Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Category: Outdoor Design

10 Tips to Improve Your Landscaping in the Spring

The curb appeal of your home is incredibly important when trying to sell. A beautiful landscape instantly welcomes potential buyers and emits a comforting appeal that people desire when looking to purchase a home. With spring finally here, you can now get to work in your yard. Here are 10 tips to create beautiful landscaping that will enhance your home’s curb appeal.

1. Understand the climate of your region and yard

Your geographic location plays a vital part in the landscaping options for your home, so choose plants accordingly. The climate of your yard is also crucial, as some plants need more sun than shade and vice versa. So monitor the areas on your property, and find the perfect location for each individual plant you choose.

April 28, 2016
5 Decorating Tips for Your Backyard

Your backyard is a very important part of your home and deserves to have the same elegance as the interior. It can be the ultimate place to entertain, dine, and lounge under the sun or stars. With these five decorating tips for your backyard, the outdoors is about to be just as beautiful as the inside of your home.

1. Create a gathering area

The best way to get use of your backyard is to create a spot to gather. Whether it’s around a fire pit, fountain, garden, or shady tree, arrange some attractive seating options to create a welcoming hangout spot for friends and family to come together.

April 21, 2016
6 Tips for Water-Efficient Landscaping

Most people dream of a lush backyard oasis but don’t know how to turn it into a reality. We’re here to help! Here are six ways to show your neighborhood that the right landscaping can be both eco-friendly and stunningly beautiful!

1. Group Thirsty Plants Together

Some plants won’t need more water than nature provides. However, if you’ve become enchanted with a few finicky plants that will need some extra help, place those plants together. That way you’ll be able to give them the extra attention they need without watering the whole yard.

August 13, 2015
Outdoor Tips to Save Time this Summer

By Carson Arthur

Want to save time this summer? Here are my top outdoor tips to make your life easier!

Plants are work. Whenever the experts talk about low maintenance plants, they are still talking about work, just less work. For some problem areas, you want no-work solutions. Garden art, or non-living items are just that; cool things in your gardens that require no effort. Funky birdhouses, architectural metal shapes, even tall wood obelisks all make for an interesting garden space and once they are in, they require zero effort to maintain! In fact, most of these items look better with age.

August 4, 2015
Three Things to Take When Shopping for Patio Furniture

by: Carson Arthur

Shopping for patio furniture is fun for some, and stressful for others. Most people assume that shopping for patio furniture is just like shopping for new fixtures inside of your home. This is partially true, but there are some very important things to consider when dealing with the outdoors. Here are my 3 items that I take with me whenever I go patio shopping

1. A Magnet
There are more amazing pieces and sets available today then ever before because we all want outdoor rooms. Unfortunately, most of our outdoor rooms get wet. Knowing what your furniture is made of will help you take care of it for years to come. This is where the magnet comes in. Place your magnet on the exposed metal, even on the metal under the wicker style weave. If the magnet doesn’t stick, this is an aluminum set, perfect for handling almost any outdoor weather conditions. If the magnet sticks, then this is either a steel or iron set. These patio pieces are a great economical option for most homeowners however, if you don’t protect them, they will rust in heavy rain. Make sure you purchase proper covers to ensure the longevity of your set.

July 21, 2015
Five Unexpected Garden Design Ideas

You’ve no doubt felt the urge to get your hands dirty by gardening and creating an attractive garden area for your yard. But, you don’t have to limit your design to just the fun of the mill planter box or lush green lawn. With a little work and some easy DIY projects, you can make your garden one-of-a-kind.

First Consider Your Environment

Your garden’s environment should be the starting point for your ideas. If your climate is rainy or dry, rather than a combination of the two, choose plants suited for local weather conditions. By choosing native plants, you’ll create a sustainable garden that’s even budget-friendly to boot, since you won’t be paying for increased water or energy usage. Native plants are also easier to maintain, which make them an easy choice for boosting the curb appeal of your home.

April 23, 2015
Curb Appeal: Easy Tips for Making the Best First Impression

The biggest mistake someone selling his or her home can make is spending the entire renovation budget on the inside of the house. Do they think that potential buyers will ignore the front of the house and not make an opinion until they get inside? Curb appeal has never meant so much in a housing market as it does today! Buyers begin to assess a home as soon as they notice the initial listing photo. Want to make the most for your home? Here are some simple tips to make the best first impression!

By Carson Arthur

1. Choose containers over plant beds to add color to the front yard

Having plants is not necessarily a bad idea. In fact, homes with healthy plants and flowers are considered more welcoming to a homebuyer. The key, however, is for the front yard not to appear high maintenance. Plant sparingly because not everyone has a green thumb. Instead, use containers to bring plants that are in bloom to the front door, maximizing the visual interest in the space.

March 5, 2015