Decorating Diva: Digging up the hottest garden trends

What’s more fun and fulfilling than growing your own food? Not much, we say, so get growing this summer as a way to embrace a tasty garden trend. “Today, homesteading practices can be found in rural communities as well as the big cities,” says Haas. “It’s now super trendy to raise chickens on your city balcony and to grow more fruits and vegetables for canning in small-space raised beds.” Carve out a section of garden for vegetables, herbs and greens, or use containers if you’re short on space.

Gardening isn’t just for grown-ups. Getting kids digging in the dirt is becoming more and more popular. “Teaching the next generation how to grow just got a whole lot easier with the many different kid-friendly gardening products on the market,” says Haas. From mini wheelbarrows and rakes to window garden kits, there are ample opportunities to get kids in the garden. “Start your own ‘farm’ in containers or wildlife garden in your backyard with your toddlers as a way to start them off early connecting with nature.”

Going green (plant-wise, that is) everywhere isn’t just the trend for outdoors. This summer, bring some plant life inside if your space is short on greenery. “Houseplants make it possible to create a healthy environment in any room indoors,” Haas explains. She stresses that there is a houseplant for those of us with a brown thumb as well as the experienced grower. “Houseplants not only make indoor spaces more attractive, they also help to purify the air.” Some easy-care houseplant options include Norfolk Island pine, Chinese evergreen (even in low-light spots), English ivy and spider plant.

Gardening has gone mini this year. “Miniature gardening is a hot new trend that everyone seems to be enjoying this season,” Haas tells us. Create the garden of your dreams in a mini version as a way to get creative — even when you’re ultra-short on space, she explains. “Shrubs, veggies and blooms are just a few of the greens you can find in miniature varieties, allowing you to grow miniature gardens just about anywhere.” Create two or three varying designs to brighten up your balcony or porch, or if you get enough light inside, add a mini arrangement to a mantel or countertop.