If you like to follow gardening trends, add the “plants of the year” to your garden. The National Garden Bureau (NGB) is a non-profit organization with a mission to “Inspire, Connect, Grow,” motivating gardeners and providing inspiration and education. The NGB has named these “Plants of the Year” for 2023.

The Year of the Orchid: The NGB first added houseplants to its annual list in 2022. Orchids are this year’s houseplant choice. They have a reputation of being difficult, but they really aren’t. The easiest variety to grow and a perfect choice for the beginner is the moth orchid. Flowers on moth orchids vary in color and last a long time. Orchids prefer filtered light and moderate watering.

The Year of the Amaryllis: One of the most recognizable bulbs, the amaryllis is a holiday favorite. More than 600 varieties, these plants come in a variety of colors and flower shapes. Many amaryllis bulbs come inside “kits” that include the bulb, soil, and the pot. If you decide to buy just a bulb, use a good potting mix and place the bulb with the top third exposed. Water once until there’s growth and then water sparingly after that.

The Year of the Celosia: There are so many different varieties, heights, and colors, you can use this annual flower anywhere, even containers. The word “celosia” comes from the Greek word “kelos,” meaning “burned” which refers to the flowers that actually resemble flames. These flowers prefer a sunny spot where they’ll give your garden the “wow” factor for sure!

The Year of the Spirea: These shrubs have been a staple in the landscape for decades. They boast a variety of colorful foliage and beautiful flowers. These fast-growing shrubs are so easy to grow and will tolerate poor soil, drought, heat, and cold. They look their best in full sun and prefer well-drained soil.

The Year of the Rudbeckia: This perennial, which includes the black-eyed Susan, is a must-have for late summer color. It’s no wonder this plant was selected since it’s a pollinator magnet and is so easy to grow. These plants need full sun, moderate but consistent soil moisture, and well drained soil. They perform their best and produce the most flowers if the clumps are divided every three to four years.

The Year of the Broccoli: This vegetable comes from the Mediterranean region and has been enjoyed since Roman times. It’s considered a super food because it’s so high in nutritional value. All parts of the plant are edible. It’s considered a cool season vegetable, growing the best in cool temperatures of spring and fall. Plants prefer good drainage and full sun. You can buy transplants for direct planting in the ground or start seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date. Consult the seed package for more information or visit the vegetable gardening section on our website at https://cceoneida.com/home-garden/food-gardening.

If you would like to read more about these and other plants recommended by the National Garden Bureau, visit their website at ngb.org.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County answers home and garden questions which can be emailed to homeandgarden@cornell.edu or call 315-736-3394, press 1 and ext. 333. Leave your question, name and phone number. Questions are answered weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also, visit our website at: cceoneida.com or phone 315-736-3394, press 1 and then ext. 100.