Date Archives: May 2021
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24
Don't Skip This Step When Adding Plants to Landscaping
Our real estate agents can tell you that no matter how green-thumbed you are, the success of your garden still depends on a higher power. Before you design your garden, buy seeds, or get into the weeds with a new vegetable patch or flower bed, it's important to consult one of the top arbiters of horticultural success: the sun. Just like choosing plants for your climate zone, you also have to pick the right spot for your garden. This means determining how much sun exposure your garden will get, especially in areas where tall buildings and trees cast shifting patterns of shade. The method you'll use to choose the best area for your plants is called sun mapping.
Why Map Sun Exposure in Your Garden?
Solar energy is fuel for plants, but this doesn't mean that all plants require the same amount of sun exposure. Some plants need full sun, which means 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. Plants labeled as part sun and part shade require 3-6 of sunlight each day, while those labeled as shade need 3 hours or less of sunlight a day. A sun map can give a clear picture of where and when the sun hits throughout the day. This can help you plan the landscape around your home and determine the best area for certain crops. Tracking sun exposure and shade patterns on clear days during different months of the growing season will give you a guideline for planting a healthy garden.
17
A Look at Long Island Through a Tourist's Eyes
If you're a resident of Long Island, looking at your community through the eyes of a tourist can help you rediscover or make a first trip to many interesting local destinations. You won't need to worry about traveling far or spending a lot of money, and if you'd like to make a return trip, they're within an easy drive.
Our real estate agents suggest exploring the following destinations to take a look at Long Island through a tourist's eyes:
- Old Westbury Gardens – 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury, NY 11568
Old Westbury Gardens and the estate of the same name, located near Old Westbury homes for sale, make you feel as though you've stepped into the pages of The Great Gatsby. The gorgeous grounds consist of 160 acres of lawns, wooded paths, beautiful gardens, water fountains, ponds, and lakes, and you'll frequently find events such as festivals hosted in the gardens. The estate, a 44-room English manor house, was built by financier John Phipps in 1906 and is also available to tour.
10
Homeowners: Does Your Deck Need an Overhaul?
A deck can be such a wonderful addition to a home. It's a gathering and entertaining space that can be as unique as your house is. Or maybe you'd rather have a tranquil oasis to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Either way, our real estate agents can tell you it's something that is high on buyers' lists of must-have features. Some maintenance will keep your deck looking its best and staying functional for years to come.
- Inspect Your Deck
You'll want to look for weather or insect damage, safety issues, rot, and other structural problems. If there are broken, cracked, or missing parts due to weather damage, you'll need to repair or replace them. Check the fasteners and any metal hardware for rust. Missing or protruding fasteners need to be fixed.
Check for rot on areas where wood meets the ground or areas that have a water source nearby. Poke the wood with a screwdriver. If the screwdriver easily goes more than ¼ inch into the wood, it's rotting. Small areas can be removed and repaired. Larger areas may require replacement of the wood or reinforcement.
3
Long Island: Grab a Unique Beverage at These Juice Bars
Whether you're trying to get rid of the "Quarantine 15" or you just want a healthy boost, fresh-made juices are all the rage! After a full morning of helping clients find their dream home, our real estate agents love stopping by one of the great local juice bars for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Unique Beverage Day is coming up on May 6th, so now is a great time to venture out and try a new juice cocktail for yourself. Here's a round-up of our favorite healthy hot spots.
- Fusion Juice Bar: 34-02 36th Ave., Astoria, NY 11106
One of the top choices in the Queens area, Fusion Juice Bar offers a great selection of cold-pressed juices, fresh juices, acai bowls, energy shots, superfood smoothies, and more. Their huge menu means you can visit almost every day and never get bored! We love stopping by any time we're in the area showing Astoria homes for sale.
