Planting one tree isn’t a huge effort. You’ll be helping our planet, too. Plus, once the tree is established, it’s about as low maintenance as a landscape can get — and the difference it can make to your yard lasts for decades. The key is to choose a tree that adds interest to your landscape in the form of color, shape, and texture.
There are a ton of trees to choose from, but to play it safe, try a Japanese maple. Many are suitable for most any climate. They all offer color, form, and texture that can liven any landscape.
Related: 11 Trees You Should Never Plant in Your Yard
2. Tap Into the Colorful Punch Mulch Can Make
Mulch is one of the easiest ways to add both color and texture to the entire yard. “Next to a green lawn, coffee bean-colored mulch is a great contrast,” says Paul Fraynd, owner of Sun Valley Landscaping in Omaha, Neb.
If a dark roast isn’t your preference, there’s a a multitude of mulch colors that can spice up your bland landscape. Red, black, gold, cedar-toned — you choose.
For something truly unique, try pine cones. They introduce a knotty texture that breaks up the monotony of flat lawns and box-like shrubs.
The point is that mulch is easy: Choose a cool color and texture, then dump it, spread it, and forget it.
“Keep it away from wood or siding, though,” warns Fraynd. “It can rot the wood and may attract insects.”
3. Get Edge-y
Look along your walkways and garden beds. If your lawn just seems to morph into your shrubbery or threatens to take over your front walk, some unique edging could perk up your yard. No pruning, cutting, or watering required.
Define a walkway with some personal or found items, says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
“Colored hockey sticks can line a path or wine bottles planted neck down in the soil,” just make sure you do the entire path. “Two or three wine bottles lining a path might look like leftovers from last night’s party,” she says.
If you want to keep it all in the plant world, low-maintenance ground covers are an excellent choice for edging, she adds. Try lily of the valley, vinca, lamb’s ears, and pachysandra. Some of these add color, others texture, she says.
4. Create a Focal Point That’s All About You
Your own passions and pleasures are great inspiration to add color and texture to your landscape. Try creating a focal point with something that brings back a happy memory, says Henriksen, like your old toy truck, tricycle, or wagon. Turn it into a colorful planter.
This charming cottage needs extensive renovations, but could be a gem when restored back to its original splendor! Many original features intact, but requires a major overhaul. Priced accordingly and well below assessed value. Location can't be beat - dead-end road with the Vernondale Store and Kezar Lake a stone's throw from your enormous wraparound porch. Light-filled with a great floor plan. Something to be proud of when you're finished! Offered at $105,000. For more photos and details, visit http://tour.circlepix.com/home/L7AETT
Anne Marie Appel, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
Teamwork from the Team that works – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
Lately this is a sentiment many of us have about the real estate market as it seems to have come alive these last few months! This opitmism is backed up by figures just released by the NH REALTORS® as NH home sales saw its most February sales since February 2002, up 27%. Cumulative sales for this January and February increased 25% compared to January and February 2015. While only a 2 month comparison, it certainly is positive news. The median sales price statewide saw no change from last year, however prices may start creeping up if our low inventory persists. Right now it seems we may have more buyers than we have houses to sell! For example, currently New London has 40 homes for sale and last year there were a total of 60 homes sold. This may change as sellers usually start entering the market in April and May, the beginning of our "true" selling season. However, all things considered, there is good cause to be optimistic about the real estate market being alive in 2016! If you've been on the fence about selling, this may be the right time to list. Contact me for realistic and professional advice on getting your house sold. 603-526-4116, Donna@DonnaForest.com, www.DonnaForest.com
Imagine privacy in an established upscale neighborhood, yet only 1.5 miles from New London's shops. Enjoy windows that showcase dramatic mountain views and the warmth of exposed wood beams and natural wood work. Relish the company of friends and family before a crackling great room fire or sunsets on your south facing deck where you watch the seasons change your views. Open concept, easy flowing, one level living with extra rooms on the second floor and lower level. Perfect for entertaining or family gatherings. Air conditioning - generator - this house has everything! AND easy access to I-89. Offered at $630,000. For more photos and details, visit www.PrivateNHPostandBeam.com
Anne Marie Appel, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
Once you step inside you’ll be clicking your ruby red slippers together and saying “there’s no place like home”. This lovingly maintained, move-in condition antique cape offers the elegance of time when life centered on hearth and home. You’ll be enchanted by the warm wood floors, hand hewn beams, light and bright rooms and a classic brick fireplace just inviting you to curl up on the couch. There is time-honored craftsmanship throughout this spacious home as well as updated electrical, plumbing, roof, windows & more. Enjoy this quiet country location and find your serenity in the tree-lined backyard. Its breathing space at a very affordable price. Less than 3 miles to Mt. Sunapee Resort and the State Beach on Lake Sunapee, it’s an easy drive to almost anything. Offered at $185,000. For more photos and details, visit www.NHAntiqueHome.com.
Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
There are certain unwritten rules of etiquette buyers should follow when they are out looking at homes. Most are common sense and just plain ole being courteous! Below are some tips for being a courteous buyer.
- Take shoes off. Mud, snow, rain - you may be out looking in all types of weather so don't tramp through a house with your wet/dirty shoes on. Take them off and go in your socks or bring clean shoes to wear. Extra tip - check your socks for holes before heading out!
- Control your kids. They shouldn't play with the toys they found or run unattended through the home.
- Be on time. When showings are set up, the seller leaves the house, a listing agent meets you there along with your buyer's agent. Being late impacts many people, not to mention it may put the whole showing schedule behind. Unavoidably detained? Then call your agent for a heads up.
- Don't spend an hour viewing a home you already decided you dislike. It's okay to do a quick look and say it's not to your liking.
If you are looking for a buyer's agent to help navigate successful home buying, then contact me and follow me on Facebook! 603-526-4116; Donna@DonnaForest.com; www.DonnaForest.com
You’ll be moving in the right direction with Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
Freshly painted and newly refurbished, this 2 bedroom 2 bath condo is ready to move into! Light and bright with open floor plan. Circular kitchen with upgraded cabinets, counters and appliances. Walk in pantry with stackable washer/dryer. Large deck for entertaining. Walk to Lake Sunapee and minutes to Mount Sunapee. Make your appointment today! Offered at $150,000. For more photos and details, visit http://tour.circlepix.com/home/UE23BJ
Anne Marie Appel, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
Tucked away in Blodgetts Landing, this lakeside community is reminiscent of a simpler and carefree lifestyle. Bathing suits are the dress code for the Town Dock and association beach on Lake Sunapee, bands playing on the "Big Dock" and every July the community celebrates Blodgetts Landing Day with a parade, games, & Potluck. Create your own memories in this cheerful and well-maintained 3 bedroom home (two bedroom septic). Light and bright with plenty of skylights. Large living room boasts a 2-story brick fireplace and cathedral ceiling, oversized deck great for entertaining. A perfect location for enjoying your weekends or weeks on end. Offered at $264,900. For more photos and details, visit www.FunonLakeSunapeeNH.com.
Donna Forest, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
Don't miss out on this view lot in New London! Wonderful wide views include Mt. Sunapee. Southwestern exposure. Cul-de-sac lane in newer neighborhood of high-end homes. Great location, just outside of town. Offered at $168,500
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116