After being on lockdown for over a year, most of us are itching to get outside and enjoy some company. Public places will still be covid-conscious for some time to come, so our backyard can be a safe haven for some fun in the meantime.

So how do you enhance your outdoor living space… grow a garden! Plus, gardening just twice a week has proven to enhance your wellbeing and “prune” your stress!

Here’s what’s growing in popularity for 2021 and what’s dead in the water:

Herbs: Basil, catnip/catmint, comfrey, fennel, horseradish, oregano, thyme, rosemary, Mexican mint marigold, peppermint, lemongrass, lemon balm, lemon verbena, bay laurel

Vegetables: Beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, and potato

Fruit: Apples, berries, cherries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, melons and peaches

Flowers: Periwinkle, perunia, phlox, purple fountain grass, purslane, salvia, snapdragon and sweet peas

Plants: Desert Willow, Red Yucca, Mexican Feather Grass and Lantana

Gardens are meant to be consumed and looked at, so creating a little space that is meant for relaxing is key! Comfortable garden sofas, egg chairs and hanging chairs have increased in popularity and are a perfect addition to your growing garden! Or just placing to over-sized chairs together with little tables will make for the perfect place to relax. The goal is to enjoy the fruits of your labor!