Eight trends that will define the gardening industry in 2022

Garden Media Group has published its Garden Trends Report annually since 2001. The firm offers information about trends in various formats, including the annual report and a YouTube series. How accurate are they? Find out by accessing some of their past reports.

The 2022 Garden Trends Report, "From Crisis to Innovation," outlines the shift that has occurred in the green industry and beyond. It goes past 'The Great Reset' of 2021 and guides the industry through the customer mindset to better fit grower products and services into this post-pandemic lifestyle.

"We're done holding our breath in anticipation of what will happen to green businesses," says Katie Dubow, President of Garden Media. "Our industry has grown exponentially; now is the time to make big moves to keep these new customers. The 2022 trends show a bright future for growers."

Here are the eight trends that will shape the future, according to Garden Media Group (check out the slideshow above for a closer look, and learn how you can take advantage of each trend).

Creator Class

In 2022, innovators will maintain the economic recovery. These leaders, called the Creator Class, are leaving steady jobs for passion projects.

Growers can work with this group by inviting them to collaborate on new plants or products and share their social reach.

Shoppertainment

The quick change to virtual demanded adjustment from everyone. Every sector pivoted, including social media. Shoppertainment allows companies to sell online via social media platforms and reach new audiences.

Growers can drive product interest with virtual events, online educational classes, and product showcases to inspire and empower customers.

Zoning Board

Home improvement projects show no sign of slowing down. Home zoning is the latest idea - creating unique spaces pertaining to each need of work and play.

To immediately react to this trend, you can position plants and products via tags and marketing to suit each new zone.

Bridging the Gap

The 18.3 million new gardeners gained during the pandemic need access to basic knowledge, easy-to-grow plants, and customizable products. By bridging the gap of products for beginners, growers and green industry leaders will guide new customers to success.

Be sure quality is top of mind with your new customers, and don't overwhelm them with too many choices.

Living Television

Many discovered - or rediscovered - birding, and it continues to grow. Sales of feeders and feed are projected to hit $2.2 billion in 2021. If you don't already have collections that support the birds, create them.

Add bird-friendly language to tags, create plant lists, merchandising, or online guides to support and engage this group.

On-Demand Flowers

Flowers are the new hugs. In times where hugging and personal connections are limited, people show their appreciation by giving flowers.

To capitalize on the cut flower trend, promote the trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals you grow that work for cut flower gardens. Offer recipe cards for flower-arranging basics.

Wild Curation

New research shows that one in five of the world's plants - 4,400 in the U.S. - are at risk of extinction. Growers are key in helping these plants thrive. Both rare-plant nerds and houseplant tenders flexing on social media are next to bring into the conservation fold. The conservation movement can tempt these gardeners.

Those with flexibility and space should start growing a number of endangered species. Create a collection of not just native plants, but those at risk of extinction.

In Living Color

The most anticipated trend each year is the hue that's catching the consumer's eye. This year the color is clover, representing the first sign of spring, renewal, and rebirth.

Use the trending clover color in design elements; work shades of it into new collections, marketing collateral, and display signage.

Source and Photo Courtesy of Greenhouse Grower

Source: Greenhouse Grower