Gardening has been around forever, as it has become a timeless pastime for generations. Recently, there has been a surge in popularity amongst Gen Z for multiple reasons. Gardening is a combination of a new self-care tactic, an expression of identity, sustainability, healthy eating, and belonging to a community. But how do all these reasons come together and ignite the boom in garden culture?
Gardening is so much more than just planting pretty flowers, and recently, it has become more than just a relaxing activity for Gen Z. As Gen Z has grown a larger interest in gardening, new micro-trends begin to surface, along with new ways of self-help. As with many other trends, gardening is full of micro-trends that allow many different people to find joy in the hobby.
But what is garden culture exactly? Garden culture comes from the community, values, aesthetics, habits, and overall vibes. It’s how gardening brings people together, like sharing traditions or exchanging tips and tricks. Additionally, farmers’ markets and festivals continue to bring people together from all over. Gardening truly is an experience for everyone!
The micro-trends found in garden culture
There are so many micro-trends found in garden culture that there is something for everyone. Maybe you’re doing it to eat healthier, since growing your own fruits and vegetables is better than buying at the supermarket. Additionally, gardening is a relaxing way to destress at the end of the day. So, there’s a new form of self-care for you to try.
Other micro-trends include snack gardens, which are exactly like they sound. Green drenching is also popular; think maximalist but with plants. Lastly, climbing poles that are made from food waste, like potato skins. Of course, as with everything, new trends keep emerging, and part of that reason is because of Gen Z and TikTok.
Of course, there are a lot of other micro-trends in gardening. However, I want to focus on the major micro-trends, such as identity, self-care, sustainability, and community, that come together to form garden culture as a whole. I will say that no matter how you garden, you are a part of garden culture and the community that comes with it. So, how do identity and gardening relate to each other?
Gardening as an expression of identity
To Gen Z, identity and self-expression are everything. From clothes, hair, jewelry, hobbies, music, and so many other things, Gen Z loves being themselves. Lucky for them, gardening is another form of self-expression. But how is that?
One way gardening can be a form of expression or personality is by the types of plants people get. For example, I love orchids, which correlate to sophistication, romantic depth, as well as strength. By collecting orchids, I’m telling people that I love more elegant and sophisticated things, and that I love deeply without actually telling them.
Gardening as a whole reflects a person’s identity not just through the plants they pick. It can be shown through the way they set up their garden aesthetics, their habits with gardening, their patience level, as well as their values. So, looking deeper, how do all of these things show off a person’s identity?
Looking deeper
Let’s start with the garden aesthetics. Some people might go for a more minimalistic garden, meaning they value the calmer things in life that just happen to be simpler. A more maximalist garden would look like colorful flowers all over the place, highlighting this person’s cheerful and outgoing personality. Even a good mix between the two could culminate in an herb garden. This would look like a calm, simple garden but with many different colors of vegetables and herbs.
Patience is another important aspect. Gardening tells you that that person is patient, especially since it takes time for plants to grow. Additionally, it shows that a gardener understands how gardens require structure, but you never know how nature will be. I think that translates to life very well; you may have a well-structured “garden,” but you’ll never know how life will hit you. It’s amazing how you can find little life lessons in the simplest things.
Lastly, gardening lets you see a person’s values. If someone is growing things for sustainability, they value responsibility. Or if someone grows low-maintenance plants, they are more practical and efficient, whereas someone with high-maintenance plants shows that they are more passionate and devoted. It may not seem like it, but the way you garden says a lot about your identity. Identity, as we know, is very important to Gen Z!
Is gardening self-care? Sign me up!
How can gardening relate to self-care? Additionally, how can it relate to the self-care routines many Gen Z already use? Personally, when I think of self-care, I think of a skincare routine combined with treating myself to a shopping trip. Of course, there are other ways of self-care as well. Turns out, gardening is one of them.
The first way gardening is a self-care tactic is through its relaxing process. Gardening provides a peaceful afternoon in the sun, allowing you to destress after a hard day at work, school, or whatever you have going on in your life. Additionally, this hobby will turn you into a pretty habitual person, so you don’t have to think while you do it. You can also incorporate your new hobby into traditional self-care; certain plants like aloe vera can be used for traditional self-care.
Another important aspect is that you will feel a sense of accomplishment. You are caring for a living thing, which can be considered a disguise for self-care. You receive feedback from the plant when it grows and bears fruit or vegetables. It is a small responsibility that gives you a sense of purpose; you are nurturing a living thing. What’s more relaxing than that? This makes it perfect for Gen Z, especially those who are looking to work their way up to owning a pet.
The best self-care: food
Among the other topics I just covered, gardening serves the purpose of providing healthier food options. And from what I’ve seen on TikTok, Gen Z is all about trying to form healthy eating habits. Gotta get ready for summer! And one way to do that is through food. I mean, just on a surface level, it is easy to see that gardening will provide you with food that is both nutritious and delicious. From fruits to vegetables, to herbs and even edible flowers, you can grow your own produce section!
Most of the food that comes from grocery stores is not as nutritious as you may think. Because they have to be able to withstand traveling, the nutrients are not what they are if you were to grow them yourselves. The fruit at grocery stores is also covered in chemicals and pesticides to keep it good for travel and bug-safe.
Lastly, you can have more of a variety of produce with a home-grown garden compared to the produce section. Which means healthier snacks, more nutrients, more fiber, and an opportunity to make more homemade meals. In the end, you are going to end up valuing your food more, eating healthier, and feeling more energized in your day-to-day life.
Gardening = sustainability
If you weren’t convinced to start a garden with everything I’ve already covered, let me turn your attention to sustainability. Just think, if properly taken care of, your garden could last you well into the future. Think of all the money you will save! Additionally, your garden will be teeming with wildlife and critters that will support your garden and help it last!
I’ve already covered how growing your own food is better than store-bought, but that’s not the only aspect that makes a garden sustainable. Think about the soil you use. The healthier your soil is, the more you can do with it. For example, you can use it for composting and mulching. This way, your soil will be fertile for years to come.
Now, if you’re into bugs, this next part is for you! The more flowers and seeds you plant, the more wildlife you’ll attract. Birds, butterflies, and bees are sure to pay you many visits, which is perfect for your plants and the ecosystem. The bees will pollinate your flowers and gather nectar, which will support their habitats and species. Additionally, the beetles and earthworms found in the dirt are a good sign for your soil. If you have worms, you have healthy, self-sustaining soil!
How does it all come together?
Now that we have covered a few of the micro-trends associated with garden culture, how do they all come together to create garden culture? The last aspect I have to cover is community. I briefly touched on community in the beginning, but I think it is worth going deeper. As you can see, all the micro-trends come together under the community umbrella.
Let’s start with self-care. If you look on Facebook, Reddit, or Lemon8, you’ll find a group that shares self-care tips. Specifically, gardening self-care. People in those groups will share how they get the most relaxation out of gardening, what plants have good skin benefits, as well as ways to express yourself with your garden. Which leads me into the next micro-trend: identity and how it fits into the gardening community.
If you have no idea how to express yourself with your garden, there are many people who are more than happy to help you. It could be through having similar aesthetics, inspiration, or helping you find the right plants. That’s why the gardening community is so wonderful; there are so many people willing to lend a helping hand.
One big community
So now we are right back to where we started: garden culture. All of those micro trends I just talked about all fit together to form a wonderful community full of creative, hardworking, and down-to-earth people you’ll meet. Once you’re in the community, you don’t want to leave.
Of course, there are certain perks that come with it. Farmers markets, for instance, are not only a great way to get fresher produce, but it is also a way to meet new people. Additionally, the fruits and veggies sold could be cheaper than what you’d find at the supermarket. So, for Gen Z needing a cheaper way to do groceries, I’d recommend checking out your local farmers market.
Selling your own fruits and veggies is also a great way to be a part of the community. Instead of shopping at the farmers markets, you’re the one selling! It’s also a great way to make a quick buck if you’re a college student with a garden. Not to mention, you can also share your tips and tricks with the community, thus continuing the garden culture cycle.
Garden culture is more than just pretty flowers. It’s an ever-evolving part of life that has many aspects for many different people, especially Gen Z, to enjoy. Not only is it a fun hobby, but as we discovered, it is filled with lessons that help you in other areas of life. So, if you still aren’t 100% convinced you want to start a garden, but you feel that itch, pick up a trowel and spade, and get digging!
