With the Stage 1 restriction in full effect, here’s what homeowners can do to conserve water while keeping their landscapes healthy.
No drought about it—we need rain. But if you’re looking to build a yard that can weather Raleigh’s restricted-water era, these drought-tolerant standouts are a good place to start.
One caveat: “Low maintenance” doesn’t mean “no maintenance.” Newly planted perennials and shrubs need consistent watering during their first month in the ground, followed by regular hydration through their premiere growing season. Plants from four- or six-packs should be watered daily for two weeks, then twice weekly for the next two. Not sure when to ease up? Give the plant a gentle tug. If it feels firmly rooted, it’s ready to fly solo.
Mulch is your best friend. A 2- to 3-inch layer helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and keep roots cool. Opt for organic when possible, and avoid piling it against trunks or plant crowns.
When watering, think deep rather than frequent. Longer, less frequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper, where moisture lingers longer. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation. Trees and shrubs established within the last two years may only need watering once or twice a month during extended drought.
Rain barrels may be small, but they can be linked together to catch more water. You can also install larger cisterns above or below ground to capture anywhere from hundreds to thousands of gallons.
What’s old is new again. Bringing Olde Raleigh Village into its new era is a mod refresh—same attitude, new look.
Complete with a full center repaint, new landscaping, new murals, and an updated promenade and pocket park, the primely positioned iconic West Raleigh center bookending burgeoning Blue Ridge Corridor has also already begun activating its space with free community events—think puppy yoga (!) and an Easter photo booth—with plans for more of the same, not to mention alfresco coffee, lunch and the like.
“Olde Raleigh Village has been a longstanding fixture in our community,” says Blair Davenport, senior consumer marketing associate of Foundry Commercial. “As developments continue to emerge in the surrounding area, we’re enthusiastic about our contribution to the revitalization of the Blue Ridge Corridor.”
“With our team’s dedication, we’re excited to usher it into a new era,” adds Davenport. “While maintaining its timeless charm, we aim to elevate it into a destination rather than just a routine stop.” Reimagined refuge found. @olderaleighvillage
EN PLAIN AIR: ORV’s revamp includes a pocket park for activations like yoga and an overall aesthetic refresh to tenants like Char-Grill.
EN PLAIN AIR: ORV’s revamp includes a pocket park for activations like yoga and an overall aesthetic refresh to tenants like Char-Grill.
Whether it’s a large project like exterior painting or something smaller like landscaping, painting your front door or adding outdoor lighting, you can’t go wrong in this market.
Christina and Jeff Lovern spent $8,000 on their Five Points home, fixing deteriorating siding and updating the exterior paint color to replace a combo of colors they didn’t like.
“The Loverns have easily added $20,000 to $30,000 of value to their home,” says Jordan Lee, a realtor with Lee 3 Team Real Estate. “They took a tacky, dated, unappealing home in a great location, invested and chose wisely and gave it a classic look that will appeal to any buyer in the market.”
But the Loverns aren’t selling anytime soon. Their investment was both practical and emotional.
“Our house needed a fresh coat of paint and rotten boards replaced,” says Christina. “We loved our house so instead of just keeping the same colors, we wanted to change them to reflect our sense of style, update the exterior and put our mark on our home.”
Considering a big renovation?
Keep a few things in mind. “The goal should be to maximize the return, while limiting the size of the investment and ensure it’s in line with what the market will support,” says Lee. The best places to invest are kitchens, bathrooms and exterior curb appeal.
And keep it neutral.
“Sellers should be mindful anytime they’re doing something highly personalized to their home,” says Lee. “There is value and something to be said for making your home what you want, but it doesn’t always make for the wisest investment from a resale standpoint.”
And think about this . . .
A new garage door can bring you an 88 percent return on investment.
A new front door can bring you a 101 percent return on investment.
Stone veneer can bring you a 92 percent return on investment.
