Siblings Erin and Christopher Rogoff share their backyard with chipmunks, squirrels, bats and rabbits.

(ARA) - Americans craving authenticity and fretting over a bleak economy have reinvigorated the trend to grow-it-yourself (GIY). From blueberries to houseplants, GIY is the new mantra as folks turn back to the future to simplify their lives while gardening for the greener good.

Marc and Bernadette Rogoff wanted to create a fun backyard that would encourage their kids to appreciate the outdoors, entertain themselves and have unstructured down time. Landscapers and designers say that creating fun outdoor spaces is simple and inexpensive.

Millennium Park has been a boon for the Windy City, but it had benefactors that Los Angeles is struggling to secure. As Los Angeles officials ponder what downtown's Civic Center park might look like, they often cite Millennium Park in Chicago as a model for what they hope their park can become.

Siblings Erin and Christopher Rogoff share their backyard with chipmunks, squirrels, bats and rabbits. They help their parents fill bird feeders, hang bat boxes, and plant fruits and vegetables to attract wildlife.