A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Muhammed Akil works as executive director of the Parent Coalition for Excellent Education located in Newark, New Jersey. When not in the office, Muhammed Akil enjoys spending time working in his garden.
Gardening continues to evolve, allowing gardeners to tend to their plants throughout most of the year, whether these plants provide food or merely decoration. According to Garden Trend magazine, there are several current trends expected to continue in the gardening world in 2017, including the following:
* Increasing usage of natural materials. The use of natural materials is making a resurgence after years of minimalist design focused on a clean and modern feel. Designers are finding that clients are desiring more old-fashioned and authentic looks for their spaces.
* Planting dwarf shrubs. Since American yards tend to shrink as house sizes increase, homeowners have less space for plants. Families also want gardens that have little daily maintenance, and dwarf shrubs fit the bill. Shrubs in general require little if any maintenance, and dwarf varieties, such as hydrangeas, are ideal for these smaller gardens.
* Using smart technology. Smart phones can use apps to view weather data and determine proper water application for irrigation systems for those with larger gardens. Certain irrigation systems can also be programmed and monitored directly from phones. Gardeners can also receive text alerts if there’s a leak in the system.