"When

life or world issues seem out of our control, it's therapeutic to be able

to cultivate a special place in our own backyard," says Michael Miller,

president of backyard tool company Hound Dog Products, Inc.

Miller's life

reads like a chapter in the story of America's return to the backyard.

Like a growing number of people, he became interested in gardening as

a hobby that soothed his nerves and beautified his backyard. As a corporate

cog for nearly 10 years, he often spent the better part of his weekends

puttering in the yard.

"I found

I got a huge payback on the energy I spent in the backyard; I enjoyed

the leisurely process of doing backyard chores alone or with the kids,"

he said. "On Sunday night we could look back with pride on what we

had done, and we could enjoy a nice backyard sanctuary all week long."

In 1994, he

decided to make it his living, creating clever tools that made chore time

easier. Miller attributes his thriving business to identifying and embracing

the trend toward backyard living. "We're in the simplicity business,"

he says.

Innovative

tools with names like the Weed Hound (a stand-up tool that pops weeds

with the punch of a button) and the Bulb Hound Garden Planter (designed

with a hinged coring tube to make it easy to transplant flowers or dig

holes for bulbs), are flying off store shelves nationwide. Miller says

homeowners are focusing more time and energy on creating a feeling of

tranquility in their own homes and backyards, and they're looking for

the right tools and tips for the job.

Looking to

transform your own lawn and garden into a personal oasis? Miller offers

some tips to create a peaceful backyard sanctuary with a minimum of effort

and to enjoy yourself in the process:

Small, bite-sized

projects rule. Even when you're embarking on a larger project in the backyard,

view it as a series of small projects. That takes the pressure off and

gives you more successes.

Relax and

enjoy the process. Take your time; there's no rush when you're enjoying

yourself. This is an uncommon opportunity for you to leave any "Type

A" tendencies behind. Who knows? Maybe you'll discover the virtue

of patience.

Remove nuisances

and clutter. That ugly shrub, those weedy areas, the branches that block

your efforts get them all out of your way and start fresh. If something's

nagging you, vanquish it. After all, you're the master.

Involve loved

ones. Chore time is really playtime in your own backyard. Sometimes it's

even more fun when you share it with someone you love. Plant a tree with

your children and it will stand as a memory through their lifetimes.

Use the right

stuff. The tools of your craft should minimize strain and maximize results.

Think quality, not quantity here. Rather than aggravating yourself with

tools that will break or deteriorate, purchase reliable ones, maintain

them well and they'll reward you with a lifetime of loyal service.

Engage all

the senses. The most relaxing garden sanctuaries are the ones that tickle

all of our senses. Plant some fragrant herbs next to those beautiful begonias,

or save some space in the back of the garden for some tasty onions or

tomatoes. Install foot lighting along the path to the back door or the

gate. Create a small rock garden and install a pump to enjoy the sound

of water trickling throughout the season. Express yourself this is living

art.

Enjoy the

fruits of your labor. Gardening isn't only about getting your hands dirty.

Once you've planted, tilled, cultivated and weeded, remember to appreciate

your sanctuary. One of a garden's most vibrant therapeutic qualities is

how it makes you feel when you're nearby. The bottom line is to keep it

simple, and to make it your own. No matter which kind of backyard or garden

you choose, keep in mind that the best backyard sanctuary is one that

you create and care for yourself.

For more information

or a free copy of the Hound Dog Products "Beautifying Your Backyard"

Tip Sheet, visit www.hound-dog.com, mail a request to Hound Dog Products,

6435 Cecilia Circle, Edina, Minn., 55439, or call their toll-free garden

hotline at (800) MY-HOUND.

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