Climate of change ahead for gardening

The Associated Press


So what are the prospects for gardening in the year 2020 and beyond? Some responses from the long-term thinkers:


Mark Smallwood, executive director, Rodale Institute, Maxatawny Township: "Organic gardening won't be simply a niche market. It's a $31 billion industry now and growing in double digits every year.



Jose Smith, chief executive officer, Costa Farms, Miami: "We're trying hard to bring more color to houseplants. Green is not a color. We're also trying to create plants so they're more of a lifestyle; a living home decor."


Greg Ina, vice president, The Davey Institute, Kent, Ohio: "We're working to quantify the benefits of trees. People are beginning to go beyond the anecdotal understanding that trees are good; beyond beautification to natural functions like pollution and wellness.

"Another big scientific topic is resiliency. Improving early detection. Dealing with the invasion of exotic pests. Building resistance to climate change. That impacts what we plant and where we plant trees."


Anthony Tesselaar, president and co-founder, Anthony Tesselaar Plants, Silvan, Australia: "The gardening industry has been looking at plant size and multi-use aspects with increasing urbanization, and also such factors as increased disease resistance to reduce the needs for pesticides and other chemicals in a closed urban environment.

"Dwarf and clump plants are being developed for smaller-space gardening. There is also work on establishing more fastigiated (slender) trees and shrubs."


George Ball, chairman and chief executive officer, W. Atlee Burpee & Co., Warminster, Bucks County: "All roads lead to the garden. Almost everybody is into gardening and vegetable gardening is the focus. Flowers are almost on the sidelines.

"Gardening feeds spinoff hobbies like cooking. People who grow things tend to become amateur cooks. If you cook at home, look at how much money you save.

"Gardening also impacts health. If you go to any clinic and talk to any dietitian, the effects of vegetables are obvious. Choosing a diet high in vegetables makes you a lot healthier."

"Parents of newborns are increasingly shying away from processed foods and are forcing companies such as Burpee to research high-yielding, relatively bland-tasting - still retaining all nutritious elements - soft-fruited elements.

"More than just an accent, herbs will soon occupy a more prominent role in American home-cooked cuisine, with far more flavorful leaves."