PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN: What's in for 2007

One considerable challenge for growers is predicting several years ahead of time what the trends in the garden will be and how homeowners’ tastes may change in the near future. But there are a few trends we’re seeing that growers have been able to respond to overwhelmingly.

THE POWER OF PERENNIALS. The popularity of perennials continues to gather strength – and we’re seeing people move them from the borders of their gardens to containers, featuring them throughout their patio area and garden space. Historically, most containers were filled with annuals for easy, instant color. But now it seems that designers and homeowners are looking for innovative containers with more foliage textures and colors, dramatic shapes and cascading varieties for hanging planters. 
 
Echinacea (coneflowers) have taken on a new popularity recently. What were once just available in pink or lavender, Echinacea now come in bright pink, purple, yellow, orange, white, pale green and wine. There are also dwarf varieties available. Additionally, growers are breeding Echinacea for more fragrance, with some varieties having a sweet mango or raspberry scent.
 
A fabulous cranesbill introduced a few years ago called Rozanne has re-ignited the interest in geraniums with its showy blue flowers that in some parts of the country bloom virtually year-round. Heucheras (coralbells) and Heucherellas (hybrids of Heuchera and Tiarella) are perennials that are enjoying a renewed interest, as well. In recent years, growers have introduced varieties with leaf colors like bronze, marmalade, crimson, variegated, and bright yellow or lime with deep magenta crow’s feet designs. These plants love dappled shade and are ideal for brightening up shady spots in the garden or in a container on the patio. Because many of the Heuchera have dark red foliage, in a mass planting be careful not to create a black hole in a shady spot; mix the brights with the darker varieties.

MIGRATING PLANTS. Another trend we’re seeing is homeowners wanting to utilize the plants in their gardens for cut flowers, migrating the plants indoors. Yet they don’t want to be limited to the usual roses, tulips and daisies. Woody ornamentals last a long time in an arrangement and bring a great new look. Some varieties of Forsythia, for example, look lovely in an arrangement, as they were developed with quarter-sized flowers that grow all the way down the stem. The Fantasy™ series of Symphoricarpos (snowberry) has extra large and numerous berries that also last longer in a cut arrangement. Additionally, dramatic foliage looks impressive in an arrangement. Large variegated Canna leaves are stunning in a large vase – especially when placed in front of a light so the foliage becomes almost translucent.

MINIMALIST GARDENS. Gardens with a sleek, architectural prominence are definitely in demand. They tend to have a heavy emphasis on hardscapes of stone, wood and concrete with bold architectural plants incorporated. Water features, sculpture and containers are important in the minimalist garden; and plants, while fewer in numbers, are actually highlighted and add drama. As Asian gardens have always illustrated, we are more likely to notice a plant’s stunning attributes when it is not competing against scores of other plants for attention.
 
Growers are introducing new varieties that work in the minimalist garden like dwarf varieties that are well suited to containers, new types of shrubs and trees with a tidy habit and dramatic architectural plants that can be a focal point in the modern garden. Architectural plants tend to have large leaves, interesting foliage, a strong and distinctive shape and really make a bold statement in the landscape.
 
Trees in a minimalist garden tend to have a more upright habit, so they become a structural element. Their canopies are not too large, and there may be several in a row to create a hedge effect. The new Crimson Pointe™ Purple Leaf Plum is a columnar-shaped variety that stands out when a few are planted in an allée to draw the view toward a focal point.
 
Containers are a standard in the minimalist garden, often with just a single neat and tidy plant, like a topiary or a trimmed boxwood, or an upright plant chosen for its drama, such as Phormium, Yucca, Agave or Cordyline.
  
Phormium evergreens have clump-forming foliage and grow from 18 inches to 4 feet. They’re tough and happy in a range of conditions, from tropical to cool and full sun to light shade. There are many new varieties with a range of foliage color from reds and deep purples to golden greens.
 
We’re seeing a growing demand for Cordylines. These tropical-looking plants have sword-like leaves that can reach up to 3 feet. They make great specimens for the architectural look and do well in containers.  
 
Yuccas create a sleek, architectural look and are ideal in drought conditions. Their tough, sword-shaped leaves, topped by tall stalks of whitish flower clusters in the summer, make a striking silhouette. 
 
We’ve seen a significant increase in sales of Agaves in the past few years. They have large clumps of fleshy, strap-shaped leaves that range from twisty and curly to thick and spiky. There’s a new variety out this year called Spot – with shiny green leaves and dark purple spots. Another popular variety is the Octopus Agave vilmoriniana, aptly named for its light bluish green color and wide curling, twisting leaves that make it look like an octopus.
 
Topiary shapes are very eye-catching in the minimalist garden and are in high demand. The latest shapes feature special forms that combine traditional topiary shapes, such as squares with spirals and poodles and cones. We’ve seen the demand for espaliers increase as well. Espalier fruit trees like quince and ornamental pear look great against a stark, painted wall.
 
Shrubs that maintain a tidy appearance, such as dwarf Pittosporum or boxwood, are also suited to the modern garden.
 
The author is director of new plants, Monrovia Growers.