Roses (Courtesy of Canada Blooms)

Chemicals are out; creative small space gardening is in
 
 
1. Environmental: Water conservation—use of mulch, water barrels, seeping/weeping hoses etc.
 
2. Native plants: Use of native plants in the landscape to
       -- reduce the use of water
       -- reduce maintenance (fewer bugs and diseases)
       -- enhance local insect/bird life
       -- increase natural biodiversity cycles
 
3. Gardening in the absence of chemicals: With some provinces and many municipalities severely limiting the use of chemicals for residential gardens, what are the alternatives?  There are many 'off the shelf' low or non toxic solutions plus many gardening techniques and home-grown remedies that are also safe for use around children and pets.
 
4. Gardening in containers: Canadians are 'pushing the envelope' by mixing annuals and perennials together in containers, often adding vegetables and herbs for both a practical and decorative touch.

5. Small space gardening: Increased demand for condominiums in urban spaces and new homes that are built on smaller lots has caused a rise in the demand for creative 'small space' garden design and yard plans which serve multiple uses.
 
6. Dwarf/slow growing plants: Evergreens, shrubs, and trees.

7. Colour: Demand for annuals and perennials that produce a reliable abundance of colour for the longest possible length of time is on a steep rise.

8. Garden tools that work:  Ergonomics and the environment factor large in the search for tools that make gardening chores easy and resourceful. See the new Mark's Choice/Spear and Jackson stainless steel digging tools.
 
9. Economical approach: Grow your own annuals and vegetables from seed.
 
10. Invest in your own outdoor 'retreat':  Spend hard earned cash to improve your yard and garden rather than booking costly travel vacations or purchasing a vacation property.

Mark Cullen is a best-selling author and one of Canada’s most prolific garden writers. His radio and television programs and appearances reach millions of Canadians each week and he attends or participates in gardening events across the country. Mark appears weekly on CTV's Canada AM. He will be a special guest at Canada Blooms, the country’s largest flower and garden festival, which runs from March 17-21 at the Direct Energy Centre, Toronto.  The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor.