A Fresh Start; Trends, Goals and Inspiration
CONTAINED
BRILLIANCE
January is a time to refresh, regroup, and set the tone for the year ahead - perfect time to talk trends, set goals, and embrace learning opportunities. For me, it’s a time to take stock of what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d like to change as I step into the new year. Resolutions don’t have to be grand. Whether you’re aiming to design beautiful container gardens, planning a long-awaited vacation, tackling financial goals, making a career change, or pursuing something entirely different, thoughtful goal setting can help bring aspirations within reach.
But first, let’s talk container gardening trends. After all, knowing what's on the horizon might inspire your container gardening goals!
Trends in Container Gardening
Container Gardening Takes Center Stage
Container Gardening is having a major moment this year, bolstered by the formation of the Digging In Association, - a nonprofit organization that supports container gardening professionals - and it’s fall feature in “Green Profit Magazine”, an industry publication that provides the horticulture industry with the best, newest and latest in resources and innovations. According to Garden Goods Direct “container-scaping “ - the art of designing intricate container gardens - is set to flourish in 2025. Even the New York Times Magazine spotlighted flowers in a travel feature, celebrating their iconic beauty.
Maximalism is In
Minimalism is making way for maximalism - a celebration of creativity, whimsy, and individuality. Bold, eclectic designs with vibrant plant combinations, dramatic textures and loose, less-tidy arrangements are all the rage. Seedheads are allowed to linger for aesthetic charm, and “more is more” becomes the guiding principle. Think big, bold, and beautifully busy.
A Nod to Nostalgia
Gardeners are embracing nostalgia with a desire for comfort and familiarity. Oversized blooms, soft color palettes, and old-fashioned plants that evoke memories of mother’s and grandmother’s gardens are stealing the spotlight. Favorites like dahlias, hollyhocks, scabiosa, stock, and sweet peas offer timeless charm and make standout choices for containers.
Earthy Tones and Textures
Natural, earthy tones are trending in pots and plants this year. Pantone’s Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, captures this trend with its rich, warm brown hue – a nod to the comforts and elegance of chocolate and coffee. This soothing color contrasts last year’s punchy lime, complementing both bold and understated accents. It's a perfect reset tone for 2025, resonating calmness and renewal.
Goal Setting for Container Gardeners
The start of a new year is a great time to hit pause and focus on setting goals and aspirations. Goals provide direction, reduce distractions, and create opportunities for achievement and personal growth. They can be as lofty or as simple as you need. Aspirations, on the other hand, are our overarching dreams - they provide vision and inspiration.
A great way to approach goal setting is by using the SMART Goal method:
- Specific - Clear and focused.
- Measurable - Quantifiable progress.
- Achievable - Realistic yet challenging.
- Risky- Encouraging grown (some say "reasonable", but I like a bit of a stretch!).
- Time-bound - With a deadline to stay on track.
Here are some examples:
My aspiration: Approach each day with purpose, making my time more meaningful and focused.
To support that my SMART Goal is:
- Dedicate 15 minutes each morning to setting priorities and identifying three meaningful tasks for the day. Track progress using a digital tool for three months and evaluate its impact.
Homeowner's aspiration: Have more colorful containers.
SMART goal:
- Plant front entry containers with three complementary flower colors by May.
Professional's aspiration: Improve inventory management.
SMART goal:
- By April 1st, create an inventory spreadsheet to track quantities, prices, and sources.
Write down your SMART goals and post them somewhere visible. Break them into smaller quarterly chunks to avoid overwhelm. Visual aids like vision boards and lists can also help to keep your aspirations top of mind.
If you'd like some accountability, share your goals and aspirations in the comments - we can cheer each on!
Container Garden Continuing Education
Winter’s slower pace is ideal for learning, and gardening is as much about the people as it is the plants. Gardeners are naturally generous – sharing knowledge, inspiration, and resources. Thanks to the rise of online education, it’s easier than ever to connect with world-class designers and fellow enthusiasts. Webinars, gardening blogs, and virtual courses offer opportunities to expand your skills and deepen your knowledge. and broaden your network by connecting with people who bring diverse perspectives and expertise.
Professional organizations like Digging In Association provide valuable resources, connections and support for container gardening professionals. Meanwhile, online workshops, garden clubs, and in person classes foster growth and connection for container gardeners of all levels. As I plan for the upcoming year, I’m taking stock of which organizations and resources I’ll engage with to support my own growth. Below is how it shaped up for me.
Whether you’re seeking mentorship, soaking in information from YouTube or participating in workshops, involvement builds community and strengthens your network. It’s a chance to learn, meet others, and gain new experiences - all of which enrich your journey as a gardener.
Looking Ahead
While the calendar tells us it’s a new year, gardeners know the true “new year” begins in spring when our gardens reawaken. Until then, we can dream, plan, and prepare.
This year let’s embrace the joy of container gardening together. Set meaningful goals, explore learning opportunities, and celebrate the trends shaping 2025.
Together, we can create beautiful container gardens that makes the world swoon!
Here's to a wonderful year!
