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It's February and many of us are already getting excited to get back into our gardens. Along with this comes the anticipation of any new gardening trends on the horizon. Gardening changes just like everything else and most want to keep up with what's new and changing. First, we are excited to see some new, young faces in gardening. Generation X was not as interested in gardening but what we are seeing in millennials is different — they are actually excited about it. A recent garden survey by Ian Baldwin, a garden industry analyst, states that 18-34- year-olds comprise 29 percent of all garden- ing households now. This generation is growing up with declining bees, genetically engineered food and fears of climate change. This has inspired them to make a difference by improving the environment around them and growing more of their own food. They are also looking for low-stress places to get away from the 24/7 pace of life these days, and many are choosing the out- doors. I say, welcome! As good gardening stewards we are all concerned about the environment. This trend has been growing for some years now. People are specifically searching out plants that not only look nice but also serve a purpose. Pollinator, native and sustain- able low-maintenance plants and gardens are becoming very popular. Not only are we seeing a change in plants, but we are seeing a change in the use of more eco-friendly mulches. We are seeing a change from the typical shredded bark mulch to a blended compost-bark mulch or even just straight compost. These new mulches are better for building up our soils, the lifeblood of a healthy environ- ment. Robotic bees in the future? As with everything else, technology is also gaining ground, from smartphone apps that help you identify plants to robot- ics. "Robogardening" is an increasing trend, especially with new and younger gardeners. Robotic lawn mowers have been around a few years now but now there is even a robot, created by Franklin Robotics called Tertill, which can also weed your garden. It is programmed to distinguish between desired plants and weeds and will actually weed the garden for you. Another plus: It is solar-powered. Researchers are also working on robotic bees to help with plant pollination. They are even working on plants that glow, with the idea that someday glowing trees will replace street lights. Landscape designers are even using drones now to aid in creat- ing landscape plans. Change is coming! People are also concerned about the food they eat. With all the genetically engi- neered food out there, people are choosing to grow more of their own. The use of chemical controls is also pushing people in this direction. The traditional in-ground garden has somewhat gone out of favor these days mainly because of increased maintenance and concerns over soil destruction and depletion. But raised beds and container gardens are quickly taking the lead. They offer less maintenance and don't destroy or deplete our existing soils. You may also see bolder and spicier veg- etable selections at your local garden cen- ter as food trends are still going in this direction. Also the diversity of plant options, from artichokes to zucchini, is on the increase because people want to grow as much of their own as they can. This is just a peek at some of the popular trends, and as you can see, the world of gar- dening is changing. I can't wait to see what 2020 brings. Happy gardening! (Michael Timm is a horticulturalist with Ebert's Greenhouse Village in Ixonia.) FEBRUARY 2019 HOME 7 MICHAEL TIMM 2019 gardening trends: from millenials to 'robogardening' Photo courtesy of Michael Timm Gardens are good for the birds and apparently millennials. Garden shops are seeing more mil- lennials interested in gardening compared with their Generation X brethren. Photo courtesy of Michael Timm Baptisia, commonly known as blue false indi- go, and daisies benefit from pollinators. As bee populations face continued decline, robotic bees are a possible future alternative. Desire for healthier environment driving many changes, including the state of mulch

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