Try a fresh coat of paint or stain to add contrast. Be sure concrete is free from cracks
presented by the
Use plants to add color. Be sure to keep shrubs trimmed and keep weeds out with mulch.
Atlanta Perimeter Office
Curb Appeal and First Impressions
There are many factors that influence the “First Impression” guests perceive of your home, and the landscaping associated with your home is one of those important factors. Regardless of whether you live in a condo, town home or residential property, a little landscaping can go a long way towards improving that “First Impression”. Lawns, porches, patios and decks all present opportunities to create an inviting atmosphere to your home, so take advantage of whatever opportunities your particular situation affords.
Use a light fixture that compliments your house’s style.
April 2010
As the days grow long and the temperatures rise, Mother Nature is telling us it’s that time of the year to prepare the lawn and garden for the days ahead. Here are some tips to help you maintain a luscious, green lawn and ensure beautiful blooms from your garden. For the lawn • Spread a slow-release fertilizer to supply nutrients over the coming weeks. • Aerate your lawn annually to break up compacted soil so the roots can grow deeply and water can penetrate the soil. • Topdress the lawn with peat moss, compost, or other organic material to add humus which promotes healthy turf. • Mow your grass regularly. Keep grass no shorter than 2”-3” tall. Longer grass will look greener, obscure bare spots, and discourage weed growth. • To green up the lawn quickly for a special occasion you can spray it with a liquid fertilizer
For the garden • Prune summer flowering and evergreen shrubs so that they don’t become overgrown. Prune broken or diseased branches as well. • Test the soil to determine what nutrients it may be lacking (soil testing kits are available at your local nursery). Amend the soil 1-2 weeks before planting. • Save yourself some money! Divide and transplant perennials and evergreen plants to bare spots in the garden. • Apply fertilizer as the weather begins to warm up. • Spray plants, flowers, and even trees with a natural fungicide (1tsp. baking soda per quart of water) as a preventative measure to combat powdery mildew. • Water well, and apply a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth.
4848 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD / ATLANTA GA 30338 / 770-394-2131 / WWW.HARRYNORMAN.COM
NO SPACE TOO SMALL! Even the smallest patio or porch can boast a crop of vegetables or a garden of flowers in containers. Planter boxes, wooden barrels, hanging baskets and large flowerpots are just some of the containers that can be used. The container gardener is limited only by his imagination. Consider the following guidelines when choosing your container. • Avoid containers with narrow openings. • Cheap plastic pots may deteriorate in UV sunlight, and terracotta pots dry out rapidly. If you choose clay pots, remember that clay is porous, and water is lost from the sides of the container. Plants in clay pots should be monitored closely for loss of moisture. Glazed ceramic pots are excellent choices but require several drainage holes. • One advantage of wooden containers is that they can be built to sizes and shapes that suit the location, though some types of wood are susceptible to rot. Redwood and cedar are relatively rot-resistant and can be used without staining or painting. Avoid wood treated with creosote, penta or other toxic compounds since the vapors can damage the plants. • Use containers between 15- and 120-quart capacity. Small pots restrict the root area and dry out very quickly. The size and number of plants to be grown will determine the size of the container used. Deep-rooted vegetables require deep pots. • Make sure your pot has adequate drainage. . . Set containers on bricks or blocks to allow water to drain freely, and make sure the holes are 1/2 inch across. Line the base of the pot with newspaper to prevent soil loss.
Just by enhancing your curb appeal with landscaping, you can add Value of up to 15% to your home
brought to you by: Jane Agent 770-555-1234 Cell 770-394-2131 Office jane.agent@harrynorman.com www.janeagent.harrynorman.com
• In hot climates, use light-colored containers to lessen heat absorption and discourage uneven root growth. • Line hanging baskets with sphagnum moss for water retention. Keep baskets away from afternoon sun.
4848 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD / ATLANTA GA 30338 / 770-394-2131 / WWW.HARRYNORMAN.COM