It’s true – Americans want more than ever to simplify their lives. In today’s economy, time is the new money: people would rather spend money than time, and according to trend guru Faith Popcorn, 80% of Americans are looking for ways to simplify their lives. This simpler life doesn’t necessarily mean cutting back, but streamlining instead. For gardeners, however, simplicity doesn’t mean plain; it means easy, and that translates into less fuss in terms of design and maintenance, leaving more time and energy to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the garden. According to the Garden Media Group (GMG) ( www.gardenmediagroup.com ), a leading horticultural communication firm who recently released its gardening trends forecast at the Garden Writers Association’s Annual Symposium in Chicago, the outlook for lawn and gardening in 2004 looks simple -- literally. “We are over-stressed and don’t want the same pressure in our gardens,” says Susan McCoy, president of GMG. “There’s a strong demand for low-demand gardening that meets low maintenance lifestyles.” Here is what gardening experts say to expect in your garden this year:  | Simple Chic Is In. Over The Top Is Out. | | Harmony Is In. A Riot Of Color Is Out. | | Mono-Impact Containers Are In. Mixed Containers Are Out. | | Extending The Planting Season Is In. Planting Just In Spring Is Out | | Running Water Is In. Still Water Is Out. | | Spirited Colors Are In. Timid Colors Are Out. | | Green Revolutions Are In. Chemical Attacks Are Out. | | Technorganic Gardening Is In. Pest Destruction Is Out. | | Yard Fun Is In. Yard Work Is Out. | | Landscaping Is In. Bathroom Remodeling Is Out. | | Decorating Is In. Random Planting Is Out. | | Luxury Products Are In. Commonplace Items Are Out. | | Nature Outside-In Is In. Separating Space Is Out. | | Planting With Others Is In. Planting Alone Is Out. | | Flower Power is In. Industrial Power is Out. |
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