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Posted on March 13, 2013 by luvocracy

Robin Horton is an experienced “creative catalyst, art director and designer.” She’s also the brains behind Urban Gardens — an online publication dedicated to innovative and eco-friendly design trends as well as ideas for stylish urban gardens and small spaces.

We couldn’t think of anyone more fitting to write about for this week’s garden-inspired showcase!

Tell us about yourself?
For the last 22 years, I’ve been the sole proprietor of Robin Horton Design, a strategic creative branding, print, and web design consultancy. My work had always been a blend of words and images. Over the years, I began doing more writing, both creatively and for clients, and as design started migrating to new media and the Internet, I began combining my design, writing, and branding skills within the world of social media.

Tell us about Urban Gardens?
The inspiration for Urban Gardens came about 10 years ago when I took a 5-day post-professional design workshop with Milton Glaser at The School of Visual Arts. On the last day, we were asked to come up with a concept, design, and all the content for a print magazine, including a marketing and advertising plan. I dreamed up Urban Gardens–a magazine about urban green lifestyle and design: rooftop, terrace, and balcony gardens; growing ones own food; outdoor furniture and accessories; public outdoor spaces, etc. Keep in mind that back then, “green” was still just a color—the whole sustainable design and green living movement had yet to really take off.

Less than a year after the launch, Urban Gardens was nominated for a Webby and in May, Urban Gardens will celebrate its 4th birthday.

How’d you get into gardening?
I am not so much a gardener as a writer/editor and “coolspotter.” Urban Gardens covers lifestyle through the lens of city living, design, and nature, extending and blending the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Gardens and growing one’s own food are part of a growing trend that appeals to urban dwellers.

What are some new product trends in gardening?
1. Small space gardens: More and more people are gravitating to city living. By 2050, the proportion of people living in cities will increase to 7 out of 10. For their small intimate spaces, people are looking for creative designs that can serve multiple purposes. These small space gardens often serve as additional living space or “outdoor rooms.”

2. Food gardens: People are installing creative vegetable gardens adapted to their small spaces. Edible gardens can be both practical and beautiful.

3. Urban farming: Even in small spaces, people are raising chickens and bees, and in some cities — goats.

4. Thinking outside (the planter) box: Repurposing materials and adapting them to new uses like turning an old wheelbarrow or suitcase into a planter, even a bra (yes!) into a vertical garden. I did a contest that showcases some great ideas!

5. “Urban Knights”: According the Garden Media Group, this is a growing number of city dwellers cultivating gardens in under-utilized and other available limited spaces– rooftops, balconies, alley, abandoned buildings, and even in potholes!

6. Gardens for the rest of us: Easy to care for plants that breed success. We don’t all have to be super experienced gardeners to have gardens. Novices can plant planting roses like Conard-Pyle’s Knock-Out roses which are easy to grow and maintain.

7. Sustainable gardens: Anything like composting, rain barrels, using less water, greener/organic and chemical-free products….

8. Vertical Gardens: Growing vertically is still “on the rise.”

9. Miniature and fairy gardens: Tiny gardens like dollhouses complete with miniature structures and plants.

10. Unusual terrariums: Either ready made or DIY versions for tabletop or suspended from ceiling.

11. Kitchen gardens: Using vertical using pocket systems, containers, and window boxes, small gardens from which fresh veggies and herbs can be plucked and used immediately while cooking.

12. Multipurpose furniture and products: Lights that function as planters, illuminated seating, rain barrels that also provide seating.

Are you inspired to get gardening yet? Robin’s page is chockfull of great recommendations for all garden lovers! 

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