Jason Weis of Weis Landscaping and Design of Rose Creek sees several new trends for this outdoor season, he said.

People continue to establish as much outdoor living space as possible.

“That means that people want as many of the inside amenities as they can get outside,” he said, including everything from outdoor kitchens with sinks and stovetops, to elaborate gardens.

“Patio-type spaces, with retaining walls, are becoming more and more popular,” he said, adding patios have lower maintenance than decks.

Pavers — some as large as two feet by two feet — continue to be popular; texturing and coloring of concrete also continues to attract attention. He added even porcelain tile is showing up on patios.

“It’s pretty much whatever you can imagine,” he said.

There are new trends in plantings as well.

There are new sizes and colors of hydrangeas, which continue to be favorite plants, sought for their hardiness and versatility.

There is also an increasing number of people who are showing interest in fruit trees, from apple and plums, to even apricot and peach.

“Add to that raspberries, grapes for those making wine; strawberries, too.”

Some of that increase, he is sure, reflects how people want to grow their food, whether in fruit or vegetables.

Overall, he said, “I think people are attaching a huge amount of importance to personal space,” he said.

The push for more elaborate outdoor spaces is reflected in the number of suppliers for such projects.

“I used to have a price sheet for about 30 dealers; and it all fit on one sheet,” he said. “Now its about 30 pages with 300 dealers.”

On a more laborious note, he said now is just the right time to think about preparing gardens for spring and for cleaning up winter debris on beds.

“Making sure everything is trimmed back — this actually is the best time of year, when plants and bushes are dormant — is best done right now,” said Weis.

It is also a good time to divide perennial plants, such as hostas or lilies, he said.

This is also prime time for just getting rid of the bad seeds in the garden — and by that, he means, axing those plants that have suffered infestation or mold.

On the other hand, adding new mulch to the good plants helps assure keeping moisture where it does the most good — near your plants.