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www.landscapeirrigation.com May 2014 Landscape and Irrigation 23 ing up the yard with small décor accents is a relatively quick project to tackle while still maintaining all the razzle dazzle consumers inherently want," said McCoy. There is a growing emphasis on using outdoor spaces as extensions of today's homes, fueled by the social trends of out- door gatherings for barbeques and lawn parties. This new emphasis will drive demand for items such as out- door furniture, planters and other furnishings that can be used out-of-doors. Additionally, outdoor décor that can be personalized, such as decorative throw pillows, fanciful furniture, colorful garden ornamentation and art, allows homeowners to add their signa- ture to their yards. Simple elegance Classic elegance in colors, shapes and visuals will become popular in 2014. In the garden, simple equates to monochromatic colors or pairing a single, bold color with a stark white, whether for plants, pots, outdoor fabrics or furnishings. A single color brings unity across the design, whether it's in the garden or an out- door room, and the addition of white brightens the scene and enhances other colorful accents. Another way to achieve simplicity in the garden-sphere is to plant masses of a single variety for a dramatic sense of unity. For example, The Suntory collection of flowers gives consumers many opportunities to add that touch of clas- sic elegance with a wealth of new varieties such as Surfinia Heavenly Blue petunias, Crackling Fire begonias and Sun Parasol mandevillas. Massed into containers or garden beds, varieties like these make a statement while also being easy-to- care for in the months to come. Simplicity translates flawlessly into décor and containers as well. Monochromatic or monoculture plantings set in handcraft- ed and eco-chic planters add class and unity anywhere outdoors. "What the 'simple elegance' trend boils down to is a lucid design concept, one that makes gardening and design acces- sible to all ages of consumers. With this trend, people know exactly what they want to do, and feel like they have the know-how to make it a success. Consequently, consumers feel empowered and in control of customizing their personal space," said McCoy. Frac'd up Neat, clean lines are out. Geometry explodes in the outdoor living space in the form of fractional shapes like triangles, circles and squares, with the circle being the most popular. These shapes add architectural structure to the garden, whether it's with the structure of the plants themselves, the designs into which they are planted, or the art and accessories Above left: Black & White Suntory Surfinia Double White. Photo by Suntory. Photo provided by Garden Media Group. Above right: Black & White Suntory Lofos Compact White. Photo by Suntory. Photo provided by Garden Media Group Consumers are spending their valuable leisure time outdoors and decorating their outdoor places and spaces. Photo by Costa Farms. Photo provided by Garden Media Group.