Gardening trends this spring will feature a more playful, leisurely-looking garden full of color and whimsy.

"The key to a fanciful garden is you," says Jeff Howe, president of Fernlea Flowers. "You have to have fun planting different textures and colors of plants and flowers, designed in a way that gives you pleasure and a smile. One plant I love is the Cordyline australis, which is available in two colors, providing a great backdrop for your garden. It is better known in nurseries and retail outlets as 'Red Star' spike in burgundy and 'Sundance' spike in green with pink striping.

"And don't forget that blooming side of gardening," Howe continued. Pansies, with their smiling faces, are available early and in almost every color of the spectrum this year. Frilly, large, and various are the options for this little gem. Show the neighbors that gardening can be a fun sport with a lighthearted approach.

Gardeners are also creating mini-gardens in containers as accents within their garden or as personal gifts made from the heart. For more gardening tips, including suggestions and pictures of plants that work well together, take a look online at www.fernlea.com. GT064716