If it is the French countryside that appeals to you, the colors you'll  need to use are rich golds and reds. The elements you'll need to include are a pergola or other open structure with hanging plants and pots full of flowers and herbs, wood seating, and colorful cushions and table linens. 

If you dream of relaxing in a Caribbean paradise, the colors you'll need to use are turquoise and lime green. The elements you'll need to include are a Tiki Bar and torches, lush greenery, and palm trees. If your climate falls into a deep freeze during the winter, plant the palm trees in pots and bring them inside before it gets too cold for them outside. 

For those who seek a low-maintenance space full of tranquility and peace, an Asian-style backyard is for you. The colors you'll need to use are beige and gray. The elements you'll need to include are rocks in all shapes and sizes, a water feature, and bamboo. This style is ideal for someone who doesn't enjoy gardening, as it is the mostly rock or sand with some easy care greenery. 

Now you are ready to travel the world, without even leaving your backyard! 

The information for his month's Trend Report is courtesy of the American Society of Landscape Architects 2011 Residential Trend Survey. Top outdoor trends are:

Lighting

96% of homeowners responded that they want lighting in their backyards. Candle light has always been popular for the backyard, but now lighting plans are being designed just like inside the home, including ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting can be from lanterns, rope lighting, or ceiling fans. Task lighting can include exterior grade reading lamps or overhead lighting in the outdoor kitchen. Accent lighting can be spotlights focused on selected plants or a beautiful fountain.

Fire Pits

94% of respondents look forward to having a roaring fire in their backyard. While giant stone fireplaces have been popular for years in the landscapes of million dollar homes, more affordable options are now available for those on a tighter budget. Fire pits can be found in every price range from $50 to $5000. To get full enjoyment, be sure to plan for comfortable seating around the fire.

Sustainability

Going green is no longer just for the "tree-huggers" among us. Concern for how our consumption affects the world we live in is increasing. Here are two ways you can be environmentally friendly when choosing to decorate your backyard. The first is by selecting products made from wood harvested from managed, sustainable forests. The second is by selecting products that are made from recycled materials. There is beautiful wicker-look furniture that is made from recycled soda bottles. Whichever material you choose, buy the highest quality furniture your budget allows, since it will last longer and not end up in the landfill.  

June's Color of the Month is gold, in honor of the golden sunshine we will enjoy for the next few months. Gold is a very versatile color for decorating, as it is neither masculine nor feminine. This master bedroom is very welcoming and relaxing, surrounding its inhabitants with warm gold in many tones and textures. 

Gold is also a good color for the kitchen. It is recommended that kitchen paint colors be derived from food colors, so think of butterscotch or caramel here. The gold color is repeated from the wall to the warm wood tones of the range mantle and the multiple tones of the tile floor. 

Just as you wear jewelry to accessorize an outfit, decor should include its own form of jewelry, too. The very neutral room below sparkles with gold accents on the coffee table, console, lamps, drapery rod, and accessories. Without those accents, it would appear very boring. 

For mid-level lighting, these calla lily lights would be a great addition. Each one is a hand-blown work of art, also featuring light-sensitive solar panels to light up the night. They come with four foot long metal poles to insert in the ground as deep as you like. 

These spotlights create accent lighting when focused on an interesting plant, tree, or architectural object. They are easy to install and powered by the solar panel.  

I don't know of any Dad that doesn't enjoy a delicious steak, so I figured since it is going to be Father's Day soon, I'd share a yummy recipe for grilled steak that makes it extra-special for the special man in your life. This recipe is from the Guru of Grilling, Bobby Flay.  

Grilled Steak with Vidalia Onions with Mustard-Worcestershire Suace

1. Whisk together the first five ingredients, the slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified. Keep at room temperature while preparing the steak and onions.

2. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 20 minutes before grilling. Preheat the grill to high. Brush the steaks with canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Sear the steaks until golden and charred, about 5 minutes. Flip the steaks, lower the heat, and continue cooking 4 minutes longer (130 degrees internal temperature for medium-rare.) Adjust cooking time according to your taste. Remove to a serving platter and tent with foil to rest while preparing the onions.

3. Brush both sides of the onions with canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill onions until golden brown and slightly charred, about 2 minutes per side. Separate the slices into rings and place in a small bowl. Add half the vinaigrette and toss to coat. Serve the steaks topped with the onions and drizzle with the remainder of the vinaigrette.