Tips for Creating a Beautiful Outdoor Space in Your Harbor Country Home!

Now that we’ve entered March and will be going through the time change this weekend so “spring forward,” it feels as though spring is just around the corner! For those living in Harbor Country year round, there’s a sense of excitement as to all that warm weather along Lake Michigan’s Shoreline holds. And, for those looking forward to that much anticipated vacation in Harbor Country in your vacation home; you may be thinking of what you can do to prepare your home for a great year.

Although the winter months, with a blanket of snow covering the ground is really beautiful here in Harbor Country, there’s something about the fresh, vibrant colors of spring that lend to the appeal of living and vacationing in Harbor Country.

If you are looking ahead to spring and freshening up your home’s exterior for the warmer weather; you’ll want to start planning out your gardening now. Many homes throughout Harbor Country showcase beautiful flowers, plants and vegetable gardens as a way to enhance and give back to the community.

As Harbor Country Real Estate agents, we love every aspect of real estate; from buying to selling and helping you create the lifestyle you’re after in your home! Having a beautiful outdoor area will also appeal to those looking to rent out your vacation home! Here are ten tips for creating a stunning outdoor space this spring that you’ll enjoy throughout the summer here in Harbor Country!

1. Bulbs- Want full, rich colors in your Harbor Country yard? Begin planting bulbs of dahlia, lily, gladiolus and tuberous begonia.

2. Annuals- Next month will be the time to plant hardy annual such as petunias, dianthus, snapdragons and pansies. If you’re worried about frost, simply cover the plants with plastic at night. You can also opt for hanging mixed baskets filled with fuchsias, geraniums and impatiens which can easily be moved inside if threatened by a frost.

3. Perennials- As you begin to see these return, be sure to give these plants some fertilizer to ensure they’re fed for the season.

4. Lawn care- This month and next month will be the ideal time to assess the needs of your lawn if you haven’t already done so. Begin cleaning away weeds and debris that settled during the winter. Begin fertilizing grassy areas and do any trimming to give a well manicured appearance.

5. Vegetables- Before you begin planting, consider the timing of your plants as well as who makes the best neighbors. Plant hardier veggies such as lettuce or potatoes now and wait until it’s consistently 60 degrees before planting the more delicate plants. Beans, celery an cucumbers are happy to be planted near each other, but be sure to keep bean plants away from aromatic vegetables such as garlic.

6. Planting- Buy new plants along with replacements of those that may not have made it through the winter months.

7. Fertilizing- This is key to keeping your plants well fed and growing all season. Don’t forget to give your well-loved plants their food! Be sure that you don’t “over-fertilize” as it can kill the plants or cause “leaf burn.”

8. Pruning- Pruning for trees and shrubs in Michigan will need to take place when the tree or shrub is dormat; late fall through early spring. Be sure to keep your tree or shrub in its’ natural shape when pruning.

9. Weeding- No one likes to do it, but weeds need to be nipped in the bud before they get out of control. Spraying weed killer is a great option, just be sure to spray on a warm day with limited wind.

10. Preparing Your Patio- With consistent warm weather just around the corner, you’ll want to make sure your patio is spruced up and the furniture is cleaned and in good working order so you can enjoy long summer days outdoors in Harbor Country!

We hope these tips inspire you to begin dreaming up your outdoor space in Harbor Country! As we all anticipate the warm weather and buds of spring, you’ll want to be prepared so you can plant at just the right time!

As always, if you want to learn more about living in Harbor Country, buying a vacation home or renting a vacation getaway during the summer; please contact us! We would be happy to show you some of the homes currently available in Harbor Country.