Southview Design Offers Easy Landscaping Ideas to Increase Curb Appeal

PRWEB.COM Newswire

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) March 31, 2014

With spring-like weather on its way, Southview Design has several easy landscaping ideas for homeowners who want to increase their home’s curb appeal.

“Whether you’re planning on selling a home or staying put, putting time and money into the front landscaping is a great investment,” said Karen Filloon, a landscape designer with Southview Design. “First impressions are everything, especially if you’re thinking about selling. It can determine whether your home is a drive-by or a must-see.”

According to the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR), the Twin Cities is in a seller’s market, because the demand for homes far outstrips the supply of homes currently for sale. In fact, MAAR reports that the inventory of homes for sale is at an 11-year low. Although the average sale price of a home in the Twin Cities area is up 12.6 percent over last year, homes that are in “move-in” condition tend to sell faster and for more than those that need a lot of work, according to real estate professionals.

Filloon said that early spring is the best time to take a good look at your front yard from across the street to see the big picture. Do the exterior and/or front door need to be painted? Are the driveway, front walk and steps in good repair? Are the front walkway and doorway well lit and inviting?

After you take care of the hardscape basics, it’s time to address your home’s front landscaping. Filloon has three key tips for using landscaping to increase the curb appeal of your home:

1. Replace overgrown or badly pruned shrubs and small ornamental trees.

2. Top-dress the plant beds with a fresh inch of hardwood mulch.

3. Add ‘pops’ of seasonal color in the front beds or container gardens near the front door.

“Of course, taking care of your lawn is a must,” Filloon said. “Avoid the temptation to irrigate in the spring just to get the grass growing. Allow it to green up naturally. Mow frequently but avoid scalping, and don’t start to irrigate until the dry conditions of early summer cause turf wilt.”

Filloon also said that if the lawn is beyond repair, the fastest way to fix it is to start over again with fresh sod. However, she said that fresh sod or a freshly seeded lawn may take several weeks of special care before it’s well established, so it’s important to get that started well before putting the home on the market.

For photos and front yard landscaping ideas, visit http://www.SouthviewDesign.com and the section on how to enhance the curb appeal of your home.

One of the largest and fastest growing landscaping companies in MN, Southview Design is expert in residential and commercial landscape planning, construction and design. Founded in 1978, Southview has completed over 5,000 landscaping projects. Listed among the top 25 fastest growing landscape firms in the U.S., Southview’s landscape designs have garnered awards from the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association and the Minnesota Chapter of NARI. For more information, visit http://www.southviewdesign.com.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/03/prweb11717591.htm

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The 2014 Kitchens in the Vineyards tour April 26 will open five distinctive Napa Valley homes to visitors to gather home décor, landscaping and architectural ideas.

“There is a wonderful variety of homes this year, from large and lavish to small budget conscious houses. All are united by very fine design,” said Julia Jervis, chairwoman of the tour.

The home and garden tour of kitchens, dining rooms and entertainment areas as well as gardens benefits the annual local chamber music festival, Music in the Vineyards. The self-guided tour takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This year, for the first time, tour goers can purchase a VIP Insiders Pass to gain exclusive access to two of the homes for a meet-and-greet with the professionals who turned “home owners’ dreams into reality.”

Pass holders will go on the public tour, then return to two of the homes from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for a glass of wine, full access to all rooms and a question and answer time with the creative team.

“This VIP option is a must for anyone planning to build or remodel and wanting tips and specifics on how to make it happen,” Jervis said.

This year, the tour includes:

• A contemporary prefabricated, highly efficient smart home that is surrounded by “magically” landscaped grounds filled with entertaining spaces, plus a bocce court and a garden.

• A light and airy farmhouse, built in 2012 on the site of an old lodge, is a Scandinavian sanctuary. The interior uses repurposed cabinets and doors, and the exterior offers a pool and valley views.

• An Arts Crafts Revival, originally built in the 1920s, was remodeled in 2008 adding a great room and vast windows to highlight the gardens. The space includes lime-washed redwood, exposed beams, a tennis court, pool and antique finishes.

• A Poolhouse Redux renovation with a modest “footprint.” Its clever touches include a reclaimed wood wall, blackened oyster shell fireplace and portrait collection.

• A Tuscan Farmhouse that is the product four years of work by 15 artisans working with  stucco, stone, brick and distressed wood. The exterior offers a kitchen, pool, fountain, bocce court and formal gardens.

The annual Kitchens in the Vineyards  tour was born 17 years ago to raise money for Music in the Vineyards. Over the years, 85 homes have been shown without ever repeating a home, according to Jervis.

“Everyone on the committee — ‘the Kitchen Cabinet’ — as we call ourselves, works hard on this event. We start looking for the next year’s houses the day after the tour ends,” Jervis said. “This is truly a community effort. We are so grateful for the help of the generous homeowners who open their homes, the raffle donors, sponsors, authors, chefs and volunteers.”

Enhanced with springtime table settings, each home is styled by local designers and florists. At the homes, visitors will also find tastings of dishes prepared by Napa Valley chefs, and local authors will be on hand to autograph copies of their books.

London author, Josephine Ryan, who wrote “French Home”, will be at one of homes.

In addition to Saturday’s home tour, an exclusive Preview Party will take place on the eve of the tour sponsored by First Republic Bank, and Anne and Matthew Golden. Guests will board luxury mini-coaches at 3:45 p.m. from the Robert Mondavi Winery to embark on a private champagne tour of all five homes. Guests will return for a glass of wine from the terrace overlooking the To Kalon Vineyard. Dinner by winery chef Jeff Mosher follows in the Vineyard Room, accompanied by Mondavi wines.

Tickets for Saturday’s self-guided tour cost $65 for general admission, $100 for the VIP Insiders Pass (includes public tour) and are on sale now. Preview Party tickets are limited and cost $225. Proceeds for both events benefit Music in the Vineyards, the chamber music festival celebrating its 20th anniversary Aug. 1-24 at various Napa Valley wineries. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 707 253-5559 or visit MusicInTheVineyards.org.

After a long winter inside, it’s time to turn our attention outside.

You can get a lot of ideas for outdoor projects by attending the Northern New York Builders Exchange Home Show in Watertown this weekend. 

Whether it’s a patio or deck, landscaping or new windows, you’ll find ideas there.

“There’s a lot of great ideas here and everybody’s done a wonderful job of bringing out their best,” said Phil Reed of the Northern New York Builders Exchange.

The home show is being held at the Fairgrounds Arena Friday until 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
 

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Fine Design Living, One of the GTA’s Leading Boutique Design and Build Firms, Reminds Consumers that Spring is Not Just for Outdoor Renovations

As soon as spring hits, it’s easy for homeowners to get caught up with backyard landscaping and front yard landscaping ideas.

Toronto, Canada (PRWEB) April 11, 2014

Fine Design Living (http://www.FineDesignLiving.com), one of the Greater Toronto Area’s leading boutique design and build firms, specializing in high-quality exterior and interior custom renovations for residential and commercial clients, is advising consumers to keep in mind the benefits of indoor spring renovation projects.

The warm spring weather brings with it the allure of planning artistic landscaping design ideas. However, it’s important to acknowledge the benefits of having designers and general contractors work on the inside of one’s home as well.

“As soon as spring hits, it’s easy for homeowners to get caught up with backyard landscaping and front yard landscaping ideas,” says Braden White, owner of Fine Design Living. “However, upgrading the interior of the home can add personal and monetary value.”

The kitchen and bathroom still add the most monetary value to homes, and a recent poll shows that Canadians appear to be following this trend by allocating most of their funds toward these areas. But White notes that personal spaces should not be ignored; while taking the time to design a bedroom or living room may not be as lucrative, it goes a long way to adding comfort to any home, particularly those homes with young children. (Source: “CIBC Poll: Renovation Nation? Canadians say they’ll spend almost 30 per cent more on home renos in 2014,” Yahoo! Finance, March 27, 2014; http://finance.yahoo.com/news/cibc-poll-renovation-nation-canadians-080000148.html.)

According to White, one of the ways homeowners can add value and comfort to their house is by conducting an artistic interior design project on the basement. While a finished basement can yield a return of up to 75%, homeowners can also add an immediate personal touch by having it double as a game room for the kids, an extra living area, or a home office. (Source: Ducas, I., “Return on renovation costs: How much will you get back?” Style at Home web site; http://www.styleathome.com/homes/renovating/return-on-renovation-costs-how-much-will-you-get-back/a/882.)

“Homeowners often misjudge just how beneficial it can be to have a finished basement,” White observes. “That space can be utilized in so many different ways and have multiple functions. And when or if it comes time to sell, the return on the investment can be substantial.”

“Beautifying a home with a new deck, swimming pool, or some other intricate landscaping design is certainly a great idea, especially for the spring and summer season, when more time will be spent outdoors, in backyards and sitting on the patio, soaking up the sun’s rays,” White concludes. “That’s why homeowners should hire a landscaping company like Fine Design Living. We will put the same amount of attention to detail to the inside of a home as we will to the outside.”

Fine Design Living is a boutique design and build firm that specializes in high-quality exterior and interior custom renovations for both residential and commercial clients. From unique landscape designs and landscape construction to custom interior renovations, Fine Design Living is committed to providing the highest-quality workmanship and is backed by a personalized approach to service excellence. Based out of Markham, Fine Design Living serves customers in Toronto and the GTA, including Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Vaughan, Newmarket, Unionville, Aurora, and Stouffville. More information about Fine Design Living is available by visiting the firm’s web site at http://www.FineDesignLiving.com or by calling 416-817-6128.

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The New Jersey Botanical Gardens (NJBG) invites you to learn many exciting design tips for “Knockout, Easy-Care Gardens” in a program that mixes humor and practical information at the N.J. state Botanical Garden on Sunday, April 13. Join them at 1 p.m. in the Carriage House Visitor Center for a program presented by nationally known perennials expert Kerry Mendez.

Gorgeous, low-maintenance gardens are no accident. Join them to learn proven design tricks for sensational gardens that will be the talk of the neighborhood. Topics will include selecting great plants, incorporating focal points, vertical interest, sustainable practices, natural repellents, the how’s and when’s of using fertilizer, and much more.

Mendez is dedicated to teaching the art of low-maintenance perennial gardening and landscaping. As a garden consultant, designer, writer and lecturer, she focuses on time-saving gardening techniques and workhorse plant material as well as organic practices. She has been in numerous magazines including Horticulture, Fine Gardening, Garden Gate and Better Homes and Gardens’ Garden Ideas and Outdoor Living.

Mendez was a featured guest on HGTV and hosted Capital News 9’s In the Garden television segment, as well as info segments for Channel 13. She is a garden columnist for Life@Home and Today’s Garden Center magazines, and writes freelance pieces for regional and national magazines.

As a presenter for Horticulture magazine’s 2010 and 2011 webinar series, her webinars attracted thousands of gardeners from around the country.

She is now a manager of Estabrook’s Nursery in Kennebunk, Maine. Mendez is a self-taught gardener with more than 25 years of experience and a ‘passionate perennialist’ that enjoys mixing humor with practical information. She was the recipient of a 2010 Women of Distinction award by Success Magazine Ltd. Hers top-selling first book, “The Ultimate Flower Gardener’s Top Ten Lists,” was released in March 2010; followed by her second book, “Top Ten Lists for Beautiful Shade Gardens” in March 2011. For more about her business, Perennially Yours, visit www.pyours.com.

A $5 donation is requested. For more, contact NJBG at info@njbg.org.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Admission to the Garden is always free. Parking is also free in the fall, winter and spring.

NJBG receives no funding from the State of New Jersey or from on-site operators. Donations and sponsorships are always appreciated.

NJBG/Skylands is located on Morris Road in Ringwood. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.

HERSHEY — The positive energy at Downtown Hershey
Association’s first public meeting Thursday night was “priming the
pump” for creating a vibrant community, said Phil
Friedrich, a member of the association’s board.

More than 200 people came out to
plaster a wall with notecards offering suggestions on what they would
like to see downtown, and to vote on what they would prefer in the
way of signs, landscaping, parks, building styles, public art, paving
and more.

“Everybody is excited,” Friedrich
said. “I traveled around the world for 20 years in my job, and I
know the possibilities. I’ve seen what a focused civic endeavor can
do.”

The Downtown Hershey Association formed
this year with 25 board members. It has hired the Lititz firm of Derck
Edson to create a master plan for downtown.

Residents seemed eager to add their 2
cents. Already some themes were emerging. Many people cited a
walkable community with more trees, green spaces, bicycle paths,
boutique stores, book stores, night time entertainment, coffee shops
and ethnic restaurants.

Some mentioned dog parks, art galleries
and Segway tours. One suggested “yes to chickens and rabbits,”
another added “no to chickens and rabbits.”

Jennifer Renz, who lives downtown and
has three small children, was the one who did not want chickens,
especially roosters. But she agreed with many of the other ideas.

“We moved here so we could walk
places,” she said. “I’d like more trees, greenery, eco-friendly
things. I like the historic look, but I think we could mix in some
more contemporary architecture. I’d like more things to walk to, more
small businesses.”

Angela Graham and her son Nicholas, 13,
were voting on some of the design elements suggested by Derck
Edson. She said she would like to keep downtown’s historic feel.
Nicholas said he would like fountains, parks, cobblestone streets and
“the old timey look.”

Brian and Jennifer Krause have lived in
town for 20 years, and saw a similar planning process in the early
2000s that didn’t go anywhere. At the time, a lot of people said
they didn’t want tourists downtown, but Brian Krause said he feels
differently.

“Without the tourists, you don’t have
the businesses,” he said.

They said they hoped this time is
different.

“We’re pro doing something to make a
more vibrant downtown,” Jennifer Krause said.

Chris Brown, project manager for Derck
Edson, said his job is to synthesize the interviews he has done
with major stakeholders, along with the hundreds of suggestions
posted on the wall and on the organization’s website, to develop a
vision so private development will want to invest. He said there will
probably be public/private partnerships to make it happen, hopefully
within five to seven years.

“We don’t want this plan to sit on a
shelf,” he said. “We want the public to endorse it. A broad
endorsement is the only way to get a plan moving. With the turnout
and the energy tonight, we’re on a good path to get this moving.”

Renz said she liked the idea of getting
input from residents upfront. She is one of many Hershey residents
who objected to the Chipotle “fast casual” Mexican restaurant
being built downtown.

“Let people speak their minds now
instead of coming back and complaining after the ground is broken,”
she said.

Downtown Hershey Association chairman
Ed Uravic said the association will probably release a few conceptual
sketches over the summer, and schedule another public meeting in
September to introduce the plan.

“We want people to feel a sense of
ownership,” he said.

HAMILTON, Mont. –

The city of Hamilton is mulling over ideas on ways to improve its business climate and aesthetic appeal.

Consultants offered suggestions on a downtown master plan at a town hall meeting.

A major idea is to create a more attractive and visible gateway from Highway 93 onto Main Street. That could include more green space, art work and lighting. The city wants to fill vacant business space.

Consultants said it is important to reach out to outside business interests, and to businesses already here.

“Because three-quarters of job growth, whether it be retail or industrial,” said economic consultant Mary Bosch, “is going to come from people already in business.”

“We’d improve the signage,” said landscape consultant Sandy Fischer, “we’d do some kind of iconic art feature and landscaping. We’d try to contrast with the visual clutter of 93.”

The Downtown Association, the Business Improvement District, and the City of Hamilton, will review the consultants information in coming weeks.

The master plan is now being written by the consultants. It’s expected there will be a draft plan in about six weeks.

The final document will be presented to the city council for final adoption in June.

Citizen focus groups have been working with consultants for five months. Hundreds of local shoppers, businesses and industries have taken part.

The city paid $50,000 for the consultants’ work.

By Barbara Grace
Correspondent


Posted Apr. 9, 2014 @ 4:50 pm

REGION

Spring into Summer Gift Craft Show
April 12th, Angus Recreation Arena, 8527 County Rd. 10
Spring on into summer at the Gift and Craft Show!Over 30 quality vendors participating – featuring gifts for Easter and Mother’s Day.  It’s a show you will not want to miss!

Aurora Chamber Home Show
April 11 – 13 – Aurora Community Centre,1 Community Centre Lane
The Best Home Show in York Region – Everything for YOU and your HOME!  Whatever your home or personal improvement project, this is the “must attend” Home Show in York Region.  This year, there is a focus on renovating, remodeling, furnishing, gardening, and landscaping to create new inside and outside living space.  And, there’s a new focus on personal improvement – financial planning, nutrition, fitness and health. Come and get advice from the experts and watch your ideas come to life.
www.aurorachmber.on.ca/home-show

Spring Festival at Chappell Farms
April 12 13 –  617 Penetanguishene Rd.  – north of Barrie
Hourly, candy hunts, magic shows, the Easter Bunny, animals, wagon rides, trike track, jumping castle (weather permitting), food and fun.
www.chappellfarms.ca/easter.php

Easter Egg Hunt
April 12 13 – Elmvale   – Rounds Ranch, 1922 County Rd 92
Pose for a photo with the famous big bunny, go on an Easter egg hunt through the maze; pet some bunnies;hold some baby chicks and go for a tractor train ride. And take a stroll around the farmyard where you can view other livestock.  Bring your own Easter Basket please.
www.roundsranch.com

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
April 7 to May 16th
Ontario’s first European community, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is now open for the season.
www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca

21st Annual Simcoe Spring Home Cottage Show
April 11 to 13 – Orillia – Barnfield Point Recreation Centre, 500 Atherley Road
This show offers hundreds of products and services for your home and cottage.  Over 80 exhibitors featuring solar panels, doors, windows, siding, flooring, awnings, financial services, sunrooms, lawn care, landscaping, air conditioning products, water treatment, lots of home improvement ideas and much more.
www.orilliahomeshow.ca

1st Annual Cottage and Garden Show
April 12 – Penetanguishene – Penetanguishene Memorial Community Cntr, 61 Maria St.
The Cottage and Garden Show has everything you need for outdoor living featuring the latest trends in cottage and garden products and service including: Gardening Supplies Greenhouse Displays Lawn Care Options Docks Decks Boats Water Toys Patio Furniture Interior Décor …and much, much more! There will be several displays and educational opportunities for those looking to learn more about gardening, renovations and more!
www.penetanguishene.ca/en/calendar/events/default.aspx

21st Annual Home and Garden Show
April 12 13 – Wasaga Beach – Wasaga Beach RecPlex – 1724 Mosley St.
Featuring a wide variety of businesses specializing in home renovating, decorating, landscaping, gardening products and other services.  Back, by popular demand is the children’s activity area and food will be available at the on-site snack bar. There will also be numerous free draws and door prizes.

Wasaga Gift Show
April 12 13 – Wasaga Beach – Wasaga Beach RecPlex – 1724 Mosley St, in the building next to the Home and Garden Show
Vendors selling gifts for all occasions such as steeped Tea, specialty coffee,children’s clothing, fine jewellery, fudge, special wood bowls,  spa products, creams, and much more.  Get your Easter Chocolate and Mother’s Day gifts here.

Ontario Travel Information Centre, Mapleview Drive and Highway 400 in Barrie is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.      
Call 705-725 7280 or 1-800-567-1140, or visit www.ontariotravel.net for event details. 

Residents of Owaka are having a say on landscaping plans
for their township. The plans have been on display for the past
two months, and a public meeting held last week gave residents
the opportunity to express their views to Owaka Going Forward.

The community committee is planning to enhance the appearance
of the township as directed by the community before its 150th
celebrations in 2016. Owaka Going Forward chairwoman Aileen
Clarke said a diverse group of about 40 showed ”some real
passion” regarding the ideas proposed.

Groups were asked to write down their ideas on the
landscaping proposals presented. The responses would be
collated and given to the landscape architect to present a
plan that best represented the wishes of the general
community, she said.

The landscaping plan would then become part of the Clutha
District Council’s draft reserve management plan for Owaka
which would be open for consultation in June.

”This process is the reason why it has taken so long to get
to this point.”

Mrs Clarke said that while there was a thorough process to go
through, Owaka Going Forward wanted to ensure the
enhancements best represented the community’s vision, and
with as little impact as possible on ratepayers.

Last December, plans for a large waka sculpture in the centre
of Owaka were welcomed by residents.

Designed by Invercargill sculptor Russell Beck, it will be
made of stainless steel and be about 10m long and 8m high.

With an estimated cost of about $80,000, the project will be
funded through grants and community fundraising.

It is planned to install the sculpture in the triangle park
on the corner of Main Rd and Campbell St, near the Owaka
Museum.

Owaka Going Forward was formed after a series of six public
workshops in 2012.

At the workshops, it was decided the waka would be the theme
of the town and that the entry points to Owaka needed
improving.

It was also identified that the township had no reserve
management plan in place to guide council and to secure the
use of the reserve areas as the community wanted.

The Clutha District Council is due to adopt the draft
management plan for the Owaka reserves at its meeting today.

helena.dereus@odt.co.nz