AI gardening has 'already started' and how it will change our green spaces
As scary as it sounds, the future is already here, with Artificial Intelligence already predicting a massive shake-up of how we garden over the next three decades.
Able to sift through vast amounts of data on climate, soil conditions, plant genetics and consumer preferences, AI algorithms are said to forecast emerging gardening trends with 'unprecedented accuracy'. And these predictions show a dramatic shift towards sustainable gardening, including the rise of vertical gardens in urban spaces, the widespread adoption of hydroponic and aeroponic systems, and the cultivation of climate-resilient plants.
AI-driven insights also envisage a surge in global collaboration, with communities around the world sharing knowledge and resources for sustainable and diverse gardens. These predictions for the coming decades aim to empower gardeners to anticipate and adapt to future trends, hopefully ensuring a flourishing and resilient green landscape for generations to come.
But just how accurate are these prophecies? TV gardener and author David Domoney, who will be talking about AI gardening at the forthcoming Ideal Home Show, has cast his expert eye over some of the predicted trends:
2020s:
What AI thinks:
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Sustainable gardening: The emphasis on eco-friendly practices, such as composting, rainwater harvesting, and using organic fertilisers, will continue to gain popularity. Urban gardening and community gardens will also thrive.
Indoor gardening: As urbanisation increases, indoor gardening, including houseplants, hydroponics, and vertical gardening such as creating a 'Wonderwall' (where you plant vertically) will have enhanced popularity. Smart gardening devices will become more common.
Native plants and biodiversity: The focus on planting native species to support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity will grow. This trend aligns with conservation efforts and the desire for resilient landscapes.
Gardening for mental health: The understanding of the therapeutic benefits of gardening will continue to rise, leading to more people engaging in gardening as a way to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
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What David thinks: “I think that AI is slightly behind the curve here. The influence of search trends on the AI predictions are quite apparent. Gardening for mental health has been identified as beneficial by health and horticultural professionals since the late 1970s. The influx of greater access to technology, smaller outdoor spaces in our homes, and the influence of social media is a driving force for many to seek out and spend more time outdoors among nature. The increase in indoor gardening is driven by the desire to have greater interaction with plants. As our towns and cities are growing and space is at a premium, this furthers the demand for indoor plants, particularly those that research has shown have a beneficial impact on our homes and our health.
“As we strive to support our native pollinators, there is a greater desire for us to implement native plants into our gardens, and raising awareness of this is a positive step forward, and something that AI can help us do through its recommendations. The ongoing emphasis of sustainable gardening practices is a well thought out approach to looking after the environment, and certainly something that should take centre stage in your gardens. The recognition that urbanisation is on the rise, paired with the popularity of indoor gardening, underlines our commitment to adaptable living. This is along with the acknowledgement that gardening is a therapeutic tool for many. The AI trends of the 2020s are practices positive to gardens throughout the country.”
2030s:
What AI thinks:
Tech-integrated gardening: Advanced technologies, such as AI-driven plant care systems and robotic assistants for garden maintenance, will become more accessible and popular.
Regenerative gardening: Gardening practices that focus on regenerating soil health, capturing carbon, and creating sustainable ecosystems will gain prominence as people become more conscious of environmental issues.
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Climate-adaptive gardening: With the increasing impact of climate change, there will be a growing interest in plants and gardening practices that are resilient to extreme weather conditions.
Edible landscaping: Integrating edible plants into traditional landscaping designs will continue to be popular, driven by the desire for fresh, homegrown produce.
What David thinks:“According to AI, gardening will change to include more smart technology to help keep plants healthy, with automatic systems and robots helping with garden tasks. It may sound a bit wild, but it is something that has already started, with robot lawnmowers and automatic watering systems already established. Advanced technology like AI-driven plants care systems and robotic assistants for garden maintenance could become more accessible due to the advancement in this type of technology, such as automated cultivation systems and harvest automation are there to make our lives easier. This is not for everyone, as whilst the activity of gardening is good for the body and mind, there are of course those who are living with disabilities or have limited time to commit to gardening, so this will help them.
“Then there's regenerative gardening, a practice focused on making the soil healthy, capturing carbon, and supporting microorganisms to create sustainable ecosystems. This might seem a bit different, but it makes a lot of sense as people are becoming more aware of environmental issues and how it will affect both plants and soil in their gardens.
“Climate-adaptive gardening might also see a rise, responding to the challenges of climate change by using plants and techniques that can handle extreme weather conditions. Lastly, edible landscaping, which is about growing your own food as part of your garden's design, is something that I’d love to see become popular again, as Potager gardens were in high standing in the French Renaissance. The 2030s could be a very exciting and revolutionary year for ‘smart’ gardening.”
2040s:
What AI thinks:
Space-efficient gardening: As urban spaces become more limited, there might be a surge in creative, space-efficient gardening solutions, such as Wonderwall’s vertical farms, rooftop gardens, and compact container gardening.
Biophilic design: The incorporation of natural elements into architectural designs and city planning may lead to a greater integration of green spaces, promoting a closer connection to nature.
Global collaboration in gardening: Increased connectivity and awareness may foster global collaboration in gardening practices, with communities around the world sharing knowledge and resources for sustainable and diverse gardens.
What David thinks: "These trends sound like something out of the future, and whilst they may seem near impossible, a vision of a world where they come to light is very inspiring. Imagine your garden utilising space-efficient solutions like vertical farms, rooftop gardens, and compact container gardens – it's a challenging prospect, but the potential for transforming how we utilise our spaces is really interesting.
“Biophilic design, integrating natural elements into architecture and city planning, could reshape our surroundings, allowing us to have a greater connection to nature in our daily lives.
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“AI has shone a huge light on the possibilities that the future holds for gardening as a whole. Although some of the trends may appear near impossible, the vision of a world where they unfold could potentially shape the entire future of gardening into something incredible, making your gardens look exactly how you’d want them, with the ease of modern technology and space utilisation that we have never thought of before.
“For me, the human element will always remain in gardening. The interaction with nature by hand and enjoying the process of humans engaging with plants is still my favourite option. However, having an autopilot in the garden, something that assists us with our gardens, and caring for the garden whilst we are away on holiday will be beneficial. More importantly, AI will make a significant difference to those members of society who require additional physical support, and this helping hand will transform their lives.”
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