C H A R L O T T E
Real Estate News
home design
page 2
dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes
“Since we’ve been forced to slow down, it’s given many the opportunity to really see the beauty of the High Country in the spring. The budding trees, blooming daffodils and forsythia are sure-fire signs that spring is near.” – Leah Grove, Echota
Welcome spring The High Country is fresh in bloom and expecting you - story on page 4
real estate news
design instyle
design trends
straight talk
What’s new p2
Playful palettes p8
Southern Spring Home & Garden Show’ p12
Unlikely company p18
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|real estate news
what’s new? compiled by Whitney Berongi
DICKENS MITCHENER TAKES HOME PROMINENT AWARDS AT LEADING REAL ESTATE COMPANIES OF THE WORLD CONFERENCE Dickens Mitchener received a prestigious Member Achievement Award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE), a global network of marketleading independent residential brokerages. Winners were announced during the LeadingRE Annual Conference, which took place March 11-13 at Wynn Las Vegas. Dickens Mitchener was also recognized for its company marketing, its partnership with Relo Direct and for being one of only 26 companies worldwide to hold the MBA of Relocation, the Relocation Quality Certification designation (RQC). With a membership that spans six continents, LeadingRE connects more than 565 firms and 130,000 sales associates who produce over 1.1 million real estate transactions each year. As a member of LeadingRE, Dickens Mitchener provides a quality real estate experience, global mar-
keting reach and access to top real estate professionals in virtually any market worldwide. For more information, visit dickensmitchener.com. MARCH AND FIRST QUARTER HOME SALES ACROSS THE CHARLOTTE REGION STILL POSITIVE As COVID-19 and an impending economic crisis began impacting the U.S. housing market, the 16-county Charlotte housing market continued its run of positive gains in both home sales and prices in March. According to data from Canopy MLS, year-over-year home sales rose 5.5 percent with 4,254 homes sold in March 2020 while month-over-month sales rose 35.3 percent with 1,110 more properties sold in March than February. The average list price in March fell slightly, down 1.3 percent year-over-year to $350,430 and down 1.2 percent compared to February. Both the average sales price ($315,243) and median sales price ($271,500) saw gains of 8.7 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively. Compared to the previous month, the average sales price was up 3.5 percent, while the median sales price rose 3.4 percent. Sellers are still getting most of their original asking price, as the original list price to sales price ratio increased to 97.3 percent in March. Pending contract activity, which signifies buyer demand, declined 2.8 percent year-overyear and 1.8 percent month-over-month. However, when looking at first quarter 2020 contract activity compared to first quarter 2019, pending contracts increased 7.3 percent. The Canopy Realtor Association provides monthly reports on residential real estate market activity for the Charlotte Metro region based on data from Canopy MLS. For more residential-housing market statistics, visit CarolinaHome.com and click on “Market Data.” Email real estate news to homedesign@charlotteobserver.com. C H A R L O T T E
home design Editor
Coordinator/Designer
Christina Darnell
Melissa Kennelly
Creative Strategy & Real Estate Advertising
New Home Builder Advertising
Buck Brice, bbrice@charlotteobserver.com
Suzanne Parker, sparker@charlotteobserver.com
Sales Director Vic Bowers, vbowers@mcclatchy.com 336-402-4673
FOR SALE Beech Mountain 8 Weeks of Shared Ownership Home
Beautiful view, pie-shaped corner lot 3 Bedrooms (2 K, 1 Q) | 3.5 Baths | Den with full sleeper sofa Full finished basement with TV, fireplace and 2nd Kitchen Beech Mountain CC membership Hot tub/Oversized attached garage Nice sized kitchen with granite countertops
Section published by The Charlotte Observer • 550 S. Caldwell St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Editorial material in this section is the responsibility of the Observer Content Studio, 704-358-5185. It did not involve the news staff of The Observer.
Is there a neighborhood you’d like to see featured? Do you know of a new design trend on the rise? Did you use one of our ideas for your own home or home purchase?
We’d love to hear from you. homedesign@charlotteobserver.com
facebook.com/TheCharlotteObserverHomeDesign *Copyright 2020 by The Charlotte Observer. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without written permission.
For more information, call 704.366.2343
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THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER .........................................................................
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|living in The High Country
DID YOU KNOW? The Blue Ridge Parkway is home to 67 species of mammals, 43 amphibians, 30 reptiles, 227 birds, more than 130 species of trees and 2,000 species of fungi.
by Julie Cooper
EAT The Artisanal: For farm-to-table freshness and clever culinary genius, head to this High Country favorite, located in Banner Elk. artisinalnc.com
PLAY Appalachian Summer Concert Series Running from late June to August, this eagerly awaited festival offers the community a diverse mix of music, dance and film. appsummer.org
EXPLORE The Blue Ridge Parkway A must-see destination regardless if you’ve driven it once or a hundred times, there’s always more beauty to discover on this picturesque, mountain-hugging roadway. blueridgeparkway.org
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n the High Country, physical distancing has always been part of the lifestyle. People come to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowded cities in favor of more room to spread out and breathe. They take in the majesty of the mountains and let the expansiveness saturate their souls. “Since we’ve been forced to slow down, it’s given many the opportunity to really see the beauty of the High Country in the spring,” says Leah Grove with Echota. “The budding trees, blooming daffodils and forsythia are sure-fire signs that spring is near.” What people find here amongst the fresh blooms and sun-kissed vistas is much different than social distancing, however. Even in light of current restrictions, newcomers can still expect the same smiles and warmth the High Country has long been known for. “During this time of uncertainty, I’m seeing such a strong bond of community happening in Boone,” Grove says. “The residents are supporting our locally-owned restaurants through a program called ‘Take-out Tuesday,’ and everyone is being encouraged that we will make it through all of this together.” Luckily for those looking to invest in a serene mountain property of their own, Echota is well equipped for this unprecedented time. The
trusted real estate company has weathered many ups and downs in the market over the years. This COVID-19 pandemic is just another bump in the road. “We’ve been here since 2001, operating as a family-owned, family-run business—so we’ve established the stability to make it through,” Grove says. “Fortunately, Echota has also always provided virtual tours and photos for all our listings, so agents are able to help match properties for their buyers virtually. In addition, agents can also conduct virtual showings and use paperless contracts.” People here also love the lockand-leave sensibilities of communities like Echota. For many, their mountain home is a vacation getaway to escape to on the weekends or over school holidays. “Echota is truly lock and leave, meaning they don’t have to worry about it when they’re not here. It doesn’t take a lot of preparation ahead of time to just come up and enjoy life,” Grove says. “In addition, Echota’s central location to Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk allows for easy access to our top towns.” “These three towns along with Linville are some of the most popular in the High Country,” adds Rick Foster with Elk River Lodge. “There are private golf communities in these areas, including the Elk
River Club. The 2020 Golf Course Ratings were just released, and our Jack Nicklaus Signature Course moved up in the rankings to 7th in the state. While Elk River has been ranked among North Carolina’s Top 10 since its inception, our community has so much more to offer those seeking an active lifestyle.” Elk River offers a truly unique lifestyle. It has an onsite jetport, a newly improved tennis center, an equestrian center, a swimming pool, a wellness center, catch-and-release trout fishing, a dog park, miles of hiking trails and a children’s playground just to name a few. In the world, there may not be another place more well-suited to a life on lockdown than this stunning, natural paradise where “social distancing” is not a mandate, it’s a right. And this is why the real estate market remains alive and buzzing. “The High Country real estate market continues to thrive,” Foster says. “The level of available inventory has normalized, and sales have begun to increase. Last year was the ninth consecutive year of sales growth in the four-county area. There were more homes sold in 2019 by realtors than in the previous decade. Thanks to the options and choices here, the High Country has something for everyone, regardless of budget.”
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living in The High Country| CHESTNUT AT BLOWING ROCK Cone Vista Cir Unit 5A, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Price: $1,200,000 MLS: 201246 Listing Agent: Ashley Hutchens, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, 828-964-5438, ashley.hutchens@premiersir.com Set against the majestic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Chestnut at Blowing Rock is a private enclave of 23 single-story luxury residences surrounded by lush natural scenery, unmatched views and modern conveniences. Redefining luxury living, Chestnut at Blowing Rock features open and airy living spaces, natural finishes and towering windows designed to showcase breathtaking vistas. The quaint and charming shops and restaurants of Main Street are just minutes away. Discover elegant living in a casual setting.
STUNNING AMENITIES IN THE HEART OF BLOWING ROCK • Architectural design by David Patrick Moses • Interiors by prominent designer Dianne Davant • Prestigious Blowing Rock community, convenient to Main Street shopping and dining
• Oversized two vehicle garage • Maintenance-free living • Covered outdoor deck with grilling area and living space • Elevator access • One-level living • Private resident storage areas
Chestnut at Blowing Rock 364 Chestnut Drive Blowing Rock, NC 28605 chestnutatblowingrock.com Ashley Hutchens and Jerry Hutchens 828.964.5438 ashley.hutchens@premiersir.com jerry.hutchens@premiersir.com
Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each o ce is independently owned and operated.
WHERE MAIN STREET AND LUXURY MEET Chestnut at Blowing Rock features open and airy living spaces, natural finishes and towering windows designed to showcase breathtaking vistas.
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|living in The High Country THE SUMMIT AT ECHOTA Boone, NC 28607 Price: Mid $200s – low $700s MLS: Contact Foscoe Realty & Development Listing Agent: Jay Harrill, Foscoe Realty & Development, 828-963-7600, jay@ foscoecompanies.com The Summit at Echota, the long-awaited fourth phase of the Echota community, offers luxury one- to four-bedroom condos in addition to a brand-new owners-only amenity complex with an outdoor pool, spas and a fitness center. The expanded open floor plan features a deck with built-in grill and optional built-in fireplace. Mountain modern architecture includes highend kitchen, stacked stone gas fireplace and timber frame accents. The master offers breathtaking views along with a tile shower and walk-in closet. Guest bedrooms have their own bathrooms. To view floor plans and get more information, visit EchotaNC.com.
ECHOTA ON THE RIDGE 323 Indian Paintbrush Drive, Unit R332, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Price: $369,900 MLS: 220463 Listing Agent: Leah Grove, Foscoe Realty, 828963-7600, lgrove@foscoecompanies.com Top-floor two bedroom plus loft Wintergreen at Echota on the Ridge with layered mountain views. Recently updated, this relaxing oasis includes new hard plank vinyl flooring in main living areas and bathrooms, fresh paint throughout, new carpet in bedrooms and updated light fixtures and fans. Luxury kitchen features new stainless appliances, granite countertops, undermount sink and custom cabinetry. The open living area has expansive vaulted ceilings, a dedicated dining space, stacked stone gas fireplace and access to the spacious covered deck. Vaulted ceilings continue into the master, providing it with a bright, open feel.
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NEW
CONSTRUCTION AVA I L A B L E
H O M E S H O U L D B R I N G YO U C LO S E R Centrally located with unmatched views and a maintenance-free lifestyle, Echota is home to the memories that will forever remain close to your heart. Explore one- to ďŹ ve-bedroom condominiums, townhomes and single-family homes nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. To view listings and learn more about our growing community, visit echotanc.com. TO SCHEDULE A HOME TOUR, CALL (828) 963-7600. E F F O R TLE S S M O U N TA I N LI V I N G F R O M TH E $ 2 0 0 s | E C H OTA N C .C O M
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Photos provided by Sherwin-Williams
|design instyle
Sherwin-Williams Oceanside
Playful palettes While you’re sheltering, give your rooms a refresh with Sherwin Williams’ palette collections by Vicki Donatelli
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f there was ever a time to spend hours staring at the walls, it’s now—and most of us are starting to notice they need a fresh coat of paint. Sherwin-Williams’ Colormix Forecast for 2020 has all the inspiration you need, regardless of your style. Forty-five trending colors are divided among five intuitive palettes that bring joy, serenity and focus to the mind, body and spirit. Mantra is a cool palette with soft muted neutrals. Heart
mixes silky earth tones—clove, coral and even a beige—so you can mix iconic modern design with a boho vibe. The Alive palette builds on Sherwin-Williams’ 2020 Color of the Year, Naval. The rich blues and olive greens evoke a sense of community and living well. Haven is a much overdue turn away from gray—the colors feature richly subtle shades of sea, sand, forest and sky.
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LOT 1 PINE MOSS Customize this Lake Wylie waterfront dream home to YOUR specifications and Six King will build it for you on this 3.81 AC lot w/Master and terrace overlooking water and your dock. $1,060,000
LOT 4 PINE MOSS Custom Craftsman Cottage will be built for you on this 1.63 acre waterfront lot w/dock. Full finished basement to customize any way you like with Six King. $813,000
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Sherwin-Williams Eros Pink
4188 TOBE EDGEMOOR just 10 min. f/Rock Hill.Upscale cabin surrounded by 166 acres of recreational paradise. $780,000
Play is a color collection you can’t ignore. Its hues are energetic and charming. Based on a fresh, pure white, its surprising burst of honest tones is an invitation to come play. “With spring comes new beginnings and opportunities to refresh our homes with new hues,” says Sue Walden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “For 2020, we’ve really been seeing a return to color. Designers are eschewing cool grays and whites for warmer neutrals and deep jewel tones that inject character and life. The Play palette is rooted in a fresh white with pops of pink like Eros Pink SW 6860, accented with rich blues and golds like Oceanside SW 6496 and Auric SW 6692.”
It takes conviction of style to play in this arena. To appreciate the mix, you have to balance the richness of the colors with touches drawn from this same palette. If you paint your walls Oceanside, a deep blue-green, then select an area rug that features the same blue but combines it with a bold shade of gold, like Auric. Still love gray but want more drama? You can’t miss with Caviar. Keep your ceiling and trim white to frame this dark ebony. Your existing light gray furniture and accessories will resonate with newborn life. Introduce some black and white photographs and you’ve created an exciting new style. The beguilement of pink is ex-
You
16412 Here at Last Ln. New Construction behind 501 RIVIERA PLACE in Rock Hill's The Palisades. Get in early to customize this baby prestigious Waterford Glen golf right from your couch! 3429 sq. ft on 1.2 wooded course community just acres with Lake Wylie water views. $710,981
30 minutes f/Charlotte. $348,000
2070 Tiger Paw Ln Custom Cottage on Lake
646 WEST PARK DR. in Historic Lincolnton. Wylie with panoramic views, double decker dock The Reinhardt House features original on a deep cove, stellar new kitchen & wood floors, dental moldings and outdoor living areas. $635,000 groove pine walls. $230,000
We wish you good health and quality time with your loved ones. You VOLUNTEER • DONATE We are here• SHOP if 103 Kings Mountain St. Historic York. This completely 16432 HERE LAST HOMES NEW 4084 Charlotte Hwy., Clover, SC 29710 renovated historic AT treasure willNEST take your breath away! craftbrought smanback cottage in NEW CONSTRUCTION . you need us Over 3000 sq. ft. of history to life on (803) 324-1960
172Acres AcresCharlotte CharlotteHwy Hwybetween between 172 Lake Wylieand and York. with Lake Wylie York.Historic Historicfarm farm with gorgeous pastures, hardwoods and creek gorgeous pastures, hardwoods and for possible pondsite. $1,209,040 creek for possible pondsite. $1,209,040 (10) 1+ACRE Neighborhood Lots (10) 1+ACRE Neighborhood Lots Rambler Ln Blacksburg $13,000 each Rambler Ln Blacksburg 3004 ASHWOOD $13,000 PARK each DR. .76 ac Belmont’s Reflection Point $40,000 3004 ASHWOOD PARK DR. .76 ac 2 Acres Caroline Acres Road Belmont’s Reflection Point $40,000 Indian Land in established area. $180,000 2 Acres Caroline Acres Road 2.46 Acres McFalls Dr., Indian Land Indian Land in established area. in established area $220,700 $180,000 CAROBROOK NEIGHBORHOOD 2.46inAcres McFalls Dr.,water/sewer Indian Land Fort Lawn (2) lots in established areaeach $220,700 available $7500 CAROBROOK NEIGHBORHOOD PINE MOSS 4 WATERFRONT LOTS inon Fort Lawn (2)3 with lots water/sewer Lake Wylie, docks, 1 with available dock permit. 1.6-3.8$7500 Acres each $258-450,000 10620MOSS Sweetleaf 4.4 woodedLOTS acre PINE 4 WATERFRONT in The3 Sanctuary $120,000 onhome Lakesite Wylie, with docks, 1 with dock permit. Acres 22 Acres1.6-3.8 Filbert Hwy $258-450,000 Clover. Zoned Business in the front, party in the back! 10620 Sweetleaf 4.4 wooded acre Have site your in business on the road$120,000 and live home The Sanctuary in the back. $230,000
River’s Edge to TheofPalisades 1 wooded .56 acres in Thenext Charleston the Upstate.on$359,000 acre w/seasonal water views $629,900
1000 Village Harbor Dr Lake Wylie, South Carolina
803-526-1225
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pressed as Juneberry in the Play grouping. It is the perfect color for a foyer or accent wall. Unlike its blushing sister, this pink holds its own against black or dark grays. Retro honey blonde furniture will pop off this background. Looking for a smaller project while sheltering in? Select a color from any of Sherwin-Williams’ new Color Forecast 2020 and give your front door a fresh, playful look. When guests can finally come to visit again, you’ll welcome them in style.
Vicki Payne Donatelli is an interior designer, project coordinator and popular speaker for renovation and new construction projects. She is the host of the national PBS series “For Your Home.” Visit her blog at ForYourHome.com.
Sherwin-Williams Pure White
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VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT. Literally amazing.
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Photo courtesy of Marketplace Events
|design trends
A touch of spring Highlights and trends from this year’s award-winning Southern Spring Home & Garden Show by Moment Palmer
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ear after year, homeowners, DIYers and garden enthusiasts alike flock to the Southern Spring Home & Garden Show—the largest of its kind in the South and recently ranked as one of the Top 5 flower and garden shows in the country by Better Homes & Gardens. Now in its 60th year, the show not only provides attendees the latest trends and products in home improvement, remodeling, outdoor living and gardening, but also offers inspiration for those looking to start their next big home design proj-
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Photo courtesy of Marketplace Events
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ect. In addition to more than 300 exhibitors and vendors, this year’s event featured a vibrant “Vintage South” garden theme with expanded gardens installed by local landscape designers and more blooms, bulbs and shrubs than previous years due to popular demand. The show’s manager, Jennifer Smetana with Marketplace Events, explains how her team decides on a theme and determines what to feature at each year’s show: “Easy, we simply listen. We pay close attention to feedback from our exhibitors and attendees, whether through surveys, social media or conversations. We also keep a pulse on what’s going on around the industry.” 2020 TRENDS While trends vary between designers and remodelers, several are emerging in various industries. “White and bright never goes out of style, but dark floors are officially
on the way out,” say Vlad and Alla Motso, owners of NextGen Design & Build, a high-end customer service design and remodeling firm. “With that being said, the color of the year for 2020 is blue, which pairs well with warm natural finishes.” Smetana agreed that blue is the on-trend color this year: “Navy blue paint with white trim is a trendy look that also has a quaint Victorian-era appeal. Adding brass lights, handles, pulls and accessories really adds character to this color scheme.” When it comes to kitchens, it’s all about quartz. If you’re looking to upgrade your countertops, quartz is the new granite, and the durability and easy maintenance have become a huge hit with consumers. “Marble quartz with a rustic wood has become extremely popular,” says Smetana. “Also, contrasting darker cabinet colors, like a navy blue or dark gray, with a marble quartz is really trendy.” When working with limited space,
Nasty crawl spaces? We can fix it. Create a healthier living space and save money on utility bills while avoiding unnecessary repairs. You can even gain extra storage space! Symptoms of a Crawl Space Problem: Interior Drywall Cracks • Uneven Floors Foul Odors • Increased Allergy or Asthma Symptoms
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Photos courtesy of Carolina Curbscapes
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built-in seating not only gives a room character but is also a great solution for a small area. Certain materials will maximize a space. “The other big thing for 2020 is large tiles, which will make any room look twice its size,” says Vlad Motso. GARDENS GALORE Many think paint is the easiest way to change a room, but that’s not necessarily so. “Before you pick up that paintbrush, exercise your green thumb,” says Smetana. “Bringing living plants into your home is not only good for your health, but it adds a pop of color and texture.” Celebrated garden designer Margie Grace of Grace Design Associates, one of this year’s guest speakers, shared some emerging gardening trends. One of the Biggest? Outdoor “rooms” for dining or
relaxing. They have all the comfort and function of indoor rooms, such as heating, lighting, overhead fans for cooling, lounging furniture and rugs. “We’re also seeing a lot of naturalistic landscapes, eco-friendly materials and blended gardens with a mixture of edibles and ornamentals—including in the front yard,” says Grace. Eco-friendly and organic gardening is becoming more popular, and where better to practice “going green” than in the garden? “The gardening trends are progressively moving away from just the visual aspect and towards duty and visual,” says Doyle Moore, an herbalist, grower and owner of Celtic Frost Herbs. “For example, customers are looking for plants that serve a purpose for herbal remedies—such as elderberry plants for homemade syrup and herbs for culinary and medicinal uses—as
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Photos courtesy of Celtic Frost Herbs
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Photos courtesy of NexGen Design & Build
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well as plants such as native pollinators that support bee and butterfly habitats. It’s a garden with a purpose.” Moore and his wife, Dr. Lora Hurley, a licensed naturopathic doctor and herbalist, produce more than 350 varieties of culinary and medicinal herbs, plus heirloom vegetables. While gardening is a visual artform, it is also a sustainable practice that helps enrich the earth even in your own backyard. “For me, organic gardening is a passion, and I enjoy passing it along to my customers,” says Moore. “The more we learn about our gardens, the better equipped we are to be sustainable humans.” MORE THAN JUST A SHOW Visitors and vendors agree that the exhibitors and people behind the show are just as valuable as its stunning visuals. Guests attending the show can get advice from home, garden and design experts in addition to seeing the
exhibitor’s portfolio. “That’s why attending the Southern Spring Home & Garden Show is so handy,” says Smetana. “It gives them the opportunity to discuss their home projects with multiple experts and find the right fit and design aesthetic for their budget and project.” Grace says it’s important to have events like this so homeowners and the public have access to a multitude of products, services, industry experts and ideas. “These exhibits are vital,” Grace says. “New plant varieties, new ideas, new products, new materials, tools that you’ve never seen before and, most importantly, inspiration—where else will you find so much in one space?” If you missed this year’s show, mark your calendar for the 2021 Southern Spring Home & Garden Show, Friday, Feb. 26–28 and March 5–7 at the Park Expo & Conference Center, or visit charlottespringhomeandgardenshow.com.
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Photos courtesy of Marketplace Events
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Photo by William Kunkelmann / Courtesy of the Carolina Raptor Center
|straight talk
Red-tailed hawk
Unlikely company Turn your yard into a wildlife habitat to attract springtime friends by Allen Norwood
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’d like to apologize to our young hawk for calling it wimpy and worm-eating. That was true, but one shouldn’t talk about youngsters so harshly when they’re only trying to find their way in this world. Like all kids, young hawks can have trouble growing up, too. It was probably a young red-tailed hawk, according to Kristin Dean, bird curator at the Carolina Raptor Center. “It sounds like a juvenile that has no clue,” she said. “We see that a lot.” Well, it certainly was young and clueless—but, again, one must be patient and understanding with children. A little background, and then I’ll share tips from Dean about dealing with young hawks and creating a wildlife-friendly sanctuary in your backyard. The sanctuary sounds like a worthy project in this season of social distancing. We can all appreciate friendly company about now.
Weeks ago I wrote about a young hawk that hung around our yard. The songbirds ignored it as it flew down to pluck what looked like worms off the grass and then flew back to its perch. A titmouse shared the same limb with it. A bossy squirrel actually chased it out of a hickory tree. The hawk was mottled brown, plainly a juvenile that hadn’t earned its signature grownup plumage. But there are several reasons to believe it was a red-tailed hawk. Falcons would be rare in a backyard, Dean said. Red-shouldered and redtailed hawks are much more common. A coopers hawk would be able to catch a songbird, but not a red-tailed hawk. “It sounds like a red-tailed hawk,” she said. “They can really struggle when they’re younger. We get full-grown juveniles that are just really skinny. “We sometimes see these juveniles
that just don’t make it. He’s going to have to learn quickly.” It might have been a young bird hatched in spring of last year, she said. It won’t display its adult plumage until after it molts, probably this coming summer. As I wrote in that earlier column, the hawk seemed to be eating worms from the ground after a short rain. Falcons eat birds, I learned, but hawks and owls mostly eat small creatures on the ground. It’s common for young hawks to eat worms and crickets while learning to hunt, Dean said—but a steady diet of worms won’t get it to that regal adult plumage. We shouldn’t feed young hawks, though. “Hawks can become habituated to people, which will affect its ability to survive in the wild,” she said. If you see a young hawk that’s injured or otherwise needs help, call the Raptor Center’s rehabilitation team
when things return to normal. Meanwhile, check out the National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program. “It’s a great program that celebrates small backyard habitats for native wildlife,” Dean said. You’ll find more about the program and how to make your yard and garden more inviting to birds and other wildlife at nwf.org. The Carolina Raptor Center on Sample Road in Huntersville is closed now, as you can imagine. The raptor hospital is not accepting new patients, and the raptor trail is closed to visitors. But you can view raptor webcams at the center’s online site, carolinaraptorcenter.org, and enjoy an Avian Home Adventure every weekday at 11 a.m. on Facebook.
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