Beyond The Backdoor

PASSIONS | by DEBRA PRINZING and ROBIN AVNI

THERE ARE GARDENERS. THERE ARE VEGETABLE GROWERS. And then there are those who just like sittin’ around on their outdoor deck and reading a good book or indulgent fashion magazine.

The backyard has grown from a boring, water-hogging lawn to an inspiring, multi-functional space attempting to achieve everything a woman and her family could ever want or need without her family having to venture any farther than the backyard. That prosaic patch of grass is now a fresh-air room for living, dining and entertaining, containing canopy, pool and stylish shed.

It’s no secret that vegetable growing has become the largest DIY category in gardening. But it’s not only moms who are planting carrots and beans with their school-age kids; twenty-something gals are gravitating to the idea of growing their own. Orchards, herb gardens and veggie patches are being squeezed onto apartment balconies and condominium patios, as well as vertical spaces and rooftops.

The net result is that gardening and cooking will overlap with even great frequency in the coming year. Homemade food from homegrown produce is where it’s at — forget additives.

The culinary explosion isn’t only with vegetables: Fruit, berries and herbs are taking a starring role in landscapes. The new garden is a blend of edibles and ornamentals, feeding a family with nature and nurture alike. It’s not just farm to table, but front lawn to lunch box, too.

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EXCERPTED FROM 10 INSIGHTS FOR 2010 by Lifestyle Insights.
For more information: robin@robinavni.com.

© 2009 robinavni | lifestyle topics, insights & trends llc and Debra Prinzing. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be duplicated or redistributed in any form without written permission.

Edited by MOLLY MARTIN; image source: iSTOCKPHOTO.