With this last cold front moving through West Michigan, it may be hard to believe that in the near future, spring will truly be up on us. Regardless of that Michigan melt uncertainty and our relatively mild winter this year, spring is something that most people in the region look forward to. Not only do the temperatures start permitting shorter sleeves and some barefoot walks in the grass, but flowers are starting to show their faces all over the place. Few things help bring a sense of warmth and romance to an outdoor space like brilliantly colored spring flowers.
When you're in the process of selling your home, the flowers you once enjoyed each spring can become a major selling point for potential buyers, provided you're showing and selling your house during the spring season. Although it's likely too late in the year to plant (unless you're planting forced, already blooming bulbs, which could be quite expensive), if your five year plan includes selling your home and buying a new one, this season may be the perfect time to look around and figure out what areas of your yard would best suit a perennial flowering bulb garden.
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Look at spacing carefully. Some people will just cover their parkway (that strip of land between the street and the sidewalk) with as many bulbs as they can fit in the space. Others may create a small bed using paving stones or other building materials to contain the flowering plants and make for easier mowing (without risk of killing your botanical investment). What size and shape is your yard? What areas receive the most natural sunlight early in the season? What about after the leaves start coming in on nearby trees and bushes? Would your walkway look lovely flanked by nodding daffodils, or is it a narrow walk that would look crowded by the spilling leaves and flowers? Take written notes and tuck them away someplace where you can refer to them later this year, during the fall bulb planting season.
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Pick the perfect colors. Few people would argue that yellow, white, and even pink daffodils are likely to lift someone's spirit, but if your home has yellow or beige siding, they may get lost in the shuffle. Would bright red, orange, or deep purple tulips pop more and draw more eyes to your yard? Don't just consider your home; look at your neighbor's colors as well, and try to select flowers that will compliment the existing colors in the space while still contrasting enough to “pop” out of the background and draw the eye.
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Follow your nose. Lots of modern cultivars of popular flowers have been bred for flower size and color, and scent is one characteristic which all too often gets left behind in the flower selection process. If there's a breed of narcissus (which includes daffodils and similar flowers) whose shape and color pleases you, check out varieties with similar appearances which are regarded for their fragrance. Place scented flowering bulbs in areas where they'll be closest to humans, such as near the front door or by any permanent structures, such as a stone bench in the yard.
Making the most of a property and space can include a lot of different aspects. Pyxis Realty's professional staff of local, Grand Rapids area realtors, is always here to help you buy or sell a home, and we're also happy to help in long-term planning to maximize the appeal of your home. Give us a call today if you're ready to buy a home or get your house on the market!