Ten Minute Gardening

The horticulture trades magazines are abuzz about the latest garden trend that is just beginning to emerge in the USA. It is the “GIY” trend! Grow It Yourself in other words. Apparently, this GIY Trend involves not just vegetables, but herbs, annuals, perennials and, houseplants. Yes, the seed companies are rubbing their hands together in eager anticipation of the fat profits they will glean from the increased sales this trend is going to generate. The supply companies (pots, soil mixes, fertilizers, grow lights etc) are likewise excited. Garden centres are re-thinking their sales mix and how best to cash in on this latest turn.

The reasons this trend is developing are listed as economic downturns (less disposable income available to spend on plants), high fuel prices, desire for organic foods, and an increasing wariness about the quality and safety of fresh produce available in grocery stores. Also cited is a concern for the amount of garbage being sent to landfills, so composting is about to become the norm rather than the exception.

The real good news that comes with this trend is it hopefully means the beginning of the end of the” I-want-it-now-I-want-it-big-and-I-want-it-done-for-me” attitude that has been prevalent for far too long. People will soon be tossing aside their cell phones, computers, IPods, TV’s in favour of getting outside, getting their hands and knees dirty and actually simplifying their lives. They will learn how to can and freeze their own produce, how to make jams and sauces and pickles, how to dry herbs. And, get lots of exercise and fresh air in the process. People will actually be gardening again!

For those of us that have always been GIY’ers (a.k.a. Real Gardeners), we can’t help but wonder what all the fuss is about. To us, there is nothing new about growing our own from seed and composting the waste generated from out hobby. Nor is there anything new about preserving the harvests from our own gardens.

We real gardeners are feeling a little smug right now because we’ve know all along about the benefits of growing our own. We are also a little relieved that fewer people will think we’re downright crazy (we probably are, but that’s beside the point). The GIY trend will give real gardeners more friends to share the hobby with, more seeds and plants to exchange, more tips and hints to share. We are likely to see the introduction of many new seed varieties too. It will be a great time for all!