It Looks Perfect Online, But Gardeners Say This Viral Trend Is Failing in Real Backyards

Social media has altered the way in which gardening is viewed in America, with social media platforms showcasing beautifully crafted images of lush garden spaces, well-designed raised beds, and thriving plants in indoor spaces that can easily be replicated.

Most of these gardening trends have promised minimal effort required, rapid growth, and aesthetically pleasing results for gardeners of all skill levels. Currently, there are several gardeners who are wondering whether these gardening trends are actually reflective of the conditions in most yards, since most of these trends have been viewed as frustrating by several gardeners.

The disconnect between these images and the reality of executing these gardening trends is becoming more evident.

Why online trends do not translate easily

One of the main reasons why these gardening trends do not work out is that they completely overlook the local environment, which plays a major role in the growth and survival of the plants.

A method that works perfectly in one place might not work in another, especially in a country like the United States, which is so diverse.

For gardening to be successful, according to the University of California, it relies heavily on understanding the local environment, which includes the composition of the soil, among other things, which is not really touched on in these online tutorials. This means that when one decides to follow these trends, they might not get the desired results, and the plants might not thrive.

This realization might only come after one has invested so much in the garden, which further adds to the feeling of disappointment.

The problem with aesthetic-focused gardening

Many of these viral gardening trends are more focused on appearances than on practicality, with a focus on how a garden looks, not on how a garden will function over time. While perfect rows, layouts, and plant varieties may look great in a photo, they are not necessarily conducive to healthy growth or long-term sustainability.

Studies conducted by the National Gardening Association indicate that in order for a garden to be sustainable, there are certain needs that need to be taken care of, which are not necessarily addressed in many of these appearance-based trends. When these needs are not taken care of, a garden will not necessarily thrive, despite its initial success.

This leaves a garden looking great but not necessarily thriving over time.

The myth of low-maintenance solutions

Another promise that is often made in online gardening content is the promise of low-maintenance gardening solutions or the so-called ‘set it and forget it’ solutions. This is particularly attractive to busy individuals who want to have greenery around them without having to worry about maintaining it.

However, gardening experts have emphasized that most plants actually require regular attention and care, such as watering and pruning them, and keeping an eye out for any pests that may infest them.

The United States Department of Agriculture also emphasized that even if a plant is considered hardy and does not require regular attention and care, changes in the weather and soil conditions may quickly affect the health of the plant.

This is in direct contrast to the advice that is often provided online, where the effort is minimized for the purpose of engagement. Because of this, new gardeners may become disillusioned if their plants do not seem to be doing well despite the advice that is provided online.

Expert views on gardening expectations

Experts also stress that gardening is a process and not a solution that needs to be approached with patience and experimentation. What may work for another garden may not work for yours, and the key to success lies not in trends but in specifics.

Experts in horticulture from land-grant colleges and universities across the US have always recommended that gardeners focus on region-specific information rather than generic information found online, as such information is based on climate and soil conditions.

Such observations underscore the significance of basing gardening on research and not aesthetics. This also explains why most of these trends have failed when put into practice.

The emotional impact on gardeners

This disconnect between the expected and the actual can also influence one’s attitude towards gardening, particularly for those who are new to gardening. New gardeners might view their inability to succeed in gardening through this method as a personal failing.

Gardening trends that claim to assure success but do not live up to the claim can thus influence one’s attitude negatively.

However, for those who have more experience in gardening, they can view these issues as part of the learning process, thus encouraging others to look beyond gardening trends.

A more realistic way forward

Gardeners who achieve success over time seem to take trends in general with a grain of salt, letting them serve more as inspiration than hard and fast rules. This balance of creativity with a clear understanding of what plants actually need can help gardeners achieve success in the garden.

As social media continues to play a role in gardening culture, the trend of failed trends can be seen as a sign that more gardeners are becoming aware of the information they are presented with on social media.

The emphasis on sustainability is slowly replacing the emphasis on perfection, which could spell good things for gardening advice in the future.

The desire for a beautiful garden is not going away, but the means of achieving it are not as easy as they look on television.