Curb appeal is one of the things people look for when buying a house. After all, it’s the first thing buyers see when they are shopping for their dream home. However, a beautifully landscaped home is not just eye-candy, but it also adds more value to your property.
The next time you have your porch or yard renovated, you’ll be happy to know that it will generate a return on your investment. According to experts, homeowners should prioritize their home’s curb appeal, especially if they are planning to sell their property.
There are many ways to improve your home’s exterior and outdoor living space. In this article, we’ll list out some ideas you can easily incorporate in your home with or without the help of a professional landscaping artist. If you’re in Calgary, you can find all the required landscape supplies at Ornamental Stone.
Add a Flower Bed
Creating a flower bed can instantly change your outdoor space and at the same time, challenge your landscaping skills. Flowers add more depth and colour to any home. At the same time, it is very attractive for any buyer.
To start this project, use a string to outline the area where you intend to plant the flowers. Then clear the space and keep the edges of the flower bed intact.
Pick the right type of plants and flowers that will suit your city’s climate. You can browse home and garden magazines or search online for inspiration. We recommend you pick a flower with a pop of colour that complements the exterior of your home.
It is important to start with high quality soil. We recommend a garden mix which contains both soil and compost for added nutrients; check out our Woodlands Mix. If you are using existing soil, remember we have high clay content in Calgary’s; using a soil amendment like our Garden Party will help.
Keep a Well Maintained Lawn
One of the easiest ways to give your outdoor space an instant facelift is to keep your lawn manicured. A well-groomed lawn brings out the lush green colour of the grass. It also makes your property more appealing to buyers and guests. This step is simple and easy to do. However, you need to have patience and determination as it requires watering, fertilizing, and trimming. The frequency of maintaining your lawn also depends on where you live and what the climate is.
This step also includes edging your lawn. By doing this, you’ll instantly make people think that your yard requires minimum effort. It also shows prospective buyers that you know how to take care of your property. All you need is a sharp edge to separate the lawn and create a border between the flowerbeds, sidewalks, and driveways. You can also opt to install a brick or stone in between form a barrier.
Don’t forget to mulch your lawn in the fall. The mulch will protect your soil from the harsh cold temperature and at the same time, act as an insulator for the roots. Mulching will ensure that your lawn and garden remains healthy as it moves to the new season.
Build a Firepit
A fire pit is a great addition to your backyard, especially when you live in Calgary. It also creates a space where you can entertain your family and friends. However, before you start building this project, a fire pit requires thoughtful planning. Safety is important and you’ll need to refer to the City of Calgary’s Firepit Tips. You should consider getting the advice and help of a professional to avoid any safety hazards. For different options, check out the different types of prepackaged fire pits from Barkman; all are available to order from Ornamental Stone.
Add Decorative Rock
A rock garden with natural stones can add some spice to any outdoor space; natural stones will add character to your home. A rock garden can improve your yard and potentially conceal empty and unattractive spaces. This landscaping project is an excellent suggestion for homeowners who do not have time to maintain and water their gardens.
To make this happen, all you need is a landscaping fabric and decorative stones. Other materials required include a shovel and wheelbarrow to set up your garden. You can also add some stepping stones to create more style. When choosing a decorative rock, pick a style that blends well with your exterior. Some of the most popular decorative rocks include Rundle Rock, White Rock, and Limestone.
Build a Patio
A patio or a walkway can instantly upgrade your yard. At the same time, it reduces your time and labour in upkeeping the entire lawn. Most homeowners who don’t want to spend all their time maintaining their yard often end up building a patio. A walkway, on the other hand, is ideal for outdoor spaces that have designated areas where visitors often pass by.
There are plenty of options when it comes to the materials including concrete and pavers. Holland Paving Stones can give your patio a clean and elegant structure, while Rundle Flagstone is more suitable for walkways or rustic appeal.
Final Considerations
Remember, when it comes to designing the best landscape, there are several factors you need to consider. Ask yourself, how much are you willing to invest to increase your curb appeal? You should also assess what type of outdoor living space you will enjoy and use.
Ornamental Stone has all the landscape supplies to help create the outdoor living space of your dreams. However, it will all depend on what you can and what you cannot do on your property.
As mentioned above, there are many ways to design and improve your home’s curb appeal. Whether it’s building flower beds, a patio, retaining walls or a beautiful lawn you’ll have to factor in the upkeep.