APRIL - SPRINGTIME IN THE CITY

"April showers bring May flowers." Although the weather still may be fluctuating daily, spring is officially here and I can feel it in the air. Spring is all about new life and new beginnings. It brings a new energy and new hopes for the year. 

Spring is also the time that the real estate market starts to thaw, and new listings pop up without pause. If you have been thinking about buying or selling a home, now is the time to get started. I'd love to help you list your home or find your next space. 

This newsletter is all about curb appeal and trending landscaping styles. Whether you are selling your current home or are looking to buy a home of your own, the first thing everyone will notice about a home is a clean and bright garden. Investing time in gardening and curb appeal will elevate your home to new heights, (and new prices). 

HEIGHTEN YOUR CURB APPEAL WITH A GARDEN

There is something that is so inviting about flowers and beautiful gardens. Even if you aren't a fan of lots of blossoms, greenery and trees can add such a warmth to your home and truly add value by adding curb appeal that can't be beat. 

First, it is important to know what grows best in your area. By choosing plants and flowers that grow well in your climate, you are setting yourself up to succeed. Utah can be fairly harsh when it comes to climate conditions, with cold nights and really hot days. It is a desert after all. Research what grows best here, and you will save yourself lots of trouble.

Next, make a game plan and get inspired. Thumb through magazines, scroll through Pinterest, and take long strolls through a local greenhouse. Find flowers and plants that you love, so your garden is full of things that bring you joy. 

Finally, plan. Make a budget, measure your space, and sketch a layout of what you want your garden to look like. Slowly but surely, it will start to take shape. If you skip the planning portion, you can end up overspending or planting things that you don't love for your space. Take time to plan and you will eliminate the stress of landscaping almost completely!

LANDSCAPING STYLES 

There are so many ways you can style your landscape, and it is important to consider the amount of space you have, where you live, what style of landscaping will look best with your home, and of course, what styles of landscapes are approved by your HOA or other property management. Here are some of the most popular landscaping styles for this season. 

1. Xeriscaping: Xeriscaping is landscaping that reduces or eliminates entirely the need for water from irrigation. The specific plants that are used depend on where you live and your climate. Xeriscaping saves a lot of work and money in the long run, because it doesn't need watering and just thrives on rain and natural water resources. Xeriscaping is drought tolerant and environmentally conscious. 

2. Formal Landscapes: this style of landscape follows symmetrical patters, straight lines, and geometric shapes with orderly and well-pruned plants. You will often find this type of landscape in topiary landscapes. This style of landscape does require a lot of planning and continuing maintenance. 

3. Butterfly gardens: This type of landscaping/ gardening invites butterflies and birds to come to your yard because it provides a food source that is useful in attracting them. By creating areas that are open and protected from the wind you will have a beautiful and natural area right outside your door. 

4. English garden style: English garden style uses many shrubs and perennials in a design that compliments the structure and style of your home. Elements such as bird baths and arbors are common in this style of landscaping. 

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