Suzi McCoy analyzes surveys, interviews experts and looks into all sorts of data related to the gardening public.

She founded the Garden Media Group, a marketing and public relations firm, and every year they predict the top upcoming gardening trends.

The top trend for 2011 is gardening with a purpose. According to the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, an increasing number of homeowners want to grow more of their own food. This includes vegetables, herbs and fruit in vegetable gardens and in plots interspersed with ornamental flowers and shrubs. It is not necessarily related to food production, rather an awareness and desire to be better conservationists who can create greener and more productive living spaces.

Another trend identified by McCoy’s group is called eco-scaping. Nine out of 10 households surveyed by the National Gardening Association say they want to manage their lawns and gardens in a more environmentally friendly way. This means using eco-friendly products instead of toxic chemicals; all-natural repellants for pest control; and organic, compost-based soils in flower beds and containers. A move is afoot to reduce large tracks of turf in public places and to transform home lawns into sustainable landscapes with more native plants, ornamental grasses, perennials and drought-tolerant plants that attract bees, butterflies and birds.

Sustainable containers are a big trend for small garden spaces, particularly for gardeners who live in apartments or have tiny backyards. Seed catalogs are offering more options for container-suitable vegetables and ornamentals. Some are winter-hardy hybrids that can extend the growing season. Herbs can be interspersed with anything from vegetables to ornamental grasses in a container. Sustainable containers can both beautify spaces and benefit the environment.

Succulents continue to be popular. Whether planted in containers or permanent flower beds, there are so many from which to choose. These low water consumers are attractive and require a minimum of maintenance. Many have showy flowers and interesting thick, fleshy foliage that can be mixed with grasses and perennials.

Orchids, ferns and palms lead the indoor gardening trend. Orchids are the favorite of the day. They are chic, affordable, easy to grow and add an exotic touch to any room. These and other houseplants also help to clean indoor air and provide oxygen.

Vertical-growing plants have been a trend for several years. Climbing vines, flowers, veggies and roses can be grown in the smallest spaces or containers, as long as there is a trellis or pole.

A new kind of urban lifestyle is emerging as communities create more green spaces and areas where people can socialize and enjoy the outdoors. There are more farmers markets and CSA’s or Community Supported Agriculture Associations and urban farms.

Community gardening is up 60 percent over the previous year. Consumers are more aware of water as a valuable resource and are interested in composting, mulching, water-wise planting, using less turf and rainwater collection.

The development of more walkable, greener urban streets and gardens with a diversity of shops, homes and apartments are designed to encourage neighbors to be better stewards of the earth.

•

Miriam Jabour, a Master Gardener and Master Flower Show judge, has been active in the Openwood Plantation Garden Club for over 35 years. Write to her at 1114 Windy Lake Drive, Vicksburg, MS 39183.