Warm spring temperatures have fortunately made the past winter a distant memory and motivated homeowners to begin planning for this year's outdoor season. Just in time for spring, the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) - Colorado's largest association of landscape professionals - is sharing its top landscape and garden trends for 2007.

1. Sustainable Gardens - Green applies to more than lawns. Homeowners are looking for landscapes that conserve water, use locally produced or recycled materials, and employ environmentally responsible maintenance practices.
2. Multicultural Style - Consumers are bringing their vacations home by incorporating landscapes influenced by other cultures (e.g., Italian, French, Mediterranean or Middle Eastern style gardens, courtyards and fountains) into Colorado yards.
3. Scraper Planning - The continued boom of scrapers and pop-tops in Colorado's older neighborhoods creates the need for proper planning and planting to ensure the landscape is as functional and attractive as the new or remodeled home.
4. Melding Interior and Exterior Design - Outdoor living continues with a strong emphasis on creating a cohesive flow between interior and exterior spaces. Outdoor rooms meld colors, textures and styles with a home's indoor spaces. Backyard retreats, including meditation areas, reading nooks and living rooms also are growing in popularity.
5. Big Impact for Small Spaces - The trend toward smaller yards causes homeowners to make the most of their small spaces by enhancing privacy, selecting plant material designed for small spaces and choosing designs that maximize functionality.
6. Attractive Xeriscape - Years of continuous drought raised awareness about water use and made Xeriscape more than a passing fad. Consumers continue to request stunning plants and hardscape elements that minimize water use.
7. Exterior Lighting - Homeowners want to extend enjoyment of outdoor spaces into after-dark hours. Hard-wired lighting is now illuminating more gardens, trees and nighttime activities while enhancing security.
8. Water Features - Trends include installing several water features throughout the yard, as well as pond-less features and fountains to enhance sight and sound.
9. Landscape Makeovers - The reality TV craze to refurbish homes and landscapes has spilled into the mainstream. Consumers are looking at ways to refresh a dated landscape or start from scratch by incorporating new decks, patios and gardens.
10. Planning is in - More homeowners are looking at blueprints to help them design their landscapes by creating garden plans on their own or hiring professionals to create well-designed yards to fit their lifestyles and budgets.

With more than 750 members statewide, the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) is the professional trade association for Colorado's landscape contracting industry. ALCC member firms provide a wide range of landscape services including design, installation, maintenance, consultation, and water management. To find a landscape professional to suit your landscaping needs and budget, visit www.alcc.com and click on Find a Landscape Professional. For landscape ideas and trends, check out the gallery of the 2007 Excellence in Landscape award winners by clicking on See more great landscapes on the home page.