Millennials have a knack for taking what’s old and making it new again: Vinyl. Polaroids. Even a preference for stick shift cars.
Further, they care about living holistic, socially-responsible lives, which is why they are the most environmentally-conscious generation when it comes to their shopping choices.
For these reasons, it might come as no surprise that gardening is making a comeback among this generation. Per the 2016 National Gardening Survey, last year, 6 million people took up gardening, and 5 million of those gardeners were Millennials. But their green thumbs don’t stop at just growing produce.
Here are some ways Millennials are putting their own twist on gardening:
Growing Herbs
Growing their own herbs is a way Millennials are adding some flavor to the dishes they are learning to cook. Whether in a backyard garden, on a fire escape, or going vertical, herb plants are a simple, low maintenance way to save money and add decoration around a house, apartment, or backyard.
Plus, fresh herbs just taste better. According to Timisha Porcher of Toolbox Divas: “It’s a whole new cooking experience. The flavors are more vibrant, and you don’t have to worry about extra herbs from the store going to waste – you can cut off just what you need.”
Getting Creative with Space
Urban farming is on the rise as millennials look to grow large amounts of food in small spaces.
Millennials are moving their gardens indoors, onto balconies, in window boxes and generally getting creative with the space they have—and to good results.
“Vertical gardening, in particular, is a huge space saver,” writes Jen Woodhouse of House of Woods. “And it’s easy – perfect for beginners. It allows you to start small with easy-to-care-for plants, then you can slowly graduate to more high-maintenance plants.”
Arranging “Veggimentals”
Millennials have begun mixing vegetables in with ornamental flowers to create half-edible, half-aesthetic arrangements we now know as veggimentals. Commonly, veggimentals are planted in window boxes, starting from either seeds or transplants, and can function as decorative window pieces or accessible snacks.
Caring for Succulents and Airplants
Succulents and airplants have become a popular choice for many Millennials because they are able to thrive with little water. With a number shapes, sizes, textures, and colors, succulent arrangements are a great way for anyone to get creative and express their individuality.
Planting for Pollinators
Bees are in. Millennials have taken up the torch to save bees in the face of a global pollinator crisis. Whether purposeful or not, a residual effect of planting flowers and herbs is attracting pollinators.
Planting bright colored flowers is one simple way millennials are creating vibrant backyard spaces while simultaneously attracting bees – bees are especially fond of blue, white, yellow, purple, and violet blooms.
These are just some of the ways young people are experimenting with gardening in and around their homes. For Millennials and people of any generation, it just takes a little creativity and the right supplies to make gardening your own.
