Plant & Landscape Trends for 2009

Yes, it is time to start looking ahead to next year. Below are some of the planting trends that you will see in 2009.
1. Big, Bold Flowers. The small, dainty flowers will be replaced with large bold flowers for a greater visual impact. Some examples are Gazania, Osteospermum, Arctotis, Geraniums, Impatiens and of course our favorite - Hibiscus.
2. Bright, vibrant colors. What better way to make an impact in your yard then with vibrant flowers. Again, you can plant Geraniums, New Guinea Impatiens, Hibiscus, Vinca, Lantana, and Petunia. In Arizona the Lantana is seen all over the landscape and the colors are brighter then ever this year.
3. Architectural plants, pots & accessories. The use of high-end containers and combination planters are very hot! You can plant your cacti, succulents, palms, orchids in these planters. Dress your entrance way with a large pot or several varied layers of pots for a dramatic effect. This is also popular indoors.
4. Vertical Gardening - Use window boxes, tiered pots, hills or mounds around the edges for depth in your yard. Move the plants to a more visible level and bring impact in the garden. Add trailing plants like ivy or other vines like Cats Claw, Snail Vine, etc for a more tropical look.
5. Outdoor rooms - Of course this is the hottest trend. Expand your living space to your yard. What a better place to do this then in Arizona. You can add hard-scapes such as a built in BBQ, Custom fire pit or custom fireplace, and misting systems around your patio or mistscape around your pool. The ideas are endless. Check out these pictures of Built-in BBQ and custom fire pits.