P.E.I.'s top 7 garden trends for 2017

Planting a red and white flower scheme for Canada's 150th birthday? You're not alone.

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Some P.E.I. garden centres shared this and other top sellers so far this season.

1. Red and white

"Red and white is going to be a huge trend in all different markets for this year's celebrations!" shared Jennifer Vriends at John's Greenhouses of the enthusiasm for planting red and white flowers in celebration of Canada's 150 year birthday.

In a world that has shorter attention spans and is more visually stimulated than ever, the gardeners of decades ago are a dying breed. Peter Meijer, VanKampen's

Red and white flowering annuals have always been a go-to for home gardeners, she said, but this year Islanders will see an abundance of not just in home gardens but also businesses and municipalities.

Many growers are already sold out of some red and white plants, she said.

2. Veggies are still hot

Last yearvegetables were red hot, as young people began flocking to garden centres and seed stores with the goal of growing more of their own food, and the trend has not waned for 2017, retailers share.

"I see how little people spend on their seed for a whole season compared to what they would spend at the grocery store and not to mention the quality of freshness and convenience these are a lot of the reasons I'm hearing why people are trending to a home garden," said Heidi Wood, a horticulturalist at Veseys Seeds in York, P.E.I.

Fruit-growing is also gaining popularity, says Peter Meijerat VanKampen's Greenhouses in Charlottetown.

"People want more and more types of perennial fruits/berries every year. High bush blueberries have been selling very quickly," he said, as have Honeycrispapple trees.

3. Raised beds

More people are opting to grow veggies in raised beds that look tidy and keep weeds contained, says Heidi Wood.

The bed frame can be as simple as two-by-fours on top of the groundorpatio retaining wall blocks. It's also a great way to repurposeused wood.

"This is definitely a great way to keep your garden organic as well. There have become more and more varieties of organic seed available as well for anyone who chooses to use," Wood said.

4. 'Instantgratification'

Fewer people are starting gardens from seed themselves or even creating their own containers they want them pre-made.

"Many people that come in the doors are looking for a 'plug and play'option," says Meijer.

Not only has VanKampen'splanted morehanging baskets, flower bowls anddeck boxes, they also have lush planters of lettuce you can take home and grow all summer.

"In a world that has shorter attention spans and is more visually stimulated than ever, the gardeners of decades ago are a dying breed," Meijer said.

5. Planting small spaces

Just have a front step or a tiny deck? No problem.

Suppliers have responded to this ongoing trend with more choices of compact, reblooming shrubsthis year.

"Instead of an eight-foottall lilac next to the house you can now plant a five-foottall lilac right in front of the house, andit will bloom for twice as long!" said Meijer.

Lots of varieties are now bred specifically for container gardening, shared Wood.

You might alsotry growing a "living wall" inside or outdoors this makes the most of space and looks beautiful. You can even growvegetables!

The City of Charlottetown is offering a free workshop Saturday on gardening in small spaceswith a demonstration by Shaman Ferraro who sells living wall kits through Atlantic Green Contractors and green roof systems. He'll show customers how to use Minigardenkits ($35 and up)in different sizes for vegetables or houseplants.

The vertical kits offer "all the benefits of gardening, without the number one complaint bending over," said Ferraro, who notes there's no weeding involved either.

Besides selling the kits directly and through some garden centres including Jewell's Country Market in Marshfield, P.E.I., and has recently installed a large wall in the greenhouse at Charlottetown Rural High School.

Workshop participants can also learn more about growing veggies in containers as they lend a landplanting vegetable planters by City Diamond, a ball field off BrightonRoad.

6. Birds and bees

Plants like bee balm are very popular as people become increasingly aware of the environmentalneeds of bees and birds, who aid pollination.

Bee houses are also a popular garden addition, said Wood.

It's another reason gardeners are snapping up new flower and shrub varieties thatrebloom, like the Bloomerang lilac.

7. Lavender

VanKampen's ordered more than 50 Lavender topiaries a lavender plant grown as a small tree form this springwhich immediately sold out and are proving difficult to restock due to popularity.

The plants were featured in several gardening magazines this spring, Meijer said, adding to their cachet.

"They can be enjoyed outdoors then brought indoors as weather cools" notesMeijier, and are compact so are also popular for small spaces.

He notes lavender is also believed to have mosquito repellent properties. Another choice is to plant Munstead lavender, a perennial that can grow in P.E.I.'s climate.

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