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By Edward Pendergast
You’ve decided to take the plunge and install a pool in your yard. To fully enjoy its shimmering beauty, you’ll need to carefully consider the landscaping surrounding it.
Plant Native
You can use plants to create many different moods, from tropical oasis to a modern resort. Plant palm trees or hedges to create privacy and some shade. Ornamental grasses, flowering plants, and cacti to add texture. Full-sun perennials provide a pop of color around your pool. Since they don’t die after flowering, there will be less clean-up work. As with any landscaping plan, use native plants that thrive in your area. They’ll need less water, fertilizer, and maintenance. The USDA plant hardiness zone map can help you learn what will grow in your specific zone.
Chlorine and Salt Tolerant
The plants you choose need to be chlorine-tolerant and able to deal with other pool chemicals. This is especially important in the areas closest to your pool. For example, if you have a saltwater pool, nearby plants need to be salt-tolerant in case they get splashed.
“Neat” Trees
Avoid plants and trees with a lot of drop leaves to save the constant work of removing leaves from your pool. You’ll also want to stay away from “messy” trees that drop filter-clogging seed pods, fruit, dead flowers, and other debris. Deciduous trees are good choices because they only need one clean-up effort per year. Evergreens are a poor choice because you’ll be picking up pine needles throughout the year. Any trees with branches hanging over your pool are a no-no. Also, stay away from plants that need shade. Pools are usually placed in areas with full sun, so choose plants that can take the heat.
Shallow Roots
Another consideration with trees is their root systems. You want trees with shallow, non-invasive roots. Larger root systems can damage plumbing and crack concrete. Palm trees are a good choice in tropical or subtropical areas. Their roots grow straight down and don’t spread. Citrus trees are another good option. Consider growing these in a container. That way you can move them around to follow or protect from the sun. Dwarf varieties do especially well in containers.
You’ll want to keep in mind a plant or tree’s full size at maturity. Will it block the view when fully grown? Will it overtake the pool’s deck or the pool itself in three, five or ten years? Your ponytail palm may look small and charming as a houseplant, but it can grow to 30 feet tall and 12 feet across at the base when planted in the ground. That could do considerable damage if planted close to your pool.
Mind the Mosquitoes
If you live in a climate prone to mosquitoes, you can choose plants like citronella that help repel these pests. Proper pool maintenance will also help. Filter your pool’s water daily, check and balance chemical levels regularly, and use a pool cover when you’re not using the pool. Dry pool toys and rafts and remove other sources of standing water that can attract mosquitoes.
While most pool landscaping choices will depend on your climate, you can follow these suggestions for a beautiful yet easy-to-care-for design.
Explore Villages of Urbana
Urbana, MD’s Top Master-Planned Community
If you’re searching for a new home in Frederick County that has all the features and community amenities you could hope for, look no further. The beautiful master-planned community, Villages of Urbana, has that hometown feel and so much more.
From the minute you move in, the community amenities will be ready for you to enjoy. Whether you’re a fitness lover or someone who loves to relax in your spare time, Villages of Urbana has something for you. Hike or bike through miles of community pathways, go swimming in one of the three community pools or relax while drifting down the lazy river. It doesn’t stop there either.
If you’re an avid sports lover, this Urbana, Maryland community is perfect for honing in on your chosen skill and reaching milestones in your craft. Challenge a friend to a tennis match, pick up a game of basketball or give a round of golf a go at one of the area’s finest golf courses.
Along with community amenities, there are a large number of activities to participate in including the Urbana Library Farmers Market. Every Sunday, from May to mid-October, local vendors gather and display a wide range of vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, baked goods, live plants, arts and crafts, and more.
The Market District, also known as the heart of the Villages of Urbana, is the place to be when you’re in need of a good shopping trip or night out with friends. All along Main Street, boutiques and restaurants are lined up on the first floor of historic row homes just waiting for your visit. The best part is that The Market District is within walking distance from the Villages of Urbana.
Just off I-270, this new home community welcomes any and all commuters with its easy access to Montgomery County, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Residents can also pick up the train at the MARC Rail Station, located just 11 miles from the Villages of Urbana community.
In total, Lennar has four townhome models available in the Stone Barn Village: Hampton, Wentworth, Greyson, and Windsor. These luxury townhome designs range in square footage (2,561 sq. ft. to 2,802 sq. ft.) and offer three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths with an optional fourth bedroom and third bath. These new homes in Urbana, Maryland come with a convenient lower level courtyard and a two-car garage, allowing for relaxing evenings under the stars and ample storage/car space. Lennar has quick move-in homes available at Villages of Urbana so you can start enjoying all of the amenities right away.
Simply put, the Villages of Urbana is a great place to live! Contact us today to learn more.
Santa Paula, Calif. – May 2019 – The wait is over! Lennar’s two communities, Orchard Heights and Vinelands at Harvest at Limoneira, are officially Grand Opening on June 1st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to come out for a fun-filled event and enjoy complimentary bites as they tour the professionally-decorated model homes showcasing innovative new home designs and an array of Everything’s Included® features. It’s the perfect opportunity to tour this brand-new masterplan in Santa Paula that boasts a one-of-a-kind lifestyle close to the beach and hills.
“We’re so excited to finally be opening these two long-awaited new home communities that will offer diverse floorplans and features that will allow families of every type to find their perfect home in this vibrant masterplan,” said Janet Price, Marketing Director for Lennar Cal Coastal. “Residents here will experience life in a different way, filled with family-oriented amenities and a prime location close to freeways, San Buenaventura State Beach and Marina Park. It’s a wonderful place to raise a family.”
Orchard Heights offers a sophisticated collection of single-family homes starting from the low $600,000s. Choose from three two-story designs ranging from approximately 2,688 to 2,968 square feet including four to five bedrooms and three to four bathrooms. Vinelands offers a modern collection of detached homes starting from the low $500,000s. Choose from four two-story designs ranging from approximately 1,860 to 2,189 square feet of living space including three to four bedrooms and three to three and one-half bathrooms.
Lennar’s new homes in Santa Paula showcase distinct architectural details and designs tailored for today’s lifestyles. Experience open-concept living areas for easy entertaining, spacious outdoor living areas, upscale gourmet kitchens, elegant master bedrooms with spa-inspired bathrooms and flexible spaces per plan.
Both collections are also a part of Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® program which offers a high level of upgraded appointments as standards such as stainless steel appliances with refrigerator, designer-selected cabinetry, exquisite countertops and much more. In addition, new homes will also feature the world’s first Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ home designs with activation and support by Amazon for a more connected and elevated living experience—all at no extra cost.
Harvest at Limoneira boasts a vibrant atmosphere with over 225 acres of open space, parks, bike paths, hiking trails and beautiful rolling vistas. The staple of the community is The Farmhouse, a state-of-the-art recreation facility with a demonstration kitchen where residents can prepare food with neighbors and grow vegetables at the community garden. For relaxation and recreation, there’s an outdoor pool and spa and a fitness and yoga studio. The masterplan is all about walkability with open spaces throughout including a 2-acre neighborhood park and 5.5-acre soccer park.
The Santa Paula area is best known as the “Citrus Capital of the World” with lots of orange, lemon and avocado groves. It’s geographically in the center of Ventura County and surrounded by rolling hills and rugged mountain peaks. The masterplan is located minutes from first-rate shopping, dining and entertainment destinations, as well as beaches and popular recreation such as the Los Padres National Forest. Residents can also take a short trip to downtown and find cultural attractions, museums and schools.
Prospective home shoppers are invited to attend the Grand Opening event on June 1st between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. located at 414 Tibbetts St in Santa Paula, Calif. 93060. For more information, please visit www.Lennar.com/SantaPaula or call 888-292-6593.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
Adding a fur baby to the family requires a lot of careful thought and consideration; your home has to have everything he or she needs to thrive. So when you buy a new home, it’s important to make sure that your space fits not only your needs but your dog’s needs as well. Below are a few helpful questions to ask yourself during the home shopping process to ensure that your living space matches your dog.
Is your dog an active breed?
Whether your dog is small, medium, or large, you need a dog that matches your lifestyle. If you and your dog are both active and enjoy walking on trails and playing catch in the backyard, it’s imperative that your new home has a backyard, trails, or a community dog park.
Do you have an older dog?
If your dog is graying around the muzzle, a one-story home is a great choice. Older, mature dogs are prone to arthritis and hip problems, making it difficult to climb up and down stairs. Choosing a home with rooms that are all on the same level ensures that your furry friend can always stay by your side.
Is your dog low-energy?
Some dogs, like greyhounds, French bulldogs and Great Danes, just need a daily walk to stay fit and healthy, so dog owners can consider buying a new townhome, that doesn’t have a large backyard that a single-family home may offer.
Do you have
more than one dog?
A
multi-dog family needs a lot of extra space to accommodate all the pups. It’s
imperative that your new home has at least two rooms where your dogs can rest
and relax on their own.
Dogs aren’t just pets, they’re part of the family. So it’s important to consider them in your home buying process. Whether you’re shopping for a townhome or a single-family home, Lennar has a wide variety of quick move-in homes that will suit your family, lifestyle, desires, and even your dog’s needs. Learn more by visiting LennarTampa.com.
Woodland, Calif. – May 2019 – Known as “The City of Trees,” Woodland is a city within close reach of old Sacramento and Davis that provides a close-knit community atmosphere complete with plenty of small-town charm. With two communities that are now selling and three coming soon, it’s the perfect opportunity to find your dream home at Spring Lake.
“Woodland offers a perfect environment for families and local professionals in search of a relaxed, easygoing and nature-inspired lifestyle,” said Michelle Velky, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Lennar Sacramento. “We are excited to offer three new communities to Spring Lake, to join our two that are now selling, providing families with the opportunity to live within a master planned development in this beautiful area.”
Spring Lake has become a popular area of Woodland for families to settle down in and provides a variety of new home neighborhoods for sale in a beautifully designed setting. Lennar is now selling at two communities where the models are now open: The Grove and The Orchard.
With prices starting from the mid $400,000s, The Grove at Spring Lake offers seven distinctive home designs for home shoppers to choose from including one Next Gen® – The Home Within A Home® design for multigenerational families. In total, the homes at The Grove range from approximately 1,662 to 3,033 square feet with three to four bedrooms and two to three and one-half bathrooms.
The Orchard at Spring Lake is another community with models now open and new homes now selling. Offering five distinctive floorplans in total, one Next Gen® – The Home Within A Home® is also available. The homes are priced starting from the low $500,000s and sizes range in total from 1,945 to 3,312 square feet, three to five bedrooms and two to three and one-half bathrooms.
Coming soon are three new communities at Spring Lake – Magnolia, Summerstone and Sunflower. Each of these new neighborhoods will offer its own collection of home designs, with more Next Gen® options to choose from and homes that range in size from approximately 1,945 to 3,731 square feet of living space.
Every new Lennar home at Spring Lake also enjoys added value through the homebuilder’s signature Everything’s Included® program. The program outfits all their new homes with today’s popular features and upgrades at no additional cost, such as Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Designs for whole-home connectivity, integrated home automation features, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, solar, designer-selected cabinetry and so much more all at no additional cost.
The model homes for The Orchard and The Grove at Spring Lake are now open. Visit the Welcome Home Center at 1581 Osborn Road, www.lennar.com/sacramento or call (916) 905-1619 for more information or to schedule your tour.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com
Covington, Wash. – May 2019 – As the nation’s leading homebuilder, we seek to build communities in only the most desirable and highly sought after locations. Maple Hills and Cedar Creek Park are two new Lennar communities that are now selling in the city of Covington, offering a lifestyle inspired by nature and the great outdoors.
While each of the communities enjoys their own private parks and walkable neighborhoods, they’re also both located to plenty of great outdoor recreation. Those who love fishing or kayaking will enjoy the abundance of nearby lakes. It’s also the perfect spot for a day out with the family on a picnic.
The lifestyle that Covington has to offer is one that trail lovers will rejoice. A variety of trail systems are available close to each of the communities, with options for hikers at every level. Looking for something a little more challenging? The Tiger Mountain State Forest offers a multitude of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Covington’s downtown has also grown and continues to do so, along with local businesses who have set up in the area. Charming restaurants, shopping centers and other services are located nearby the new home communities. Additionally, downtown Seattle is just a 40-minute drive away for commuters or any city needs. Kent Station is just 15 minutes from the city and makes for a fun outing with the family.
Maple Hills is now open and offers ten distinctive home designs for home shoppers to choose from, with sizes that range from approximately 2,190 to 3,584 square feet, four to five bedrooms and two and one-half to three and one-half bathrooms. Maple Hills also features one of Lennar’s Next Gen® – The Home Within A Home® designs. The homes are priced starting from the high $400,000s.
Cedar Creek Park is a coming soon community that provides six distinctive floorplans with sizes that range from approximately 2,190 to 3,395 square feet. The home designs feature four to five bedrooms and two and one-half to three and one-half bathrooms, with prices starting from the high $400,000s.
Every home comes complete with Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® package. Homebuyers enjoy a high-level of features and upgrades in their brand-new home, such as granite or quartz kitchen countertops, stainless steel appliances and integrated home automation – all at no additional cost.
For more information on new homes for sale in Covington, visit www.lennar.com/seattle.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
Ready to fall in love with a home in Myrtle Beach? The Muirwood model home is now open at Clear Pond in Myrtle Beach. This beautiful three bedroom, two bath single level home starts at a generous 2,008 square feet – for luxurious living and entertaining. With its three-car garage, you’ll have room for cars, SUVs, motorcycles, golf carts, craft supplies, and more.
Ideally located near Myrtle Beach National, home to 54 holes of championship golf, Clear Pond makes its home in Carolina Forest, the fastest growing area of the Grand Strand. Surrounded by natural beauty, Clear Pond is an easy walk or bike ride to an array of amenities, including a clubhouse, resort-style pool, fitness center, and playground. And, this close-knit community is just minutes Highway 501, the beach, shopping, Carolina Forest Elementary and High Schools, healthcare, and dining.
Homes at Clear Pond are a proud part of Lennar’s Everything’s Included® program. Everything’s Included means just that: all the most sought-after extras, stainless steel appliances, upgraded cabinetry, granite countertops, and subway tile backsplash – are included in the price of your home, ensuring you get the best value possible.
Ready for a private tour of the Muirwood? Simply call 843-471-9814 now. We look forward to seeing you!
From pioneer roots to the cigar boom, the Tampa Bay area is rich with history. As a local, you can uncover all the historic and beautiful buildings that make this region so unique. Whether you’re interested in architecture or just want a fun weekend outing, here is a list of historic architecture in Tampa that you can visit.
The Tampa Theatre
For 93 years, this theatre has been a fixture in the community and is known as one of the most famous Tampa buildings. As the first commercial space to offer air conditioning, locals flocked to the Tampa Theatre during the hot summers to watch their first films. Even though the building was built almost a century ago, through careful preservation and restoration, today’s audiences can still view the old statues, gargoyles, and filigree that make this theater a one-of-a-kind Mediterranean neo-classical building.
Frank Lloyd Wright Collection
Tucked away at Lakeland’s Florida Southern College is the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. Wright is known as the most famous of the American architects. Guests can see 12 of his master-planned structures and learn about Wright’s distinctive style and architectural philosophy. Visitors have the option to take a self-guided tour of the site or enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour.
Plant Hall
Formerly known as the Tampa Bay Hotel, Plant Hall, which houses the Henry B. Plant Museum, was built in 1891 during the golden age of railroads and tourism. To appeal to the Victorian classes, this iconic structure was designed in the Moorish revival style. There are six minarets, four cupolas and three domes replete with Old World filigree and ornamentation. Guests can freely tour the grounds and the building. However, the museum is only open for visitors from January to November.
Whether you’re a local or a new resident, it’s never too late to explore the wonderful sights and distinctive buildings that make this area a unique architectural hotspot. If you want to learn more about design or local attractions, follow us on Facebook.
Bonney Lake, Wash – May 2019 – Located in the scenic shadow of majestic Mount Rainier, Bonney Lake has become a prime destination for families to live in the eastern Pierce County region. With one stunning collection of beautiful single-family homes for sale at Tehaleh, a Bonney Lake-based masterplan, we’re here to tell you all the reasons why people love to live in this great city.
Location. Bonney Lake is primely located just a short drive from Seattle and Tacoma while neighboring the beautiful cities of Puyallup, Sumner and Enumclaw. It gives you the best of both worlds: nature with easy access to big city amenities.
Charm. The city is the perfect place for families to settle down who are in search of a country-inspired setting and close-knit community. It’s not all small-town feel though, Bonney Lake holds a booming industry of shopping, dining and is home to many top employers.
Recreation. Live in a place where it will feel like you’re on vacation year-round. Nearby campgrounds make it easy to get away for a weekend to enjoy the great outdoors. Along with opportunities for fishing, hiking, boating and annual festivities such as seasonal tree lots and autumn corn mazes.
Great Schools. Bonney Lake is perfect for families in part due to its fantastic local school systems. It has some of the highest rated educational facilities along with high education opportunities alike.
Beautiful Homes. We offer a stunning collection of new home designs at the popular Tehaleh masterplan. Observation Ridge offers three home designs that range from 3,017 to 3,422 square feet of space with four to five bedrooms and three to three and one-half bathrooms.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 25 for the Grand Opening of our next phase at Tehaleh and visit the models at the Welcome Home Center, open seven days a week!
For more information visit www.lennar.com/seattle.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
