Canadian gardening guru Mark Cullen has been keeping a keen eye on Canadian gardening trends and shares them in his 18th book, "The Canadian Garden Primer: An Organic Approach". Mark helped Steven and Chris build two containers - a cheerful spring container featuring flowering bulbs and a Mediterranean herb container. Good-bye winter, hello sunshine-drenched gardens!

Marks' Top Ten Trends For Spring 2009
1. Environmental water conservation: Use of mulch, water barrels, seeping/weeping hoses etc.

2. Native plants: Use of native plants in the landscape to:
a. Reduce the use of water
b. Reduce maintenance [fewer bugs and diseases]
c. Enhance local insect/bird life [increase natural biodiversity cycles]

3. Gardening in the absence of chemicals: There are many 'off the shelf' low or non-toxic solutions plus many gardening techniques and homegrown remedies that are also safe around children and pets.

4. Gardening in containers: Canadians are 'pushing the envelope' by mixing annuals and perennials together in containers, often adding vegetables and herbs for a practical and decorative touch.

5. Small space gardening: Increased demand for condominiums in urban spaces and new homes that are built on smaller lots has caused a rise in the demand for creative 'small space' garden design and yard plans which serve multiple uses.

6. Dwarf/slow growing plants: evergreens, shrubs and trees.

7. Colour: Demand for annuals and perennials that produce a reliable abundance of colour for the longest possible length of time is on a steep rise.

8. Garden tools that work: Ergonomics and the environment factor large in the search for tools that make gardening chores easy and resourceful. See the new Mark's Choice/Spear and Jackson stainless steel digging tools.

9. Economical approach: Grow your own annuals and vegetables from seed.

10. Invest in your own outdoor retreat: Spend hard earned cash to improve your yard & garden rather than booking costly travel vacations or purchasing a vacation property.

To find out more visit Mark Cullen at: www.markcullen.com