So it’s finally 2013 and we’ve all survived the Mayan calendar.  As with fashion, some garden trends come and go as quickly as the seasons, but many continue for years until something else replaces it.  Last year brought us into a new dawn of gardening inspiration, where we garden because me must, not because we can.  Urban gardening for plants and food has become a huge part of the industry and because of this, many techniques such as vertical gardening and drip irrigation have become essential for a garden with limited space and resources.  Going into 2013 many of these same trends have continued to grow and evolve, but according to the experts there will be many new trends to watch for in the coming year.  I have rounded up some of the most important trends to follow in 2013.

-Practical Gardening Focuses on Organic Food AND Eco-Friendliness

The trends of the world effect every aspect of life and gardening is no different.  Over the last few years going green and eating organic have become increasingly popular.  First of all, it doesn’t take a genius to see that with the economy in the dumps people are looking for inexpensive ways to eat healthy.  What better way to eat healthy and inexpensive than to buy a $3 pack of seeds and harvest a years worth of vegetables.  Also, with the economy, many people are unable to live in homes with large yards allowing for huge gardens.  Many gardeners are looking to use their limited space wisely and plant flowering herbs, or beautiful fruit bearing shrubs to accommodate the need for both organic food AND a beautiful space.  Other eco-friendly design elements include increased use of native plants to eliminate water waste and pesticide use.  When buying seeds for your vegetable or herb garden remember to purchase organic heirloom seeds.  These seeds have not been genetically altered and will not contain any pesticides or chemicals allowing for a superb crop and the ability to reuse the seeds repeatedly. These trends are often common sense but nonetheless are seeing increased popularity.  Perhaps common sense and awareness are increasing as well?

Read also: Eco-Friendly Tips For Gardening

-Seeking Happiness Through Gardening

Everyone seeks happiness in their own way, but the past couple years, gardening has seen an increased interest due to the great feeling of accomplishment and happiness it brings.  Plants are a source of good food, cleaner air, and healthy medicinal herbs.  But with the recent outbreaks of eColi and Salmonella across the nation, how can we trust the food we buy from stores?  Why not grow it ourselves?  Urban gardening has hit an all time high for this reason.  You can always can what you grow and give your delectables as gifts; further extending your happiness to others.

Read also: 5 Great Canning Websites

-Adding Something a Little Extra

So with the trends of 2013, we are also seeing an increase in garden accessories that either create a great ambiance or attract wonderful wildlife.  After all, not only does your garden need to be functional, it should also be beautiful.  With the growing popularity in alternate energy, everything solar or wind powered is in right so this year you could choose to add a solar birdbath that erupts a gentle aerating fountain.  These fountains are completely powered by the sun and offer a great place for birds to congregate.  If you want to add something that is more for you, then I suggest adding a colorful hammock.  After all, a day working in the garden can be tiring, so enjoying the hammock could be perfect.  Not to mention hammocks look great and are extremely versatile.

Find hammocks and solar powered garden decor at SerenityHealth.com