Gardening has been around forever, marking a timeless pastime for generations. But recently, there has been a surge in popularity amongst Gen Z. Gardening serves as new self-care tactic, an expression of identity, a form of sustainability, a way to practice healthy eating, and a source of community. But how have all of these factors worked together to 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 have begun to surface, along with new self-help techniques. 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 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 unite gardeners from all over. Gardening truly carries a universal appeal!
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 method 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, there are climbing poles that are made from food waste, like potato skins. Of course, as with everything, new trends keep emerging, and that is largely 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 coalesce to define 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
For 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 means of self-expression.
This can manifest in the types of plants people get. For example, I love orchids, which correlate to sophistication and romantic depth, as well as strength. By collecting orchids, I’m telling people that I prefer more elegant and sophisticated things, and that I care deeply.
Identity can be shown through people’s garden aesthetics, their habits with gardening, their patience level, and their values. So how do all of these things convey 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. A more maximalist garden would look like colorful flowers all over the place, aligning with a more cheerful and outgoing personality. A good mix between the two could culminate in an herb garden. This would look like a simple garden but with many different colors of vegetables and herbs.
Patience is another important aspect. Gardening tells you that a person is patient, since it takes time for plants to grow. Moreover, gardener understand that gardens require structure, but they can never know exactly how nature will be. This translates well to life; you may have a well-structured “garden,” but you’ll never know what life has in store for 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 may be more more passionate and devoted. The way you garden says a lot about your identity, and identity, as we know, is very important to Gen Z!
Is gardening self-care? Sign me up!
How does gardening relate to self-care? Additionally, how does 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 types of self-care as well. Turns out, gardening is one of them.
Firstly, 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 activity 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 skincare.
Another critical element is that you will feel a sense of accomplishment. You are caring for a living thing, receiving feedback from the plant when it grows and bears fruit or vegetables. It is a small responsibility that gives you a sense of purpose. What’s more empowering than that? This is perfect for Gen Z, especially those who are looking to work their way up to owning a pet.
The best self-care: food
Gardening also provides healthier food options. And from what I’ve seen on TikTok, Gen Z is all about healthy habits. Gotta get ready for summer! And one way to do this is through food. Gardening produces 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 the products have to withstand traveling, their nutrients are not what they would be if you were to grow them yourselves. The fruit at grocery stores is also covered in chemicals and pesticides to keep it travel- and bug-safe.
Lastly, you can have more of a variety of produce with a home-grown garden compared to the produce section. This 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. 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 help it last!
I’ve already covered how growing your own food is better than relying on store-bought, but that’s not the only thing 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 ideal for your plants and the overall 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 final aspect I willcover is community. I briefly touched on community in the beginning, but I think it is worth probing more deeply. 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 will be more than happy to help you. It could be through having similar aesthetics or inspiration or by steering you toward 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 fit together to form a wonderful community full of creative, hardworking, and down-to-earth people. Once you’re in the community, you won’t want to leave.
Of course, there are certain perks that come with it. Farmers markets, for instance, are not only a perfect way to get fresher produce; they are also a way to meet new people. Additionally, the fruits and veggies sold there might be cheaper than what you’d find at the supermarket. So, for members of Gen Z craving cheaper groceries, I’d recommend checking out your local farmers market.
Selling your own fruits and veggies also incorporates you into the community. Instead of shopping at the farmers markets, you’re the one selling! It’s ideal for making a quick buck if you’re a college student with a garden. Not to mention, you can 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 offers countless benefits for many different people, especially Gen Z, to enjoy. It’s a fun hobby filled with lessons that will enhance your quality 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!
