Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides), Black Raven ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), variegated monsteras (Monstera deliciosa), string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii), rubber trees (Ficus elastica) in every size and color— so many succulent varieties they almost didn’t look like real plants — and my personal favorite, jungle cacti have inundated my Instagram account.
Environment friendly lawns may become a thing. According to a recent NGB survey, 67{911ea05452e114f1778c76ca86733b6032c246f8f651bb1f01d12abf04b54efb} of respondents 35 and under shared that, while they want some green lawn, they also desire the rest of their yard planted with a wide variety of other plants.
Gardeners are warming up to the idea that the lawn could feed bees and other pollinators. University of Minnesota’s bee lawn program recommends planting seed like clover, self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) and creeping thyme. Thyme’s small, lipped flowers attract bees and butterflies. It is a favorite of bumblebees. Scientists hypothesize that antibacterial and antifungal compounds produced by the plant may have some benefit for bees’ health. Creeping thyme is recommended by the University of Minnesota in establishing a bee-friendly lawn because of its low, sprawling habit and prolific flowering.
Trendy trellises are an excellent way to create a vertical space and these new gardeners will be interested in creating an outdoor space. From growing vines like red cardinal flowers (Ipomoea sloteri) and orange black eyed Susan vines (Thunbergia alata) to making purple and green sweet potato vines (Ipomoea batatas) towers out of homemade tomato trellises.
Allsup is the University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.
