Real Estate Girl

Prep your yard for next year's growing season

1  Aerate the Lawn. A garden fork will work for small yards but for larger ones, rent a walk behind aerator or hire a landscape company.

2  Fertilize your lawn

3  Mow your lawn a final time but be sure not to go too low-grass makes most food in the upper blade

4  Collect your leaves for compost

5  Plant new shrubs

6  Cut back Perennials

7  Mulch young plants

8  Start a Compost for use in the spring

9  Add lighting to your walkways with lanterns or install flood light with a sensor

House Logic

If you haven't yet taken the time to check out House Logic you should.  It is a wealth of information.  From how to better your home, take advantage of tax credits or strengthen your commumity, it is a site worth visiting.  Check out the seasonal maintenance guide for the upcoming season.

Outdoor Room

No matter where you are in the country an outdoor room can enhance your living space and overall quality of life.  Having a nice outdoor space can also help sell your property.  I believe it is often easier for a buyer to picture themselves relaxing on an inviting balcony than it is to imagine sleeping in the master bedroom.  Create a nice space to enjoy the outdoors this summer and into the fall.  Make sure to warm up the space with lanterns, string lights or candles.  Use whatever linens are space appropriate, curtains, blinds, pillows or a rug.  Hang an antique mirror or iron sculpture to complete the look.  Go shopping!  You can get great deals on outdoor items this time of year!  And watch Outdoor Room with Jamie Durie for inspiration. 

Sometimes it's worth hiring a Professional

After 3 years, we finally have a backyard to be proud of-just look at these before & after shots!  A little background -our yard was uneven, had mismatched concrete & grass that would only grow in patches leaving mud puddles after a rain.  It was overwhelming just helping to plan this process, which by the way took 3 men almost 5 full work days to do this standard city backyard!  I am all for DIY'n but my husband & I are thrilled that we chose to hire professionals!  You have to know your limits!

 

  

Safe, Natual Lawn

Natual Lawn of America is safe lawn care using natural products!  How excited was I when I found it!!  This has been an on-going argument with my husband & I for a few years now.  Now that I found an alternative to Scott's lawn care there is no need to argue!!   The web site contains great information including testimonials.  They actually have home lawn care service or if you are a do it yourself'er you can order from the catalog.  Enjoy free shipping for ground delivery.  The products range from lawn fertilizers to DEET free Mosquito wipes for the whole family.  Include code NH10P508 with your order for 10% off your order.  (good until 7/1/08)

Hardscaping

If you don't know the term hard-scape think of it like this, the elements of your landscape that aren't easily moved.  Examples, a rustic wall, an arbor, meditation bench or trickling fountain.  I know from my own experience (or lack thereof) it is impossible to actually do the landscaping without the hard-scaping in place.  So first consider is your yard is a place to relax, entertain, enjoy a view or have fun with the kids?  The key to a fabulous yet functional landscape plan is defining the space in it's entirety. Paths, patios and pergolas help you do just that.  It is critical to consider the entire space & what your long term goals is.  HGTV.com has some great planing strategies to get started.  I am going to get started on mine right now...

hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_design_plans_strategy/article/0,1785,HGTV_3569_5367855,00.html