According to the Massachusetts Flower Growers Association (MFGA), an attractive landscape and pleasing entrance increase the value of your property. “It's the first thing you see, and that first impression can add 20 percent to your home's value,” says David Giurleo, of Colonial Gardens in Concord. “That’s rivals the return on a new kitchen or bath.”
Steve Flynn, of Nunan’s Florist and Greenhouse in Georgetown, MA, agrees. “A landscaped property is a sure ticket to quick resale. “It gives a home curb appeal, a sense of place and value.”
With a little ingenuity you can transform a ho-hum landscape into a real stunner with these simple tips that add professional-looking curb appeal to your Massachusetts home:
1. First things first
You can't enhance anything until you have a clean slate. So mow the lawn, get rid of the weeds, rake up and dispose of any leaves, edge the sidewalks and remove the grass growing between concrete seams and brick pavers, prune the trees -- especially the ones near or touching the roof and add a layer of dark, natural mulch to any flower beds or under trees.
2. Cover up the bald spots
Now you need to take a good look at your yard. How can you enhance your best features and minimize your worst? Here's a great trick. Print photos in black and white and you'll easily see the problem areas. Take the photo to your local garden center for expert advice on how to fix your "flaws". To update your look, fill empty spaces and add instant color to a drab corner or "hide" unsightly spots, plant a sweep of colorful annuals or blooming perennials.
3. Put out the welcome mat
The entry garden is the most visible garden space and sets the mood for your entire home. Whether formal or relaxed, it should draw your eye toward the front door. Make sure it is tidy, bright and inviting. Pick up a lush hanging basket at your local garden center or farm stand and drop it into a pretty container. No planting necessary for a quick pick me up.
4. Contain yourself
For those with minimal or no yard, or if you just want the elegance and ease of containers, pot up pretty annuals and perennials around your entrance, mailbox or along the front walk. Plant colorful plants and flowers in your garden they will attract positive energy – and buyers. Using a lot of red in the garden – like geraniums, salvia or petunias -- will increase and stimulate the flow of Chi, a feng shui technique.
5. Express yourself
Decorate a garden with a favorite antique, treasured collectible or statue. Massachusetts is a great place to hunt for antiques. Look for objects such as driftwood, rocks or even empty mailboxes to punctuate certain areas. Use colorful annuals or foliage plants to attract the eye. Paint your front door a bold, welcoming color or try a bright, punchy color on the shutters.
6. Plan for sustainability
Look for plants that are easy to grow, save water and don't require a lot of work. Your local garden center expert can help you pick plants that are native to Massachusetts for low-maintenance beauty.
“It is amazing how quickly you can add curb appeal to your home with some splashy containers and new plantings,” says MFGA president Dave Volante. “Garden centers are filled with bright plants. The hardest part is deciding what colors to pick!”
Enjoy the days you get outside to renew your yard and garden. You'll have folks taking a second look. Visit www.massflowergrowers.com to find a local garden center.
Support provided by The Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture
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For more than 18 years, the Garden Media Group has promoted plants and products to the outdoor living and green industries, generating consumer awareness and driving consumer demand, which, in turn, increases sales.
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