Waukesha County Home

By Michael Timm Special to Waukesha County Home With the ever-changing times, there are a few trends that we see increasing in the industry. I'm going to briefly discuss the major trends in this initial article and then expound on them in the months to follow. There is just too much informa- tion to do each one justice otherwise. Tropical transplants Travel restrictions continue to deter many from venturing out as much. It just means we have to bring some aspects of our vacations/trips to us. Since most of us here in Wisconsin like to travel to warmer, more tropical loca- tions, it means bringing some of the trop- ics home. Meaning you can enjoy a touch of the tropics right where you live. So whether it is larger plants like palms, cannas or elephant ears or small- er border plants like caladiums or other annuals with a tropical flare, you can re- create the tropics right at home. Inside out, outside in The blending of the inside plant world with the outside, and vice versa, is also becoming popular. The days of house- plants only being inside the house, and bedding plants outside, is no longer the norm. There is a blending that is happen- ing these days with the creation of out- door rooms, balcony and patio garden- ing, and the increasing use of containers. Even during winter, people are bringing their outside plants inside the house to add color during the dreary cold days. Eat what you plant Growing your own food has been increasing for years, but now with infla- tion and supply chain issues, it is grow- ing exponentially. Even if you can find what you are looking for in the grocery store, are you willing to pay the inflated cost? I myself refuse to pay $4/pound for green peppers. I will grow my own to use fresh and freeze some for use in the off season. Small space, no problem Balcony, patio, porc, and deck gardening is also on the rise. As people move into condos and apartments, they are C O N T E N T S NARI Milwaukee hosts 60th annual Spring Home Show COVID heightens awareness of stale indoor air How to choose the perfect front door for your home A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • February 2022 Gardening trends for 2022 See 2022 TRENDS/Page 2 Growing your own food and tropical plantings are seen as being big this year Photo by Michael Timm Red New Guinea impatiens add color to this border planting that includes edible basil in back, a beaver planter with succu- lents (kitten ears) that came from in the house and pink pen- tas. The planting shows how a gardener can brighten any little spot while serving multiple purposes.

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