Cool Off at Some of the Best Public Pools in Pittsburgh

As the month of July approaches this weekend, it’s time to make a game plan for keeping cool over the long, hot summer days ahead. What better way to chill off this summer than by spending the day by the pool?

Don’t have a pool at your home? If you live in or around Pittsburgh, you’re in luck. The region has a plethora of public pools for residents and visitors to choose from. Today, we’re showcasing just five of our favorite public pools in Pittsburgh. Spend the day at any one of them and you’re sure to splash into some cool summertime fun!

Here are five of Pittsburgh’s best public pools:

1. Dormont Swimming Pool
This historic pool in Pittsburgh’s South Hills offers fun for the whole family. From swim classes, splash areas and small slides for beginners to lap pools and much larger slides for veteran swimmers, the Dormont Swimming Pool is a hit with just about everyone! It’s open every day of the week, so be sure to splash in for summertime fun.

2. Settlers Cabin Park Wave Pool
Whether you like riding waves or waterslides (or just playing at the playground), the pool at Settlers Cabin Park has what you need. Just west of downtown Pittsburgh, this popular summer hot spot is open to the public every day—it’s a must stop as you’re splashing your way through the city.

3. North Park Pool
In Pittsburgh’s Allison Park neighborhood, the North Park Pool is nestled among acres of activities that include golfing, hiking and even fishing and kayaking in the park’s very own lake. When you’re done swimming laps or just cooling off in the pool, dry off and enjoy some of the other activities in this expansive Pittsburgh park!

4. Boyce Park Wave Pool
When you head just east of Pittsburgh, you’ll find the Boyce Park Wave Pool, which may just make you feel like you’re spending the day at the beach—without getting sand everywhere, of course! There’s no need to pack a lunch when you head to Boyce Park either. Instead, treat yourself to poolside refreshments while you ride a few waves in this Allegheny County pool.

5. Magee Pool
Located in Pittsburgh’s Greenfield neighborhood, Magee Pool is a great place to escape summertime heat and even find some shade. This pool is part of the Citiparks swimming program, so it’s perfect for all swimmers – from those who are just getting their start to those who are ready to compete!

These five pools will help you keep cool in and around Pittsburgh this summer, but the city offers other great places to escape the heat too. Check out even more public pools in Pittsburgh today!

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5 Best 4th of July Hosting Tips to WOW Your Guests

There are so many things to love about July.  Summer is in full swing with backyard barbeques, bonfires, pool parties and the celebration of America's Birthday.  When it comes to the 4th of July, the more festive the party the better. Whether you are just having a few friends over or a huge neighborhood party, these five tips will make you the perfect host for a party your friends will never forget!   

1.  Food

Nothing says 4th of July like hamburgers and hotdogs, try spicing up this quintessential cuisine with a fun spin on all the classics. Cajun Bacon and Ranch Sliders or a family style Strawberry Shortcake would be a great addition to your party.  American Spirit Oreo Cookie Balls are an easy dessert to make.  Coat with white bakers chocolate and top with red and blue sprinkles for the occasion.  A Fourth of July party would not be complete without a little barbeque. Prepare a Southern BBQ dish and pair with some Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese for a delicious dish that your guests will love!

2. Refreshments 

For fun and festive drinks that will pair perfectly with your cookout, look no further. Patriotic Punch is a drink your guests will go crazy for.  Start by mixing blue Kool-Aid with cranberry juice, add ice and then cut the ends off a twizzler for a straw. Kids and adults will love it! For a more classic drink, make an old fashioned lemonade and add fresh berries for a refreshing twist. 

3. Entertainment and Games 

Corn Hole is an American Classic that all guests love, make the game patriotic by having red and blue bean bags. A fun idea would be to have a corn hole tournament for a little friendly competition among guests.  You could also mimic an all-American fair by creating carnival games. Set up a ring toss, balloon darts, baseball throw and pin the stars onto the flag. You could have small prizes for the winners like red, white and blue rock candy! Water Balloon Dodgeball is a fun spin on a classic game. Divide up the group into two teams and fill up some red, white, and blue water balloons. If you get hit, you’re out. The last one standing wins!

4. Decorations

DIY Decorations are an easy and cost-effective way to make your independence day party one the founding fathers would be proud of.  Creating floral arrangements are a great asset to any home. All-white flowers like hydrangeas seem instantly American when presented in a vase that evokes the stars and stripes. Another great idea is to incorporate 4th of July paper lanterns around your home. These can be found at Target or Michaels for under five dollars!  Hang the lanterns from trees for a makeshift outdoor chandelier.  

5. Fireworks

What would the 4th of July be without fireworks? Pittsburgh is home to some of the best fireworks you can watch on the 4th of July.  Pack up your family and head down to Heinz Field for the 18th Annual Fourth of July Celebration.  Have fun at this free event with food, live music and a firework show you won’t forget.  Don’t want to drive downtown? No worries, Mt. Lebanon’s Main Park will be hosting a firework show with games, amusements, food and a free concert! 

Whether you are trying to host the perfect party for a large crowd or just want to have a casual evening watching fireworks, these five simple steps will ensure that you have the best Fourth of July yet. Enjoy!! 

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Remodel or Move? Move or Remodel? How to Choose What's Right for You!

With spring in full swing and new life blossoming all around us, some homeowners may be getting the itch to add some new things to their homes. As families continue to grow, some may be feeling a little cramped in their current spaces. Empty-nesters may be feeling like their family-sized home is just getting to be too much to handle. Still, others may have aging relatives living with them and their special needs may not be easily accommodated. Finally, some homeowners may have been eyeing a few upgrades that they’re ready to install!

With all of these changes, homeowners are faced with several decisions. Is it time for a few renovations to accommodate changing lifestyles or changing tastes? Would it best to pack up and move into a home that is already equipped to meet new needs?

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions! Unfortunately, when it comes to deciding whether remodeling or moving is the best choice for a homeowner, there is no clear-cut answer. Each homeowner is different and so is the right choice for them! But, homeowners can arrive at their best choice by evaluating a few of the same things:

Your Current Home

When you take a look at your current home, you may be able to quickly decide whether to remodel or move. Ask yourself whether your home’s layout can support a remodel or if you even have enough room to add on. Will the structure of your current home allow for an addition? If you’ve answered no to any of these questions, contact your real estate agent and prepare for a move! Oh, if only it were that easy.

Your Financial Situation

When deciding whether to remodel or move, of course your financial situation is a huge factor. Consider the costs of your planned remodel and the costs associated with selling your home and buying a new one.

Secure a few estimates for your remodeling project from reliable contactors in your area. But, also consider how upgrades may or may not increase the value of your home. Don’t forget to compare your new value with the value of similar homes in your area, remembering that when it does come time to sell, it is not always best to be the most expensive house on the block. It is also a good idea to pad your remodeling projections a bit, in case of any additional costs along the way.

There are some unavoidable up-front costs in buying a home (read: closing costs). However, you may be in a position to make money on selling your current home, which could cover those costs. A real estate agent can do a comparative market analysis on your existing home and any new prospects. Whether you remodel or move, your property taxes are probably going to change, too; so, don’t forget to account for how that could affect your finances.

Your Emotional Attachment

In addition to all of your personal belongings, your current home is also filled with the memories that you’ve made there. Are you ready to close that chapter of your life to move on and make new memories? Would making a few changes allow you to continue to make memories in your current home? Do you even care? Don’t forget that along with those home memories are your feelings about your neighborhood, school district, commute and local amenities. Moving may mean that all of those things would change, too.

Finally, consider your feelings on remodeling. It can be messy and time-consuming. After all, you’re at the mercy of your contractor’s schedule and they will be turning your home into a construction zone, despite how non-invasive you think it may be.  

Current Market Conditions

If you’ve surveyed your current home, gone over your financial situation and addressed your feelings about remodeling and moving, but you’re still as confused as can be, consider contacting a trusted real estate agent who can help you take a look at the big picture. They’ll be able to advise you on current market conditions, provide a comparative market analysis and help estimate how long it may take to sell your current home.

Ready to get the remodel-or-move decision-making process started?

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PITTSBURGH’S BEST ICE CREAM PLACES!

You don’t have to look too far to find good ice cream in Pittsburgh. Here are five of our favorite ice cream shops in and around the city:

1. Glen’s Frozen Custard
In the Pittsburgh suburbs of Lower Burrell and Springdale, ice cream enthusiasts flock to Glen’s Frozen Custard. In fact, Glen’s has been a Pittsburgh favorite since it opened its first location in 1948! Glen’s offers creamy frozen custard treats and great grilled food too. If you visit Glen’s Springdale location, you can even play a round of miniature golf. You’re sure to find great flavors and family fun at Glen’s!

2. Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream
With two convenient locations in Market Square and Shadyside, Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream showcases seasonal flavors like Kaya Mango Tango and Rhubarb Sorbet. Oh, they have the classics like chocolate and vanilla if you want to keep it traditional too. Millie’s scoop shops also feature ice cream macarons and warm brioche ice cream sandwiches. We have a feeling you’ll have a hard time picking a favorite frozen treat from Millie’s! 

3. Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor
The city’s Strip District is home to Klavon’s, a Pittsburgh ice cream favorite since first opening its doors in 1923. Klavon’s features recipes from the famous Penn State University Creamery tradition. The menu includes sundaes, floats, sodas and even paninis. A few you flavors you may want to try? How about the Tin Ceiling sundae, Cherry Limeade float or Nutty Englishman soda? Why choose? Try them all!

4. Antney’s Ice Cream
What’s even better than a homemade ice cream shop? One that also caters to your four-legged family members! Antney’s Ice Cream in Pittsburgh’s Greentree suburb has a walk-up window where you can order cool treats for your pup. The menu changes daily but always features delicious options—you may not even want to share with Fido!

5. NatuRoll Creamery
Lawrenceville and Cranberry Township are home to NatuRoll Creamery locations. These hot spots for frozen treats feature hand-rolled ice cream that can be topped with everything from fresh fruit to cookies, pretzels, and candy. Watch as your cool creation is crafted right before your eyes! NatuRoll also offers vegan and dairy-free options, so everyone can enjoy the hand-rolled goodness.

From creamy classic shops to trendy new spots, Pittsburgh is the perfect place to enjoy National Ice Cream Month. Take our advice and don’t just try one of these delicious options.

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Five Things Your Real Estate Agent Cannot Tell You!

It doesn’t matter if you are buying or selling a home. When you’re completing a major real estate transaction, you often rely on the information and advice your professional real estate agent has to offer. From setting a price for the sale of your home or determining the right price to offer on a new home—to making negotiations to get to the closing table, your agent is an incredible resource.

While your trusted real estate professional can guide you through the home buying or selling process, there are a few things they are not able to share with you. Here are five questions your real estate agent simply will not be able to help you with:

1. What is an average commission fee?
It is widely known that real estate professionals work for a commission. Buyers and sellers do not pay their agents out of their own pockets. Instead, agent fees are brokered into the entire transaction. While that might be a set fact, there is no set commission for agents. Real estate agencies have their own fees and structures. So, your real estate agent might be able to explain how his or her agency works, but they will not be able to compare their structure to other agencies.

2. What are the neighborhood and schools like here? 
Your real estate agent should be able to share information about area restaurants, transportation, and other amenities, but when it comes to the schools or demographics of a neighborhood, your real estate agent might not be able to provide the information you’re looking for. Because of Fair Housing regulations, your agent can point you to resources that might help you learn about a certain area, but they are not able to offer their own opinions on things like neighborhoods, schools or safety.

3. Which lender do I have to use? 
Some buyers fear the real estate process because of the financial aspects. A common question for many real estate agents is, “Which lender do I have to use to buy a home?” It’s true that many agents have a connected network of service professionals that they can refer to buyers. However, the truth is that no law requires a buyer to work with any particular lender. You can take your agent’s advice, but you are absolutely free to choose the lender that is best for you and your financial situation.
 
4. Which inspector do I have to use?
Like the way a real estate professional might know of a lending institution that has worked well for previous clients, your agent might be able to suggest a home inspector that they have worked with in the past. Also, like the way you are free to choose your own lender, you can select your home inspector too. Word-of-mouth advice is great, but the decision is ultimately up to you. You are welcome to use the inspector your agent suggests, or you can find a reputable inspector on your own.

5. Is this home a good investment?
This is one question everyone wishes they could answer. However, it is simply impossible to predict the future! When you buy a home, you might plan to live there for 20–30 years—or you might intend to sell it in a short amount of time in the hopes of making a profit. While your real estate agent can show you a home’s sales history and even compare it to similar homes nearby, an agent cannot predict how market conditions may change over time.

Though these are five things your real estate agent cannot tell you, there is countless information they can share during the home buying and selling process. Find an agent you trust and rely on their expertise to help you reach your buying and selling goals.

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Renovations Gone Wrong: Five “Improvements” That Can Decrease Home Value

When home owners think of renovations, home improvements or other additions, they are often thinking of ways to increase the value of their homes. Typical renovations do increase value, so it is a logical thought, whether a homeowner plans to stay in their home long-term or they are preparing to sell.

What homeowners may not realize is that some home renovations or home improvements actually can decrease the value of their homes. Yes, you read that correctly. There are home “improvements” that can lower the value of your home.

If you are considering making renovations to your home this spring or summer, here are five that you may want to avoid:

1. Wild Colors and Wallpaper

Bright colors and patterned wallpaper may be in for the moment, but homeowners who choose to go the trendy way with their home improvements and renovations need to proceed with caution, particularly if they intend to sell anytime soon.

Today’s buyers often are seeking homes that are move-in ready and if they see a home they like, but know that painting or tearing off wallpaper will be one of the first things they have to do when they move in, they may be less likely to make an offer.

So, that bright home renovation idea can become a dark spot for some homeowners.

2. High-End Enhancements that Outshine Your Home

We can’t say enough about updated kitchens and baths, but there is a limit when it comes to renovating these high traffic areas of the home. Many of today’s home improvement shows may encourage homeowners to install professional kitchens or luxury bathrooms in their homes. While those high-end features may be a dream for some, the reality is that they don’t always fit the motif of many homes. This is particularly true if the kitchen and bathrooms are the only areas of a home that receive those high-end updates. They actually can make the rest of the house appear less enticing.

Safe bets for kitchen and bath improvements? Stick to the countertops, cabinets and sinks.

3. Outlandish Landscaping

When homeowners hear the words “curb appeal,” they often want to do everything they can to make their home stand out among their neighbors’ homes. But, it is important to consider the reasons that a home’s exterior stands out in a neighborhood.

Yes, greening up a lawn, pruning shrubs and planting flowers are all great ways to enhance a home’s beauty. Adding expensive fountains, ponds or other intricate lawn décor that make it harder to keep a lawn well-manicured can not only be considered eye sores, but they also can detract from a home’s selling potential due to their high maintenance issues.

When it comes to landscaping improvements around the house, simplicity may be the key to increasing home value.

4. Bedroom Conversions Gone Crazy

Everyone loves functionality; so, when Jimmy and Susie are heading off to college, the thought of turning their bedrooms into a home office, gym or sewing room may seem like an excellent idea. But, for homeowners who intend to sell any time in the near future, those short-term improvements can cause long-term headaches.

When a buyer sees a home advertised as a three-bedroom beauty, they want to see three bedrooms. One bedroom plus a home office and a small gym may make it hard for them to envision themselves and their children calling the house “home.”

If you’re a homeowner with intent to sell, keep in mind that you may be deconstructing that home gym to restage Jimmy’s bedroom for the sales process.

5. Waterworks that Just Don’t Work

Installing a hot tub or pool at a home may seem like a no-brainer for increasing home value. However, those expensive upgrades can detract from a home’s value and resale potential. Of course, for homeowners in it for the long haul, home spas and pools can be dreams come true.

For homeowners with any intent to sell, these water additions can leave them all wet. Some buyers can find another person’s hand-me-down hot tub to be a bit of a turn off, either for sanitary or other maintenance reasons. Depending on the weather in your region, a pool sometimes can be seen as impractical as well.

The bottom line when it comes to home renovations or home improvements is to choose wisely. When it comes to home improvements, one person’s treasure can end up being another person’s trash.   

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10 Simple Ways to Save Money Every Day

How are those financial resolutions you set for 2019 coming along? Whether you’re saving a little or still spending a lot so far this year, there is help. In fact, there are simple things you can do every day to save on some of your most common household expenses.

Here are 10 ways to save money at home every day:

1. Sell things you don’t use. 
The current decluttering and tidying fad that has taken over the nation is a great first step toward saving money at home. Once you compile unused clothing, cookware, toys and other home items that you just don’t use anymore, sell them. You’ll be adding joy to your home while increasing your savings!

2. Limit lunchtime spending.
Do you find yourself going out to lunch (or even for coffee) every day? Cutting those outings is a sure way to save money in a hurry. If you cannot break the habit altogether, set a limit on the number of days you allow yourself to go out. Pocket the money you’re saving and—as it adds up—you might be a lot less likely to opt for dining out!  

3. Grow your own groceries. 
This might not be possible for every item on your weekly list, but when it comes to certain fruits and vegetables, you can add savings to things you usually spend time and money shopping for. Focus on easy-to-grow produce so you’re sure to see savings sprout up in your home.

4. Embrace smart technology. 
Programmable and wi-fi enabled thermostats can help regulate the temperature in your home so that you save on monthly utility bills. Smart plugs and power strips can help you ensure you’re not overusing smaller household appliances that can suck up major energy.

5. Upgrade your home lighting.
Like smart technology, energy-efficient home lighting options are a great way to make a long-term investment in savings. Convert older bulbs to LEDs to see monthly savings that last in your home.

6. Cancel your cable. 
While this might have seemed like a drastic drop in the past, there are so many online options that can easily take the place of traditional cable subscription services. In fact, there is “app-solutely” no reason to waste money each month on all those channels you don’t watch. If you are not ready to quit cable cold turkey, consider lowering your plan to save a few dollars each month.

7. Shop with coupons. 
If you’re anything like us, you might find yourself scrambling to find any store coupons you can as you’re standing in the checkout line. Instead of wishing and hoping for savings, make it a point to only shop when and if you have a coupon for the items you want to buy.

8. DIY when you can. 
Did you know that you can save on regular household maintenance tasks and routine cleaning? All you’ve got to do is do these things for yourself. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be so tempting to hire a cleaner or other professional to help with tasks around your home. Reject the urge to hire out your daily maintenance and cleaning tasks. You might work a little harder, but you’ll save some money.

9. Personally pamper your pets. 
You might like the convenience and your pets might like the professional spa-type treatment they receive from the groomer, but there are certain savings in caring for your four-legged family members. Limit the spa services you cater your pet to, and you’ll see financial savings at your home for sure.

10. Start making changes today. 
Sometimes, the best way to save is to simply start trying. Instead of putting off any one of the tips on our list, begin trying to stow your money away. Increase your opportunities to reach financial freedom by beginning a savings plan today!
 

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What to do When You Inherit Real Estate

When you buy or sell a home, you are taking part in one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll ever make. Though certainly rewarding from either side, the entire process can be physically, mentally and emotionally draining. But what happens when this duty is given to you? What happens when you inherit a property? Well, for starters, things can get even more emotionally-charged and complicated.

Basically, when you inherit a piece of real estate, you are faced with three options: you can move into it and make it your own; you can rent it out and become a landlord; or, you can sell it to someone else. Despite this limited number of options, deciding what to do with a property you’ve inherited is not always easy.

If you move in… 
Depending on the type of home and location, if you decide to move into a home you inherit, you could be incurring homeowner association fees. You’ll also be picking up property taxes and any maintenance expenses. If there is a current mortgage, you’ll also be inheriting that payment.

If you rent it… 
Like choosing to move into a home you inherit, if you decide to rent it out, you’ll also be responsible for maintenance costs and property taxes. But those are fees you could pass on your potential tenants. If the home has a mortgage, renting it out could be a good way to cover the monthly payment.  

If you sell it… 
Selling a home you’ve inherited is a good way to avoid picking up an extra mortgage payment and taxes. But it does come with some upfront costs, including making any needed repairs. You also could be responsible for paying closing costs, real estate fees and capital gains taxes.

If you decide to sell a home you’ve inherited, you’ll also need to make sure the homeowner’s insurance and all utilities are paid. Finally, you should know that when you do sell the home, you could be taxed on any gains you’ve made on the home’s price since the time you inherited it.

What information can help you decide which route to take when you inherit a property? Here are four questions to consider:

1. What role do my emotions play in this sale? 
If you’ve inherited a family member’s home, you might have many memories associated with the property. Sorting through those feelings could make your decision process even harder, but you need to consider how you’ll feel – no matter which decision you make.

2. Is there a mortgage on the property? 
If the property you inherit is not paid off, the mortgage payment could dictate what you decide to do with a home. Depending on the type of mortgage, you might be responsible for agreeing to the current terms, paying in full or selling the property. Alternatively, the home could be paid off by the estate.

3. Is the home in need of repairs? 
As a rule, when you inherit a home, you should get a home inspection. Yes—even for your grandmother’s home, where you spent a good part of your childhood. A home inspection will give you a good baseline for any repairs the home might need. Take this question a step further and hire a housekeeper to prep an inherited home for its next steps.

4. Are there any other stakeholders involved? 
Sometimes a piece of real estate can be left to one or more siblings. In this case, it is not only one person’s choice when it comes to deciding what to do with a home. Possible scenarios include one sibling buying out the other, or two or more siblings deciding to sell or rent the property and splitting the profits. Unfortunately, if you cannot agree on the best choice, you could have to take legal action to come to a compromise

Have you recently inherited a home, but don’t know what to do next? I’d be happy to help!

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From CMA to MLS and More: Real Estate Terms to Know

Here are 10 commonly used real estate terms, and what they mean for buyers and sellers:

CMA – This is one piece of terminology that is probably used by every real estate agent out there. A CMA, or comparative market analysis, is a report of comparable homes that an agent prepares when helping a seller determine the best listing price for their home. A CMA is made up of homes that have a similar style, age of construction and amenities.

Contingency – In the real estate industry, a contingency offer means that a home must meet certain conditions before a buyer will proceed with purchasing it. Common contingencies can include a home that a buyer may need to sell or the results of a home inspection or appraisal.

Cozy – When you see the word “cozy” in a real estate listing, it typically refers to a space that is less than, well spacious. Saying a home or closet is cozy is often a gentle way of saying it is small. It’s not bad terminology, but it is a signal for a not-so-large space.

Fixture – Fixtures are features of a home that come with a sale. They can include flooring, hardware or even window coverings. If you’re a seller who is not sure about a feature of your home (and it is something you wouldn’t want to part with), check to find out if it could be considered a fixture before you list.

FSBO – A home that is listed as an FSBO is “for sale by owner,” which means that the seller has chosen to list their home without the help of a professional real estate agent. Some sellers choose an FSBO listing to capitalize on their profits. However, an FSBO also means that sellers have the responsibility of marketing their homes, scheduling showings and completing all required paperwork, among other duties commonly handled by real estate agents.

MLS – The Multiple Listing Service is an expansive listing of all homes for sale. Real estate agents have access to this database, but buyers and sellers commonly do not. Access to the MLS is another reason that buyers should work with a real estate agent when they’re searching for a home.

Move-In Ready – This term means a home is ready to be moved into with little to no repairs or renovations. In a listing, this is often an indicator that a home has at least some commonly desired amenities too. Unless you’re looking for a home that you can immediately begin to renovate, finding a move-in ready home is a great thing!  

Motivated – This real estate term is used to refer to sellers who are eager to make a deal on their home. For buyers, a motivated seller can be a seller who is willing to negotiate to get to the closing table.

Priced to Sell – While this lingo does not mean the exact opposite as a “motivated” seller, it does mean that a seller may be less likely to negotiate on their home’s price. When a home is priced to sell, sellers often feel they have already set a reasonable price for their home.

Quaint – Much like the word “cozy” above, when you see “quaint” used in a listing, it is often an indicator of size… small size. Again, it could refer to the entire size of a home or simply the size of a bedroom or closet. Whatever it is referring to is likely a smaller-than-typical space.

These 10 terms are just a start for buyers and sellers entering the real estate market for the first time. If you’re stuck on unfamiliar lingo in the real estate industry, get in touch with me and I can help you decipher the terms—and buy or sell a home.

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5 Summer Garden Trends to Revamp Your Landscaping

It’s an exciting time for gardeners. We’ve reached mid-spring and now is the time to start making our summer-garden plans. While it’s always important to touch up your garden this time of year, why not go a little bigger this time and give your landscape a complete renovation with these hot 2019 summer trends? 
 
1. Go Bold 

Living Coral is this year’s Pantone Color of the Year, so why not try to include it in your garden, as well? Plant dahlias such as the Coral Gypsy, Tempest, and Beach Bum varieties to bring this bright color to your yard. Planting summer-cypress adds serious pops of color, and by adding some of your standard favorites, you can perfectly complement the bright reds. For year-round boldness, plant some hardy succulents or evergreens in large, brightly-colored planters that make a statement.
 
Wildflower and perennial meadows are also big this year and create a casual style of planting. Gardens are getting more natural and less manicured, so you should think about how you can keep your arrangements loose and less structured, which will make your garden standout. Think like the Japanese, who are known to embrace garden imperfections, asymmetry, and incompleteness.
 
2. Try Textures
 
Silvery dusty miller and ruffled ferns are in style this season. Bounce colors off one another with orange lilies and purple verbena. Contrast shapes by planting things like yucca and lantana. Don’t forget those hanging baskets, either. Start your hanging basket with a tall statement piece, surround it with something that fills the gaps well, and finish with some color to spill over the edges.
 
3. Get Cooking
 
Spending more and more time outside, including time to make a nice meal, is nothing new. Outdoor kitchens are rising in popularity, especially for homeowners who entertain a lot. When designing your outdoor cooking space, try to take your design choices in a different direction than your indoor kitchen to keep the space feeling unique. Contrasting the indoors with the outdoors is what will make your space feel truly refreshing.
 
4. Get Out
 
A place to relax within your garden can feel like a vacation, especially for those who don’t have the time for an official trip. Creating a lovely area to relax, read, or meditate is gaining in popularity as people become more aware of the need to decompress. Find a secluded space in your garden and set up some of your favorite chairs and a table. Or if you want to go big, build a little open-air art studio situated around or within your favorite plantings. A garden is a great place to space to refresh after a long day.
 
5. Give Back
 
You can get much more enjoyment out of something when you share it. Give to your neighbors and give back to the planet. Look into how you can make your garden a Certified Wildlife Habitat to benefit wildlife. Donate some of your fresh produce to your local food bank or share with your neighbors to really build a feeling of homeliness. Find natural solutions for weeds, slugs, and snails. Include plants that attract pollinators. Enhance your soil with organic compost by creating your own composter. It’s simple and keeps a lot of waste out of the garbage piles and puts it to work in your garden. You can also buy packaged or bulk compost at most home and garden stores.

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