providing a good source of winter vegetables, pumpkins, berries, and passionfruit vines.
Vines, Creepers and Drooping Plants
As a way to maximise every space, plants melbourne are being planted in vertical gardens on walls, along fences or suspended from chains. The plant can drop down or creep up. It's a good way to use up space if a home doesn't have an extensive garden bed or the room to create one. These vertical plants make good use of a small space. They also conceal walls and fences for a lusher feel.
It's through these passing trends that Melbourne has come to think differently of plants and their purposes. It will be interesting to see what trends come next and they affect future plants.