(ARA) - It's five in the morning; even the sun is still asleep. Sue Buerkle is working in her backyard garden, picking weeds from between the marigolds, snapdragons and geraniums. "On my days off, I like to put on a pot of coffee, and head out into the garden early in the morning," she says. "It's quiet. It's serene. It's the most peaceful part of my day."

She's not alone. A recent national survey reported that working in the yard continues to rank as America's number one pastime. Another survey, by a housewares trade organization, identified gardening as one of the top trends for 2002, fueled by people seeking a return to a simpler life.

The rise in gardening's popularity may be just beginning. During stressful times, more and more people tend to rediscover the simple pleasures of caring for a lawn and garden. "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. 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.