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When the weather finally begins to warm up, it’s time to prepare your yard for April showers and the opportunity for gorgeous May flowers. Transitioning your outdoor landscaping from winter-protected to spring-prepared is a breeze with the following tips that will help guide your grounds into an enchanting oasis.
Transitioning from Winter
Just as you put away your winter wardrobe to make room for spring, you need to do the same with your yard. Remember to remove any burlap you may have used for winter shrub or tree protection and then inspect your plants for broken branches or other damage to see if they need to be pruned or removed all together.
Next, rake old leaves and debris from plant beds and use an edging tool to refresh and tidy up the natural edges around the beds. Don’t forget to test out your irrigation system once the weather has warmed up enough to ensure it hasn’t been damaged during the winter.
Testing Soil
Once every few years, it’s best to test out your soil to see if it has the proper pH balance and mix of nutrients. When a plant’s soil pH is high, its ability to absorb nutrients can be disrupted and if it’s too high, it prevents the iron in the soil from changing into a form the plant can absorb. To test your soil, you can purchase a soil meter or pH kit. If you would rather test it yourself, there are some homemade soil pH testing methods you can try out here.
Lawn Fertilization
Once you’ve analyzed your soil conditions, you can decide whether or not to fertilize your lawn. If your soil is in need of nutrients, it’s best to choose a fertilizer that can fulfill those needs. A slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer is generally the best option to reduce the possibility of losses to the environment and increase nutrient absorption. It may also help your lawn to choose an organic fertilizer to improve the health of your soil in certain cases.
Despite popular belief, choosing to fertilize early in the spring might not be the best time for your lawn. In Texas, homeowners often make the mistake of fertilizing when it begins to warm up, but your lawn might not be ready to wake up from dormancy. This is because the Bermuda and St. Augustine grass that exists in Texas thrives in the warm season, which means neither are ready to break out of dormancy until soil temperatures stay above 70 degrees for several weeks. According to Dr.Green.com, the best time to begin fertilizing for spring in Texas is usually about mid- to late-April each year.
Once you’ve chosen your fertilizer and when to fertilize, make sure you read the directions to avoid making the mistake of using too much. This can harm your lawn and end up costing more than expected. If you use too little, your lawn might not achieve the results intended and can lead to thin stand, causing soil erosion and unwanted runoff.
You can also choose to fertilize your trees and shrubs as most will benefit from the correct type of fertilization. However, make sure to consider the steps above before deicing how much and what type to apply.
Weed Control
Spring is ideal for removing those tough weeds that made it through the winter by applying pre-emergent weed control for weeds like crabgrass. This will create a barrier across the surface of the soil that will prevent the seedlings of weeds from penetrating through.
The right time to apply weed control is during flowering time, also known as forsythia, when your shrubs are in full bloom. In gardens, the best time to begin weed prevention is when you plan to plant flowers or vegetable beds.
Make sure to clear the designated area of weeds before you start planting, so they won’t become more prone to weeds later on. Also consider adding a layer of mulch or straw to further prevent weed germination and growth.
Applying Mulch
Mulching areas of your yard can do much more than making planting areas look clean and neat. Mulch helps soil retain its moisture, keeps roots cool in the summertime and insulates them during the winter.
Plus, organic moisture is added to the soil as mulch decomposes over time. Adding in a one-inch-thick layer of fresh mulch is ideal for plant beds and around trees but make sure to not let the mulch touch tree trunks as it may prevent the trees from gaining access to oxygen
With the help from these tips, you can make your Darling Dallas or Darling Houston home as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.
Darling Homes is bringing its new Modernist Collection to Parkland Village in Bridgeland. This Cypress- community is home to leading schools, world class amenities and plenty of opportunities for adventures in nature.
With all of the exciting features that Bridgeland has to offer, it just gets better with Darling Homes’ Modernist Collection. This collection of homes features clean, straight design lines throughout the home with more open spaces and volume than traditional designs. The Modernist Collection provides character and balance as you move through the home. The homes are designed to carry and cast both natural and artificial light and shadow throughout the interior spaces to create interest and a playfulness in texture while also providing the perfect canvas for buyers to personalize each home with their own tastes, art and belongings. Put it all together and you’ll find sophisticated styling with a modern flair.
Walking through one of these homes will exude the feel of stepping into a museum that homeowners can complete with luxurious yet comfortable furniture pieces. Finishes and fixtures in the home will help add to the museum-feel finish. This includes sleek, cabinet fronts paired with large format stone tiles that will be similar in look to the countertops, large-scale fireplace walls that include tile and large cedar beams, wood throughout the entire first floor and lots of black plumbing.
Even though these homes are designed differently from other Darling Homes collections, they still will maintain the distinctive details that Darling Homes is known for including. For example, two bedrooms on the first floor, an owner’s bedroom suite, expansive open-concept living spaces, three-car garages and game and media rooms.
The outdoor living space included with the homes is designed to feel like part of the spacious interior, blending the outdoor and indoor spaces together so they feel work to create the perfect atmosphere.
The exteriors of the Modernist Collection are striking and interesting, complimenting the interior of the home. Elevations are carefully designed with roof pitches, colors, features and materials that will stand out from everything else available in the marketplace. At the same time, these homes provide the perfect balance in color, texture, proportion, movement and contrast, creating a playfulness not seen in traditional streetscapes.
Parkland Village at Bridgeland will feature hiking and biking trails, a fitness center and 900 acres of lakes and waterways that will provide many opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation in nature. If you’re interested in bird-watching, you’ll find over 140 different species of migratory birds feeding or gliding across the lakes. Other community highlights include a kayak launch, a beautiful resort-style swimming complex, a basketball court and an event hall and lawn.
In addition, Parkland Village in Bridgeland is attempting to set the standard for sustainable communities with its self-sustaining irrigation system, making it the first community in Houston to embrace the use of recycled water from community lakes for irrigation.
Looking to experience an enhanced lifestyle where community and nature thrive? Join Darling Homes’ Parkland Village at Bridgeland interest list as the Modernist Collection is coming soon to this beautiful Cypress community.
Love is in the air on this Valentine’s Day thanks to Darling Homes and Frisco Arts’ 2019 Red Carpet Concert Series, presenting “A Night of Romance” at the Lincoln Experience Center at The Star in Frisco.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an intimate concert featuring America’s No. 1 Romantic Pianist, David Osborne, also known as the “Pianist to the Presidents.” The acclaimed pianist is the first of two planned shows this year as part of the Red Carpet Concert Series.
Osborne, an international Steinway artist, has performed for Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and George W. Bush. When he’s not touring with “The David Osborne Trio”, Osborne regularly performs at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, making his performance at the Frisco Arts Center on Valentine’s Day a truly special and romantic experience.
“A Night of Romance” will be one to remember as guests can enjoy beloved and original romantic tunes surrounded by stunning art in red by Frisco artist Leticia Herrera. The mixed media artist, who currently resides in McKinney, Texas, combines her talent for art with her deep and strong sense of color after discovering her emotional connection with color itself. The night will showcase her works featuring the color red, known for its association with the feelings of passion, desire, love and Valentine’s Day.
Wine, hors d’oeuvres and tasty desserts will be served before the show and complimentary valet will be provided. Cocktail attire is recommended.
Don’t wait to purchase tickets as seating is limited. VIP tickets cost $100 each and $85 for Frisco Arts members. VIP tickets include pre-concert hors d’oeuvres, wine, desserts, a private performance and after-party with the artist (including dessert).
Give the gift of an unforgettable evening of world-class music and art this Valentine’s Day with “A Night of Romance”, part of the 2019 Red Carpet Concert Series presented by Darling Homes.
For more info on show dates and tickets visit here.
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Hygge, pronounced “hoo-ga”, is the Danish concept that embodies the feeling of cozy contentment and well-being. Hygge is the feeling you get from the simple things like cuddling up by the fire with a good read or enjoying a cup of hot cocoa on a snowy day.
The Danish incorporate hygge into their culture as one of their secrets to happy living during their harsh winters. This year, Darling Homes is adding the hygge trend to its new models as part of its 2019 Design Trends.
Since Hygge is defined as the feeling of contentment and coziness, there are numerous ways to incorporate this concept into your home. Consider the things that make you happy. Hygge isn’t necessarily about luxury living. Its focused more on the little things that can make a huge difference in your mood.
Imagine you’re spending the weekend at home because of bad weather. How would you make the most of your day? Would you change into your favorite sweatpants and spend the day in your cozy media room wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket? If you did, you’d be implementing the Hygge principles.
It’s not hard to add Hygge to your home. In fact, you might even have all the aspects that Hygge encompasses already. Items like candles, thick blankets, furry rugs, warm fireplaces and comfort foods are a big part of the concept. It’s the things that bring you joy and comfort that matter most in Hygge. Finding them can make you and your family even happier at home.
Hygge doesn’t only thrive during cold weather either. You can incorporate Hygge year-round. Enjoy warm weather outside sipping sweet tea on your front porch or back patio or host a move-night inside. Invite friends over for dinner in your gorgeous dining room. If it makes you happy, it’s Hygge. If it gives you that warm fuzzy feeling, it’s Hygge.
If your home is your happy place, you’ve found your Hygge. If not, let Darling Homes in Dallas or Houston help you find your dream home so you too can achieve Hygge.
For more ways to add Hygge elements to your home, check out our Pinterest board on Hygge.
You may know Houston as the “Space City” because of its ties to NASA but did you also know Houston is referred to as the “Bayou City”? Home to 10 winding waterways that flow through the surrounding area, the Bayou City name reflects the connection of the hustle and bustle of the city to the possibility of exploring nature around every corner.
Buffalo Bayou Park, one of the country’s greatest urban green spaces, connects the city to all the beauty and adventure in Houston. Whether you’re biking on winding paths along the waterway or canoeing through Lost Lake, Buffalo Bayou Park is a popular destination that gives city residents the opportunity to become one with nature.
Not only does Buffalo Bayou Park offer beautiful scenery, it’s also a popular destination for beautiful dining. The Kitchen at the Dunlavy is an extraordinary venue, lit gorgeously by bright chandeliers hanging above the dining space and surrounded by large windows overlooking the banks of Buffalo Bayou Park and Lost Lake. Voted by CNN as one of the most romantic restaurants in the world, the Dunlavy is the perfect place to enjoy delicious Southern Californian-style cuisine or even host a special event. In the evening, the restaurant transforms into a stunning space made for a dream wedding or an exquisite cocktail party.
Other famous restaurants to enjoy in Houston include Nobu, a world-renowned Japanese restaurant with polished service and a local twist, and La Lucha, serving gulf oyster “gems” and finger-licking good chicken and biscuits. The city’s diverse culture enwraps Houston cuisine in a way that showcases the most delicious dishes from around the world.
Shopping in the city is abundant thanks to the world-renowned Galleria in Uptown Houston. With more than 375 stores and a grand ice rink, The Galleria is an oasis for retail therapy. For more of an outdoor shopping scene, residents can explore Memorial City Mall or the art deco-styled River Oaks Shopping Center.
If you’d rather hit the course than the stores, Houston has an expansive golf scene with weather that allows for gorgeous golfing almost any day of the year. Seven different courses are located throughout the city of Houston so golfers will never need to travel very far.
Located right in the center of Texas Medical Center, Rice University, and the Museum District in Downtown Houston, Hermann Park Conservancy is a master-planned green space that is treasured by all who have the chance to experience it. From the Miller Outdoor Theater to the Houston Zoo to the Japanese and rose gardens, Hermann Park is a cultural and recreational hub. Receiving the General Design Award of Excellence from the American Society of Landscape Architects, Hermann Park is a spectacular space full of beauty and adventure.
The first word spoken on the moon was “Houston”, giving the city its other nickname, “The Space City”. Space Center Houston is NASA’s Official Visitors Center and showcases the early Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab projects and today’s International Space Station and Space Shuttle programs. Visitors get the chance to see actual spacecrafts and a walk-through space experience thanks to the center’s state-of-the-art space simulators.
As much as there is to do in Houston, there’s no place like home. If you’re looking for your dream home in the Bayou City, let Darling Homes in Houston help place you in the perfect Houston home. Call 713-401-2008 today for more information.
