SPRING FORWARD

By the time March gets here, most of us are sick of the snow and ready to start planning for the summer! Landscaping and gardening are such good ways to get out and enjoy the nice weather for the short amount of time that we have it. Get cozy while its cold, grab a notebook, and start planning out your spring landscaping! It’s something to look forward to while we push through the last little bit of Alberta winters.

Landscaping is a great way to make your house feel more like your home – whether it is brand new or just new to you. It adds value to your home while also being something that you can enjoy all summer long! It takes some effort, but early planning now will save you some time in the long run.

Draw out a general plan of what you want your yard to look like – it’s much easier this way to visualize things and make adjustments! Ask yourself questions that will help you decide where to put what – are you looking for a space to entertain or a space to get some solitude? Think about your style and color preferences and what you will be using your space for the most. Figuring out your needs and preferences first will help drive the design plan.

Choosing flowers can be overwhelming as there are so many different options. Many flowers only bloom during the spring, so do some research and pick a few of these to give your garden a spring boost of color.  Alternate with summer and fall blooms so that you will always have some color no matter the time of year!

If you didn’t clean up your garden last fall, now is the time to do it. Remove debris, dead annuals, and prune back your perennials to make room for this years new arrivals. It is also helpful to prepare the soil as soon as it is workable by removing old roots and adding a layer of compost.

Plants and flowers need a lot more than just sun and water. Fertilizer is often needed to help with growth; find out what your plants needs are and make a schedule for them! There are many resources online and nursery workers often have a ton of knowledge about these things. While you are there, also ask about pest control methods that will work for you.

When you are planning your landscape, also take note of the planting distance guidelines. Often times these are over looked and things become too crowded. Your garden may look sparse at first, but soon enough it will be full and lovely.

What are your plans for your garden? We would love to hear about them!

TOWNHOME VS SINGLE FAMILY

Buying a home can be an intimidating process – there are so many decisions you will have to make. Probably the most important one is which type of home to choose! Most people know which type they are looking for, but you might be unsure of which will suit your lifestyle the best. Read on if you need help deciding!

TOWNHOMES

Townhomes have become more popular in recent years for a number of reasons. First, affordability. This is a great option if you are just starting out and want to be conservative with the price of your home. It is a perfect starter home that you can grow with and move onto something bigger once you are ready. Townhomes are also an attractive option for downsizing later in life. When the kids move out, you don’t need so much space anymore! Our Cobalt Beach townhomes are great because there is a range of sizes available, depending on where you are at in your life. The use of space is also practical – there is nothing wasted!

A maintenance-free lifestyle is another factor that buyers consider. If you want more time to travel, get outdoors, or just don’t want the hassle of shoveling and mowing the lawn, this is how you achieve it! Life is so busy on its own and taking one or two things off of your to-do list can help relieve some stress. Plus, you still have a bit of outdoor space to enjoy a garden or a patio set! There is also a stronger sense of community since you will be seeing and interacting with your neighbors quite often. Block parties every weekend? Yes please!

Often times townhome complexes are close to a number of amenities. Take for example Cobalt Beach in Jensen Lakes, where you are a few minutes away from the movie theatre, brewhouse, and a number of shops and restaurants. Also – the beach is five minutes away! If you are looking for an urban, outdoor type of lifestyle, then these townhomes may be a perfect fit for you.

SINGLE FAMILY

Onto single family homes, which are also an affordable option. There are many pros to this as well but we will go through the basics. If you are someone who likes taking care of a yard, having a lot of space, and getting your privacy, than this may be the option for you. It may be a time in your life where your focus is your family and spending time at home. You want a place that can accommodate the lifestyle of a busy family! More square footage, a bigger yard, and maybe a bigger garage to store all of your toys.

Single family homes are great if you are still looking to grow your family. It will be a space for you to call home for years to come! There is usually a ton of space to entertain and to host family get-togethers. More space = more opportunity!

We have many great lot options to choose from, whether you are wanting something close to the lake or something backing onto green space. Any floor plan can be customized to suit your needs – we love getting creative!