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11 Ways to Add Curb Appeal for Under $100
By Michelle Slatalla for Gardenista Too many people ignore curb appeal until it’s time to move. Then they spruce up the place for the next residents. How does this make sense? Every time you come home, the sight of your front door should give you the sort of euphoric endorphin rush that long-distance runners feel when they stop. Adding curb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive. Take it one step at a time: here are 11 ways to add instant curb appeal for $100 or less: New House Numbers Above: When architect Mark Reilly gave an Edwardian home in San Francisco a full remodel, the facade also got a facelift. Photograph by Bruce Damonte via Mark Reilly Architecture. House numbers are one of the first things to catch the eye—first-time visitors are looking for them to confirm they’re at the right address—and should set a tone for what to expect indoors as well as out. The spare, slim lines of Hillman Group 5-In Satin House Numbers (above) hint at the modern interior that lies beyond the traditional facade; $5.98 per number at Lowe’s. Read the rest of this article... read more
Mulching and Winter Protection: Essential Steps to Guard your Garden
As the days the get shorter and the temperatures outside drop, our North Texas gardens are getting ready for their winter sleep. With frost and the occasional snowfall just around the corner, now is the time to protect your garden perennials – marigolds, mums and marjoram – with mulch. Adding a layer of mulch will shield the roots from the intermittent periods of extreme cold we sometimes get in North Texas. It helps prevent erosion and exposure during violent storms and is one of the best ways to prepare your garden for winter. Mulch helps the soil hold moisture so you don’t have to water as often. It also suppresses weeds, which can get out of control, even during winter months. And over time, mulches made from organic materials break down and increase your soil’s structure and fertility. What kind of mulch should I use? Simpson Landscape generally recommends using organic materials as mulch. When making your selection, consider how well it protects and what it will add to the soil. There are many types of materials for mulch – these are the most common in North Texas: Shredded hardwood: Come from chipped or shredded branches or small trees, usually a mixture of woods from a variety of trees Available at a reasonable cost, sometimes even free from municipalities or utilities Becomes alkaline as it breaks down, benefiting all but those plants that need a lot of acid Durable ground cover that “knits together” and resists floating away in heavy rains Shredded bark: One of the most common and least expensive types of mulch Comes from a variety of... read more