Spring 2024 At Home in Edmond

Letter from the Publisher Letter from the Publisher

WONDERFUL TIME TO INVEST IN EDMOND

If you are like most of us, your home is the biggest investment that you own. More importantly, it is where your memories are made with your families and the ones you love. Even if your children are leaving for college, your home offers them a great place to return to and brings back some great memories for them. Edmond is a great place to have that financial and emotional investment. What is so special about Edmond?

We could start with our schools, low crime rate, parks, city government, our own electric company, strict zoning, great retail options, low cost of living, quality builders and developers, sports programs and public art. Edmond has a thriving downtown area that is bursting with new shops and restaurants. Edmond is home to the state’s fourth largest school district, Edmond Public Schools. The district is also the state’s most honored public school district, with 10 nationally recognized Blue Ribbon Schools. Edmond also offers multiple private schools and other childcare options. Edmond is continually bringing new businesses to town and more business means more city tax income which all goes to maintaining great city services that Edmond residents have come to expect. Yet, we enjoy one of the lowest cost of living in the country.

Nobody wants to make a bad decision when investing in a home. This is especially true with interest rates up and housing in short supply. We want to be sure that the major purchase we are making is the right one in the right place. That is why you should look to professionals in this area that are qualified to walk you through the tough decisions of financing, building, remodeling or redecorating. Our At Home in Edmond magazine gives you just that opportunity to find trusted professionals in our community.

I want to thank our staff for their hard work on this magazine. It is tough when putting out a weekly newspaper to put out a section the size of this one as well. They have done an excellent job once again. Our At Home in Edmond magazine is just another way we enjoy providing great information to our community. We are locally owned, locally operated and nobody can out “Edmond” our staff.

We have been publishing our At Home In Edmond for almost 22 years and along with our weekly newspaper, it is by far the best information you will find on this community. Our staff and our advertisers love Edmond and hope you do as well.

Best Regards,

Ray Hibbard Publisher Edmond Life & Leisure

At Home in Edmond Magazine

Garage storage solutions

Organization and Conquering Clutter

Who doesn’t have a space at home that serves as a catch-all for items that seemingly have no other home? For many, this storage wasteland where items go to be forgotten tends to be the garage. Before long, clutter can overwhelm the space and create an eyesore. Garage clutter also makes the space less functional by making it harder to park a vehicle or store equipment.

Organizing a garage takes work, but the end result can improve the appearance, free up space, make work more efficient, and make it easier to find and use tools more readily. Here are some ways to get started on organizing your garage.

Start

with cleaning and culling

One of the first steps when organizing a garage is to thoroughly analyze what is needed and what can be removed from the garage. If items belong elsewhere, such as in a shed or the basement, move these items first. Discard damaged or broken items. Next, move on to tools or gear that hasn’t been used in some time. Will you use it again? If the item has been collecting dust for years, you likely already know the answer to that question.

Pile all items in the driveway so you have a clean slate with which to start. Measure the room to figure out the dimensions so you’ll know how much wall space is available for storage.

Free up floor space

The ultimate goal of a garage storage renovation is to make floor space available, according to Stacey Schweiger of Sunshine Organizing. Lifting items off the floor makes access easier, and

protects items should there be a flood or leaks.

A combination of wall shelves, overhead shelves, cabinets, and wall hooks can help homeowners create more floor area. Organization becomes easier when everything has a designated space where it can be easily returned to.

Consider weight

When investing in shelving and racks, remember that many of the items stored in garages tend to be heavy. It’s important to ensure that shelves and hooks are heavy-duty and able to withstand the weight of pressure put on them. Verify the maximum weight so that racks will not buckle or tip over and cause issues.

Utilize overhead space

Overhead storage can be reserved for items that aren’t used frequently, such as seasonal decorations or luggage.

Out of sight

Some items should be stored out of sight and beyond the reach of children and pets. Cabinets and containers can be used and locked to secure materials, such as fertilizers, paints, solvents, and other chemicals.

Additional ideas

Magnets, pegboards, organization bins and systems, and similar products can be used to corral small or errant items like hand tools, fasteners and more.

Garage organization will take some planning and time, but the end result can be well worth the effort.

Making Space Simple strategies to create more storage space in the kitchen

If home is where the heart is, then the kitchen is where that heart spends most of its time. Kitchens are where family and friends tend to congregate during holiday celebrations, and many a homework assignment has been completed at a kitchen island while parents prepare dinner.

The popularity of kitchens is reflected in the attention these rooms get from renovation-minded homeowners. Data from the National Association of Home Builders indicates kitchens are the most popular room to remodel. Upgrading kitchen storage is a popular renovation project, and it’s also one that has practical appeal. Adding more storage in the kitchen gives the room a more organized feel, which can make preparing meals more enjoyable and create space when hosting and guests inevitably congregate around an island. With those benefits in mind, would-be organizers can consider these strategies to create more storage space in the kitchen.

• Take stock of the spice rack. Creating more storage space does not necessarily have to involve tools like screwdrivers, hammers and nails. Spice racks can easily become overcrowded as amateur cooks expand their culinary repertoire. A crowded spice rack inevitably spills out onto the surrounding countertop. Take stock of the spice rack and discard any spices or seasonings you haven’t used in a while. This can create a more organized look and free up extra counter space.

• Make a digital cookbook. If your go-to recipes are filling a binder or two, those binders are almost certainly taking up precious storage space. Scan printed recipes and covert your physical recipe collection into a digital cookbook you store on a tablet.

• Install roll-out shelving in the pantry. Roll-out shelving puts the entire pantry to use. Without such shelving, items are destined to be relegated to that nether region known as the back of the pantry. Some items never

emerge from this area, as cooks forget they’re there and then purchase duplicates, which inevitably contributes to storage issues. Roll-out shelving ensures all items in the pantry can be found and greatly reduces the likelihood that cooks will have lots of duplicate items taking up precious kitchen space.

• Remove single-use gadgets from the kitchen. Much like spices and seasonings vital to the preparation of specialty meals have a tendency to be used just once, kitchen gadgets that lack versatility have a way of gathering dust and taking up storage space. Whether it’s a popcorn maker, a seldom-used but space-needy wok or another gadget that’s used infrequently, if at all, store single-use gadgets in the garage or another area of the house where they won’t get in the way or contribute to a less-than-organized look in the room.

A handful of simple strategies can help anyone create more storage space in the kitchen.

Vignolas Italian Kitchen

By Rose Drebes

Ashley and Giovanni Vignola wanted to preserve his family’s recipes and input Italian culture into the community.

They did so by establishing a cozy restaurant in Edmond’s Railyard. Vignolas opened on Dec. 4, 2023 and the establishment has been flourishing ever since.

The couple met on the east coast. Giovanni’s family is from Italy and he went to culinary school there. They all moved to Rockville, Md., just outside of Washington, D. C.

Giovanni’s family built a small, intimate restaurant there. After Ashley and Giovanni were asked to restart the restaurant, they started providing lunches to numerous private schools.

When COVID hit, they realized they could go anywhere and do anything. They decided to come to Oklahoma where Ashley had family.

“We both loved Oklahoma and wanted to move here,” Ashley said. “COVID gave us that ability.”

And now, they are building a community at the Railyard. It is quickly becoming a place where “everyone knows your name.”

“We want to have a little neighborhood spot where we can get to know people,” Ashley said.

While Giovanni is the chef, Ashley is busy greeting the customers – many of whom are already regulars and whom the couple knows by name.

All of the pasta and mozzarella are made fresh daily. The menu boasts such delectable dishes as caprese and Caesar salads to

soups and traditional pasta dishes as lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs and pappardelle Bolognese.

And, for dessert Vignolas serves tiramisu and cannoli. Vinolas also offers catering.

While these are family recipes, Ashley said there are no secrets. Actually, the dishes are really quite simple.

“The recipes are his mom’s, his aunt’s and his grandmother’s,” she said. “We felt like if we don’t do this, our recipes will go away.”

Ashley said downtown Edmond businesses support each other.

“There is no competition,” Ashley said. “Oklahomans in general are so nice.”

Ashley and Giovanni hope to establish a commercial kitchen so they can expand their business even more.

Vignola’s is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more on the menu, visit vignolaskitchen.com.

PHOTOS PROVIDED All of the pasta is handmade daily at Vignolas Italian Kitchen, now open in downtown Edmond’s Railyard.

Edmond Farmer’s Market

Shop fresh shop local

By Rose Drebes

A focus on families and shopping local are to be a big part of this year’s Edmond Farmer’s Market.

The farmer’s market opens April 20 in downtown Edmond at Festival Market Place on the northwest corner of Edmond Road and Broadway. Hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 2.

Social media segments to teach families how to make purchases stretch are to be included in programming for this year’s Edmond Farmer’s Market, Emily Harmon, Farmer’s Market manager said.

market, she said.

“The vendors are your neighbors, your friends and your co-workers,” Harmon said. “They are families doing what every family does: working hard to take care of their home and loved ones. We need local businesses to continue to drive our local economy.”

“The market will have new farmers this year as well, which is a huge thing for the community,”

Emily Harmon Farmer’s Market manager

“Oftentimes fresh food is seen as an ‘eat fast’ purchase, but that is not the case! I am planning social media segments dedicated to meal prep, easy snacks, picnics and other cooking that fits into the lifestyle of a busy family,” she said. “I also hope to see the vendors continue to engage with the kiddos at the market to show them how good fresh veggies can be.”

The best way to be an advocate for local businesses is to make one purchase each week from the farmer’s

“A small business will purchase supplies from other local businesses, eat at restaurants close to home and the market and make other local connections to help their business grow. Farmer’s markets provide communities with direct access to fresh food, direct from the grower or maker.”

During peak months, the Saturday market may see upward of 7,500-10,000 visitors. On average, there are 5,000-plus visitors to the market each weekend of the outdoor season.

Every season, the market attracts new vendors from a variety of businesses. Harmon said that in 2024, the new

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PHOTO PROVIDED

Through social media posts, Emily Harmon, the manager of the Edmond Farmer’s Market, hopes to educate families about the benefits of fresh produce.

PHOTO

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“hot item” seems to be unique baked goods made with a sourdough base.

“There have been a lot of applicants with that as the prime product,” she said.

In addition to Turkish baked goods and a rotating schedule of new bakers that will have an opportunity to introduce themselves to the Edmond community, other vendors making their first appearances at the farmer’s market include two mushroom vendors.

“The market will have new farmers this year as well, which is a huge thing for the community,” Harmon said.

“Agriculture is a thriving industry that can always use more farmers to meet the needs of shoppers for more fresh grown products.”

They join returning vendors who sell everything from meat to wine, hot sauce, eggs, crafts and more.

She said the market is made up of 75 percent consistent, weekly vendors. Twenty-five percent of the vendor lineup has a once or twice a month schedule.

“Our vendors are looking forward to another amazing season in Edmond,” Harmon said.

Edmond also offers a midweek market at Mitch Park, every Wednesday, 8 a.m. -1 p.m., June through August.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Edmond Farmer’s Market draws thousands of people each Saturday morning to downtown Edmond.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Edmond Farmer’s Market takes place at the Festival Marketplace near the northwest corner of Edmond Road and Broadway in downtown Edmond.

Get out and garden a healthy hobby

Gardening is a worthwhile endeavor that not only passes the time, but can be a form of exercise and relief from the daily grind.

Millions of people embrace opportunities to get back in their gardens each spring, and they might be reaping more rewards from that activity than they realize. According to the American Institute of Stress, gardening sparks a level of creativity among enthusiasts, and that can help to alleviate stress by lowering levels of the hormone cortisol.

Gardens also provide ample opportunity to experiment, as individuals can produce everything from vegetables to bountiful blooms.

Recent years have witnessed a growing emphasis on eco-friendly gardening that aims to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides in an effort to protect the planet. One way to do so is to rely on native plants.

What are native plants?

Native plants are indigenous to particular regions. The National Wildlife Federation says native plants grow in

habitats without human introduction or intervention. Native plants have formed symbiotic relationships with local wildlife over thousands of years, which the NWF notes makes them the most sustainable options. Native plants help the environment and thrive with little supplemental watering or chemical nutrients.

Natives vary by region

Native plants vary by region. In arid climates, certain succulents may be native because they don’t need much rainfall to thrive. In lush wetlands, succulents might be out of place.

Start native planting

The NWF offers native plants for 36 different states that can be shipped right to customers’ doors to help replenish native varieties. In addition, gardeners can visit local gardening centers to select native plants. Small and independently owned centers often feature knowledgeable local staff whose expertise can prove invaluable to individuals seeking native varieties.

It’s important to keep in mind that

native varieties may look less cultivated than more exotic blooms and foliages designed to sell for their unique appearances. Wildflowers and native grasses may be the types of native plants found in abundance, which may grow up and out quickly. These other tips can help the process.

• Plan and prepare the site by removing weeds and turning over the soil. This will give seedlings an opportunity to take root without competition from weeds. Seedlings will give gardens a faster head-start than waiting around for seeds to germinate. However, gardeners can start seeds indoors and then move them outside once they are seedlings.

• Avoid planting native plants in rows, as that’s not how they’re likely to grow naturally. Vary the placement so the plants look like they sprouted up haphazardly.

• Gardeners can still exert some control over native gardens prone to growing a little wild. Borders and paths can better define the growing areas.

• Grow Native!, an initiative from

the Missouri Prairie Foundation, suggests planting two to four species in broad sweeping masses or drifts. Mix grasses with flowering plants. The grasses produce dense, fibrous roots that can prevent weed growth.

Native plants should require minimal care. Keep an eye on them and supplement with water if conditions have been especially dry.

Plants Native to Oklahoma Trees

Oaks --Many varieties and cultivars, select for size and soil type

Elms --Very tough in any soil. Select variety by size and disease resistance

Juniper --Evergreen and tough. Thousands of varieties, Select for size, color and shape

Bald Cypress --Beautiful fall color, fine texture

Arizona Cypress --Grey-green evergreen tree. Long lived and tough

Hackberry --Large tree with berries for the birds. Very tough tree which

does well.

Sycamore --Very large tree with attractive white bark and large leaves

Redbud --Our state tree with beautiful spring flowers in red or white Shrubs

Sumac --Both “Grow low’ and ‘Tiger Eyes’ do well in mass plantings and to control erosion

Shrubby St. Johns Wort --Has interesting, beautiful flowers which improves your mood by just viewing it!

Clove Current-- Good in shady areas, has nice yellow flowers and very drought tolerant

Grasses

Switchgrass --Several cultivars of various sizes. Great color, does well in drought or wetland

Big Bluestem --A large upright grass with greyish color

Little Bluestem --A short 2-3’ grass, blueish in summer, salmon colored in winter

Prairie Dropseed --A very graceful 2’ tall grass

‘Blonde Ambition’ Blue Grama--A graceful short grass which has yellowish flowers in summer

Side Oats Grama --A short grass which will take some shade

Perennials

Coreopsis --Yellow flowers, many cultivars-select for size and texture

Salvia --Many cultivars are great. Select for form and color.

Salvia‘Pink Preference’ --This is an outstanding cultivar with red/pink flower all summer.

Catmint ‘Walkers Low’ --This is an outstanding cultivar with blue flowers all summer

Phlox --Blue, red or white flowers. Select cultivars for form, from creeping to tall.

Aster --Outstanding purple flowering in fall

Solomon’s Seal-- Has graceful leaves and small flowers for the shade

More suggestions are available at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: www.wildflower.org

Boba Bites

Mix and Match Fun in Downtown Edmond

Story and photos by

Erika Williams

Boba Bites, a new family business owned by Megan and Solomon Bitla that features boba tea, dumplings, and more, recently opened in downtown Edmond at 100 N. Broadway in Suite 166.

Megan always dreamed of being a business owner and had grown up loving boba. After having their son, she and Solomon decided to turn that dream into a reality so that they could spend more time together as a family.

Said Megan, “I had my son, and I wanted to have something where I could be with him. I didn’t like being away from him. So, I found something where I can be with him, and do what I love. I love Boba. My husband loves dumplings. So, we decided to just put the two ideas together.”

Boba originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and is usually served in fruit or milk teas. Traditionally, boba con-

sists of chewy spheres made from cassava starch. Typically referred to as tapioca pearls, these spheres are usually boiled in a brown sugar syrup and added to tea. While this is the most commonly known process, Megan explained that boba drinks can include much more than that.

“We have a huge variety. We have jellies, popping boba. We have actual toppings that go on top of a lot of the drinks, like cheese foam,” said Megan. “Pretty much the whole concept is like a mix and match. You could really just make your drink whatever you want. It’s not limited to anything.”

Before officially opening, Megan and Solomon spent months creating and testing menu items for the store.

“We ended up making maybe over hundreds of drinks we tasted. From there we just started marking on a paper what was good,” said Megan. “We’re actually still growing our menu a lot. You know, it’s changed from the time we opened. I think we had two menu boards, and we’ve expanded to four. We’re just always taste testing, always trying to find better things.”

Boba Bites features many different drink menu items, and customers have the option to personalize their own drinks. Some tea choices like black, matcha, and oolong may be recognizable to customers, but there are also unique options like avocado, papaya, and strawberry cheesecake. Megan’s go-to flavor is the dragon fruit.

“My favorite is like the dragon fruit tea. When someone comes in and wants a drink suggestion from me, I always make them that drink, and everybody loves it,” said Megan.

In addition to boba, the shop also offers dumplings, sandwiches, and

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wraps. Megan says the dumplings are Solomon’s specialty.

“He’s from India, and they have momos, which are like dumplings. He really liked them, but I introduced him to actual soup dumplings, which is our main menu focus, and he just loved them,” said Megan.

Megan said the Edmond community has been very supportive, and they’re excited to see what warmer weather brings for their small business.

Recently, Boba Bites underwent a makeover giving the front of the store a fresh new look. And with the warmer weather approaching, Megan and Solomon are also looking to offer some new specials.

Said Megan, “We have some interesting, interesting concepts we’re going to try for the summer, like boba popsicles. So, we’re going to take the milk teas or the fruit teas and turn them into popsicles and add popping boba and jellies into it.”

Megan and her husband are not Edmond natives, but they recently moved to the area. They visited downtown Edmond several years ago and fell in love with the area. When they found an open storefront, they knew it would be the perfect place for their business.

“When we were coming to get our marriage license, we drove down this road, and we seriously said out loud, ‘How cute would it be to have a business down here?’ We were just talking, putting it out in the air, and then two years later, we have a business right where we exactly said,” said Megan.

Installing a pool at home

Summer is a season of relaxation when school is not in session, vacation season is in full swing and people everywhere are getting outside and soaking up the summer sun. It’s hard to imagine how that can get any better. But it can for people thinking of installing a pool in their backyard.

Pools definitely have a wow factor that’s hard to replicate. Homeowners considering pool installation can take note of these factors as they try to decide if a pool is right for them.

Cost

The cost to install a pool depends on a host of factors, including which type of pool homeowners are considering and where they live. According to the online home improvement resource Angi (formerly Angie’s list), the average cost to install an above ground pool in the United States in 2022 was $3,322, while the average inground pool installation in the same year was $55,000. That’s quite a disparity in price, and homeowners should know that the average cost of each project is higher in certain regions and under certain circumstances. Potential ancillary costs, such as excavation and plumbing relocation, will add to the final cost of the proj-

ect. The erection of fencing around the pool if no fencing currently surrounds the area where the pool will be located also will add to the final cost.

Pool type

As noted, above ground pools, on average, require a considerably smaller financial investment than inground pools. This is an important consideration, but which option may ultimately prove the better investment is worth researching. Homeowners can speak with a local real estate professional to determine if an inground pool or above ground might yield a significantly higher return at resale. If an inground pool is likely to increase property value by a substantial amount, it could be well worth the extra upfront costs.

Maintenance

Pools are undeniably fun, but they still require maintenance. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens note that vinyl liners in pools last approximately six to 10 years, while painted concrete may require a fresh coat of paint every five years. Plaster finishes may last as long as 15 years, while cement-coated products can last a lifetime. Pools also need periodic cleaning, and chemicals to keep the pool operating safely

and cleanly will require an additional, if somewhat minimal, financial investment. Homeowners investing in a new pool should be aware of the maintenance required to keep the pool clean and be willing to do that maintenance. And though homeowners typically can open and close pools on their own, it’s also possible to hire someone to do it for a relatively small fee each season.

Location

A survey of the land in a yard can reveal how smoothly a pool installation may or may not go. Though it’s possible to install a pool in just about any yard, some spaces might require greater preparation and pre-installation effort than others. Sloped backyards, for example, may require the services of a landscape architect to prepare the space, which can extend the time it takes to complete the project and add the overall cost.

These are just some of the factors that merit consideration when mulling a pool installation. A homeowners’ best resource might be a local pool company who can visit a home, provide an estimate and point out any challenges that may arise during the install.

Mural Art in Edmond

Story and photos by Erika Williams

Spring is a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy some of Edmond’s finest outdoor art installations and even create a little art yourself.

Downtown Edmond features several works of art, but one mural stands out among them.

The “Welcome to Edmond” mural, located at the northwest corner of First St. and Broadway, was created and installed in 2021 by local artist Dusty Gilpin with the assistance of Dylan Bradway. The mural came about when local Edmond developer Matthew Meyers contacted Dusty about the project.

and I agreed upon a price, and we proposed it to the city.”

Construction.

While this style of mural has become popular in cities across America, the “Welcome to Edmond” mural also features references to Edmond’s culture and history with each letter in the word “Edmond” focused on a unique part of the city’s past.

One letter is an image that we used from the Historical Society of the inside of that department store that it used to be in that building. Another image is a depiction of the train that used to go through Edmond right there by the Railyard,”

Dusty Gilpin Local Artist

Said Dusty, “It was his idea to do kind of the, what I would call, a postcard style ‘Welcome To’ mural, and we just brainstormed ideas about what was going to fill those letters. Then, I drafted the image, Matthew

Cinda Covel, the director of public art for the Edmond Visual Arts Coalition (EVAC), shared that the mural was funded through EVAC’s partner matching public art program. EVAC covered half of the cost while donors covered the other half. The donors involved were Switchgrass, McKinnis Law Firm, The Small Group, Lap 7 Development, and AC Owen

“One letter is an image that we used from the Historical Society of the inside of that department store that it used to be in that building. Another image is a depiction of the train that used to go through Edmond right there by the Railyard,” said Dusty.

Dusty has created and installed several murals, but this style was new for him.

“My art is kind of more pop art style. Doing something like that,

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more traditional, was fun and it was definitely a learning process,” said Dusty. “I like whenever I get a job or an experience to paint something different or new, that one was new to me, even though it’s an older style”

This unique spot in downtown Edmond is a great way to both enjoy and create art. Adjacent to the “Welcome to Edmond” mural is a chalk wall titled “I’m Grateful” installed by local artist Zonly Looman. Here, people can get involved in the art process themselves by using the chalk near the mural to write something that they’re grateful for.

Dusty says that there are several different ways to support local artists and grow the art presence in the community. You can purchase artwork and merchandise, make a donation, or attend art festivals and shows. There are also other ways that you can show your support without spending any money.

“A mural adds a landmark to a community. It activates an area.”

Dusty Gilpin Local Artist

“It’s a very classic sign. I think what was cool about painting this one is that I feel like it’s going to be a relatively long-lasting mural. It may have more of a legacy than like a pop art mural,” said Dusty. I feel like the Welcome to Edmond one might just be there for a long time because it’s so well received by the community.”

This area has become a very popular spot in Edmond and Dusty believes that this speaks to the power of public art in communities.

Said Dusty, “A mural adds a landmark to a community. It activates an area, even if it’s like an alley, where you might have people just lingering, loitering or no activity at all, if you put a mural there, then you just start to bring people into that area, and things like trash get picked up. It just really tidies up a place.”

“A very simple way of just supporting local artists is by tagging them and crediting them in social media posts. A lot of people love to take pictures in front of murals, and I encourage that greatly. I love to see my work behind people living their lives and loving the work.”

The “Welcome to Edmond” mural is an example of how investment in local art positively impact a community. It has become a focal point in downtown Edmond, and Dusty believes it will be around for a long time.

Creating privacy on your property

An inviting backyard can serve as a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. After a long day at the office or an exhausting day spent transporting kids to and fro, it’s hard to resist the allure of a peaceful outdoor space in which to unwind.

Privacy is a key component of any backyard oasis. Some homes may be so remote that privacy isn’t an issue. But many suburban homeowners recognize they might need to tweak their landscapes if they hope to create a private oasis outside.

Fencing or planting?

Most homeowners looking to create more privacy on their property will have to choose between fencing and planting. Fencing provides immediate privacy because, once it’s installed, no one can see into the yard. Fencing also doesn’t require watering or other immediate upkeep, which will be necessary when planting to ensure tree roots can establish themselves.

But planting has its benefits as well. Planting for privacy is essentially creating a living fence that can grow over time and provide even more privacy as trees reach maturity. Plants also tend to be less costly than fencing. The home renovation experts at BobVila.com estimate that fencing projects typically cost between $1,667 and $4,075. However, fencing projects can cost considerably more than $4,000, especially for homeowners with large properties they want to enclose. Large, mature trees can

be expensive, though it’s unlikely they will cost as much as fencing. In addition, fencing requires more maintenance and will potentially need to be replaced, while native trees won’t require much upkeep and can last for generations.

Planting

Homeowners who choose to plant for privacy will next have to decide which type of plants to add to their properties. Evergreens provide year-round privacy because they don’t shed their leaves, so these are the ones most often chosen when creating a living fence. A number of varieties of evergreen trees can do the job, but it’s important that homeowners consult with a landscape architect prior to choosing trees so they can ensure the trees will thrive when faced with the growing conditions on their properties. During such a consultation, homeowners may discuss the following popular privacy trees.

• Leyland cypress: The Arbor Day Foundation® notes that the Leyland cypress is popular for hedges and boundaries, likely because a typical tree reaches a mature height of 60’-70’ and can spread as wide as 25’. The Leyland cypress grows fast, which may appeal to homeowners who don’t want to wait to establish privacy.

• Green Giant Arborvitae: There are different varieties of the arborvitae, but the Green Giant tends to be the go-to option for privacy. The ADF notes that Green Giants will grow up to three feet per year until they reach matu-

rity, providing a fast-growing option for privacy planters. The Green Giant can spread as wide as 20 feet at maturity, which is another attribute that makes it so popular among homeowners desiring privacy.

• Eastern White Pine: The ADF notes that the eastern white pine, which can reach heights as high as 80 feet, is favored in spacious yards. That’s likely due to its height and its potential spread, which can reach 40 feet. Home-

owners who choose the eastern white pine might like it for its resemblance to a Christmas tree, and in fact it is widely used for that purpose. The privacy provided by the eastern white pine is significant, but it might be best suited to especially large properties.

Whether it’s fencing or planting, homeowners have many options to consider as they seek to create more privacy on their properties.

“Flowers don’t worry about how they’re going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the

and that makes

beautiful.”