The warm weather today found lots of folks outside tending their gardens. Except for those die-hard Redskin fans that stayed in to watch the game. It was too painful for me!
If you're planning to put your house on the market in the spring, or even have it listed now, what better time to spruce up your landscaping to ensure inviting curb appeal!
Leaf blowers were hard at work today (except for the one guy down the street that seemed to think it was time to put up his Christmas wreath). But did you know that if you just mow the leaves they provide much needed nutrients to your soil? They will decompose eventually. If you prefer to join the leaf blowing brigade at least rake some up around your trees as a mulch. You can never have too much mulch but it does get expensive! Using the fallen leaves instead will help your trees and perennials retain moisture during the winter and gives some vitality to your garden beds.
Now is the time to plant your bulbs! Planting bulbs late in the season (November is ideal for our zone) discourages fungal diseases. With the red clay this area is notorious for, I till the soil a bit with a 'claw', and mix in a fresh bag of top soil with a bag of leaf gro, along with a little composted manure. Always plant bulbs in clumps -- groups of 5 or more and all one color is always best for show. I use a little bulb booster as well -- it shouldn't come into direct contact with the bulbs. Deer don't eat daffodils, but love tulips as do I. If Bambi is known to visit your yard, it is suggested to use some deer repellent in the spring as foliage emerges.
It's also a good time to dump all of your pots containing withered annuals -- the potting soil with built in fertilizer is great for adding nutrients to your garden beds. I pretty much dump whatever leftovers I have in my garden shed too -- peat moss, leftover potting soil, etc.
Turn that landscape into something beautiful and those buyers will want to come in to see more! Contact me at dgreco@kw.com for other ideas on how to make your home appeal to the masses and ensure a quick sale! Happy gardening!
