DIG OUT THE CLARITIN.

Spring is springing, which means it's time to reconnect with your backyard.

Of course, creating a garden that will turn the neighbors green with envy by June involves more than sprinkling a few seeds on the ground. It typically involves a hearty dose of a different type of green: Americans spent an average $450 on plants, mulch, tools and so on in 2004, according to the National Gardening Association (NGA).

And many folks are spending much more than that. Backyards have become rooms unto themselves, equipped with waterfalls and flat-screen TVs, says Susan McCoy, president of Garden Media Group, a marketing firm that specializes in outdoor products. "The outdoors has truly become an extension of your home," she says.

How to create a lush oasis without breaking the bank? Follow these tips:

DIY
The biggest way to save is to do it yourself. And the good news is you don't need to be a landscape architect to pull off something posh.

For example, a big trend this year is container gardening, says McCoy. She recommends buying several pots, and filling each with blooms of the same color. Group pots together for an eye-catching arrangement, or set out a lone pot for a splash of color.

Talk to the experts at your local garden center and home-improvement stores for advice, suggests Charlie Nardozzi, senior horticulturist for the NGA. Many have free programs and seminars to help you create a landscape design for your yard.

But hire a pro when it gets too complicated
Turning your backyard into a Japanese water garden, complete with a fountain and Koi pond, may be beyond your skill set. So know that sometimes the best way to save money is to recognize that you need a pro.

How to find the best? Think of it like hiring an interior designer, says Patrick Bones, president elect for the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), a trade group. You want to hear about that person's vision for your space, and see other work he or she has done. Look to professional associations including the APLD, the Associated Landscape Contractors of America and the American Society of Landscape Architects. Be sure to ask at least three different professionals for bids.

Aim for a multiyear project
If you're planning a major overhaul, accept that it might not be done until July 4, 2008. Like any home renovation, says McCoy, go slow so you can invest in real quality. Finishing your outdoor projects in stages will also help you get an end design that's more timeless than trendy. "You need to step back and take a look at the whole yard as one great big palette," she says.

Keep an eye on home values
Don't underestimate the power of flowers. A home's landscaping can affect how quickly your house will sell and what buyers are willing to pay. According to a recent study by the American Nursery & Landscape Association, improved landscaping can increase property value by 7% to 14%. The study also found that landscaping can accelerate the sale of your home by five to six weeks.

Plant to save energy
It's possible to cut your energy bills with strategic planting, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Put evergreen trees on the north side of your home, and leafy ones on the south side. That way, you'll block winter winds and summer sun. Carefully positioned trees can cut as much as 25% off your summer cooling bill. The department also recommends planting shrubs or trees to shade your air-conditioning units a shaded unit will use 10% less energy.

With the right plants, you can cut back your water bill, too. Drought-resistant plants can save you up to 50% on your outdoor water bill, notes Consumer Reports in its August 2005 study. Drought-resistant plants include perennials like daylily and butterfly weed, and herbs such as lavender, rosemary and aloe. There are also plenty of drought-resistant trees, including Japanese pagoda, Eastern red cedar and honey locust.

Select a good mix of annuals and perennials
Gardening can be very trendy, says McCoy. She recommends that you think of perennial trees, shrubs and plants as furniture, and annuals as decorative pillows. Choose your more expensive perennials to reflect your long-term visions for the space not necessarily what's hot right now. For example, McCoy's Garden Trends report pegs the Summer Chocolate Mimosa as a popular tree choice this year. But if you don't see yourself loving the Zen garden look a few years down the line, it might not be for you.

Use colorful annual flowers to have a little fun each year and keep your yard in step with the latest look. For this year, McCoy expects to see lots of red, gold and purple, as well as bold combinations like coral and pink. "We look at what's happening in the fashion world," she says. Trends also take into account home colors, says McCoy red and purple were big in several home furnishings shows this year.

Buy big-ticket items in the fall
Prices for trees and shrubs are highest in the spring and early summer, says Nardozzi. By September, you may be able to find many on sale. "You can get some pretty good deals," he says. And the fall isn't too late to plant, even in the Northeast.

Embrace mulch
"It holds moisture and suppresses weeds," explains Bruce Butterfield, research director of the NGA. Using mulch will also add detail to your flower beds and give your yard a finished look without costing much money. Instead of buying small bags from your local garden store, look for a bulk distributor, Bones recommends. These services will deliver mulch in large quantities, and you can often save significantly over store prices, he says.