Most homeowners are unlikely to be building, remodeling or decorating with abandon in 2010, given the slow recovery from the recession. But if you do plan to update your home or garden, here are some trends to keep in mind.

•Landscaping. Fashion trendsetter Michelle Obama is also a leader when it comes to gardening. Organic vegetable gardens, like the one the first lady installed at the White House, are likely to be a huge trend in 2010, said Orlando, Fla., horticulture expert Tom MacCubbin. Community gardens are a growing trend, especially those that involve children. Of all vegetables, he predicts tomatoes will be especially popular.

In the landscape, perennial plants that last longer than annuals and need less care are a strong trend, he added. Trendy plants include gold mound duranta, a shrub with acid-green foliage, and perennial bulbine, which sports spikes of yellow blooms.

•New-home construction. The era of the extravagant McMansion is over, said Nathan Cross of NWC Construction in Orlando. When building new homes, people are increasingly budget-conscious.

“It’s back to basics. Even the pool is a no-frills deal,” he said. About the only area where homeowners may be prepared to splurge a little is the master suite. Energy-efficiency will be important. So will going green — “So long as it’s a green trend that doesn’t cost too much.”

•Remodeling. The trend toward making minor improvements to home exteriors is likely to continue this year — for good reason. It gives homeowners the biggest bang for their bucks when it comes to selling their homes.

In terms of costs recouped, 8 out of the top 10 home-improvement projects last year were exterior upgrades that cost less than $14,000, according to Realtors Report’s annual Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. A steel entry-door replacement topped the list, recouping 128.9 percent of costs, followed by upscale fiber-cement siding replacements (83.6 percent), wood deck additions (80.6 percent), and several types of window replacements (more than 70 percent).

The two interior projects that landed on the top-10 list were attic-bedroom additions (83.1 percent recouped) and minor kitchen remodels (78.3 percent). The least profitable remodeling projects in terms of resale, and therefore not likely to be popular in 2010, were home-office remodels and sunroom additions.