The survey identified the most popular requests from homeowners and commercial clients for 2007. For homeowners, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces were at the top of the list along with sustainable landscape solutions, such as low-maintenance native plants. As far as commercial requests are concerned, clients want water features such as fountains and outdoor employee areas where employees can escape work and enjoy nature.

The survey was conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

In addition, homeowners are requesting that landscape architects design complete outdoor rooms for entertaining. Water features such as koi ponds, pools, and fountains remain popular. Incorporating rain gardens and green roofs in home landscapes will make them more sustainable in 2007.

Some landscape clients are becoming increasingly concerned with ?EUR??,,????'??green solutions.?EUR??,,????'?? Members of the ASLA polled said they anticipate an increase in client requests for better stormwater management options, the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient lighting, green roofs, and native plantings.

Source: American Society of Landscape Architects, www.asla.org