north sound living vol 4 #1 water as often. As an added bonus, it also your home, visit www.acehardware.com or helps to controls pesky insects." stop by your neighborhood Ace Hardware store. Manfredini also recommends making sure that your lawn receives between one Courtesy of ARAcontent and one and a half inches of water per week, including rainfall. Groom your garden Nothing compliments a great lawn more than a well-manicured garden. After the cold winter months, gardens and flowerbeds can be left looking unruly. Prospective buyers are searching for outdoor spaces where they can enjoy spending time, so it's important that you tidy up these areas. An easy way to do this is by spreading new mulch. Traditional mulch is a great option, but if you are looking for something that will last, consider Rubberific Rubber Mulch, which will last for 10 years. "Homeowners should also trim and prune shrubs and trees to create a refined look," says Manfredini. "A 'jungle theme' makes your house look unkempt." This project is made simple with Black & Decker's easyto-use Electric Hedge Trimmer.
Creating an outdoor living room (ARA) - For leisurely entertaining this summer, take full advantage of the great outdoors and extend your living space by creating an outdoor room. Why not have an outdoor living room with comfortable seating for all or your friends, or a space where you could fire up the grill and dine out under the stars? Adding a level, low maintenance surface, like a patio, will give you not only the pleasure of living in your outdoor space, but of loving it too.
A great way to create this space is by installing pavers, bricks, or stone to create beautiful patios and paths. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, it can be as easy as installing a winding path to connect your home to your garden or creating a space for a cozy bench to watch the birds splashing in the bird bath.
Finally, give your garden a pop of color by planting inexpensive annuals, such as Pavers come in many different shapes, marigolds and snapdragons. sizes and colors, offering you ways to customize your ideas to match your house Spruce up with paint and landscaping. Once you have your patio or walkways installed, you can make Now that the exterior of your home is your backyard inviting and appealing all looking great, spend some time on your summer long. Here are a couple of fun, interior. "Interior painting is one of the easy tips: most inexpensive and simple projects that homeowners can do," says Manfredini. » Find sturdy, comfortable seating that "And, it makes a huge difference!" will withstand the elements for years to come. Try wrought iron, wood, or Choosing neutral paint colors over bold even resin (often made from postones won't distract prospective buyers and consumer bottle waste such as milk will help them visualize making the space containers) for low-maintenance their own. Equally important to the color options. These are readily available is the type of paint you select. Ace Paint in your local garden or specialty recently launched a new paint called Royal stores. Finest, which is the first paint to combine ultimate stain resistance and environmen» Seating is even more comfortable tal friendliness. Royal Finest is made with with the quick addition of colorful Scotchgard Protector from 3M, so stains cushions and throw pillows. Swap and scuffmarks wipe right off. It is also these out for a change of scenery and low-odor, low VOC and GREEN WISE store pillows in a clean, dry space certified, so you know it's eco-friendly. (like a garage or storage bench) when not in use to extend their lives. For more tips and advice on updating North Sound Living • Volume 4 - No 1
» Plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables in containers to add a pop of color to your outdoor living spaces. Keep these lush and lively all summer by planting seedlings in a good quality potting mix like Miracle-Gro Potting Mix with Moisture Control. » Keep unwanted grass and weeds from popping up between the pavers by using Ortho GroundClear. This weed control can be used early in the season between the pavers to kill the weeds you see popping up, and will keep new weeds from growing for up to one year. What a great way to spend less time working and more time enjoying your yard! » Use an edger to trim the grass around the walkways and the edge of your patio for a more finished appearance. » String some twinkle lights for a festive party atmosphere and use inexpensive, solar powered yard lights to illuminate your outdoor spaces. These usually require little or no installation; just stake in the ground along paths or in pots for added interest. With the addition of patios or paths and a trimmed, designer look in your backyard, you'll be able to enjoy spending time in your outdoor living space, and not have to worry about a lot of maintenance to keep it looking beautiful. Start living in the outdoors and loving it. Courtesy of ARAcontent
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