5 gardening trends for 2014

Just like every year before, 2014 brings with it a new series of trends across the cultural globe. We'll inevitably see both major and minor changes in everything from fashion to music to, yes, even gardening. And to get both you (the readers) and myself ready for what's to come, I've looked into the trends we can expect to see in the ensuing 12 months. The Telegraph wrote about 10 that should be making their way through gardens, though I've chosen to focus only on the five I think will make the most impact.

But before we get there, it's important to make sure that you have the right tools for the job. Those include the flowers and seeds themselves, mulch, and any fertilizer you may use along with the bigger items like hoes, shovels, and trimmers. When it comes to trimmers (and edgers, too), My Smart Buy hosts handy how-to video guides to ensure that you know exactly how you should go about using this type of equipment. This is particularly crucial to know when utilizing these potentially more dangerous items, so be sure to do your research before powering one of them up. Also, to help with knowing which one to potentially purchase, you'll find some user-created reviews on there, too.

Now, on with the gardening trends for 2014!

The so-called "in" flower

If you're looking to follow the lead of what's to be "hot" this year for flowers, you'll want to have at least some Flanders Field poppies in your garden. As you may know, this coming July commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the First World War. Apparently the wildflower trend created last year will continue into 2014, too, which means you'd be wise to continue planting them. These include begonias and ragged robins.

Superfoods?

According to the NHS, nutritionists don't like using this term, which essentially refers to items that should be part of a balanced diet. These include garlic, broccoli, blueberries, and one you could easily grow in your garden: kale. This increasingly popular leafy green vegetable is particularly great because it tolerates colder temperatures, though you shouldn't plant it until May or June. Kale is, as you may have guessed, great for you.

A focus on enjoyment

One big push to be made this year is a campaign to get more people gardening as part of a leisure activity. The aforementioned Telegraph article states that Horticultural Trades Association wants more people aged 30 to 45 embracing their plots in a more laid-back fashion. The emphasis will not be on growing but rather the pleasure of having a garden bursting with colours and, perhaps, veggies to enjoy.

New products

Expect even more oddball statues and similarly shaped items to pop up in the market alongside kits that will make gardening even simpler than before. There's been a reported and marked increase in the popularity of Miracle Gro products and others of their ilk. Perhaps it's just the fact that more people are taking on this pastime than ever. Last year, the Royal Horticulture Society, for example, saw a 30 percent rise in community involvement.

When will it all start?

One of the biggest, albeit unrecognized, trends is the timing of when people will begin going back to their gardens. I have already started looking over my own plot as I anxiously wait for all of my flowers and plants to bloom in the coming months. But typically speaking, the majority of folks get into the gardener spirit on or following the Easter holiday. This year it will take place a bit later than in 2013—21 April 2014 to be exact—so expect to see more action by the third week of April.