Mara Hawks, REALTOR®, HOMES FOR SALE in's Blog

JUNE 2008 Housing Statistics for LEE COUNTY Alabama

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:03:39 -0500

The following report is calculated by the Alabama Center of Real Estate. This report, along with more detailed information, can be found on their website: http://arerec.cba.ua.edu/ Are you considering a move into or out of Lee County Alabama? If you would like to receive these monthly reports, emailed directly to you, along with other local area information, just send your request to me at mhawks7@aol.com.

http://www.marahawks.com

ACTIVE REALTOR in Auburn, Alabama

SAUGAHATCHEE CROSSING HOME FOR SALE, AUBURN AREA, AL

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 08:32:58 -0500

557 LEE ROAD 2038 is a well constructed, beautifully maintained home in the idyllic location of Saugahatchee Crossing. This area is located about 30 miles east of Montgomery, 30 miles west of Opelika, and 30 minutes south of the Lake Martin area. AND it's within 10 miles of Auburn University's Jordan-Hare Football Stadium. It's four-and-one-half acre lot is potentially suitable for horse pasture. Incredibly convenient. Incredibly priced. It's location creates the perfect blend of conveniences, natural surroundings & space for a Town & Country lifestyle!

A SLICE OF LOCALISM.COM PIE

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 07:37:06 -0500

Presenting a Visual Tour for properties is, without a doubt, an essential marketing tool. For BUYERS, it's like a golden key to the city, unlocking homes to view 24/7. For Sellers, it helps put their best foot forward and can bring peace of mind that their home is LIVE, ON THE MARKET, gaining maximum exposure. Prospective homebuyers are finding tours online all the time. Some search specifically for homes with visual tours ONLY. Posting your listings to LOCALISM.com via ACTIVE RAIN, increases visibility as it sails into the worldwide web. Once a week, I update my Sellers with activity reports for their Visual Tours, which are generated from the tour site and emailed to me. It's encouraging and effective. Lately, I've been noticing the slice of the pie chart that illustrates the visual tours that were viewed from people logged on to LOCALISM.com. My highest compliments to the chef! Localicious!

MORTGAGE RATES & GAS PRICES ARE NOTHING, COMPARED TO THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:51:23 -0500

When it gets right down to it, nothing compares to the cost of freedom. It's the highest price of all, and we are paying dearly for it, every one of us now. What can we give today? Gratitude. Very few of us support war anywhere, but isn't it essential that we support, among others, the many young people, from everywhere in our country, that have and are willing to fight on our behalf--- many of them not old enough to legally even have a beer?! The 4th of July is more than a day for picnics & parades... it's a day for deepest gratitude... for acknowledgement of what we have been given, and for what we have to give. A friend shared the following with me, that I want to share with you. Have a happy and safe Independence Day!

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE
FLAG,

OF THE
UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA ,

AND TO THE REPUBLIC, FOR
WHICH IT STANDS,

ONE
NATION UNDER GOD,

INDIVISIBLE, WITH
LIBERTY

And God
Bless our Military who are protecting our Country for our
Freedom.
Thanks
To them, and their sacrifices we can celebrate the 4th of July

PLEASE
KEEP IT GOING TO YOUR FRIENDS, DON'T LET THE FLAME DIE
OUT!
PLEASE
KEEP THIS GOING

ARE WE GIVING HOUSES AWAY?

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:55:45 -0500

HEAR YE! HEAR YE! It's a REVOLUTIONary opportunity for first-time homebuyers. INDEPENDENCE AT LAST!! WIMBERLY STATION in Auburn, Alabama is located approximately 4.5 miles west of the University, across from Woodland Park, on the other side of Highway 14. It's in the new Richland Elementary school district, and just around the bend on Wimberly Road (Lee Road 56) where you will often see herds of goats, sheep and other farm animals, grazing on an idyllic landscape.

WIMBERLY STATION has several NEW HOMES for sale at GIVEAWAY PRICES! 3 & 4 bedroom /2BA with fireplaces and integrated wiring systems, start and pretty much stay at $159,888. Yes, you read that correctly. WOW! They include a Builder 2-10 home warranty, and, best of all, the Sellers will contribute up to $4000 for closing costs or as an allowance for appliances or electronics or even the dreamy sofa suite you might have just seen on sale.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VISUAL TOUR http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?t=1399683&sk=23&prt=10003

It's BIG savings and a BIG opportunity FOR YOU. Why not start packing, get moving, and conquer REVOLUTIONary savings today! This is a super friendly deal--- even if you're British.

Wondering how you can pull FINANCING together? Local loan officer, Emily White with Mortgage South, can help you with a plan and an approval, guiding you step-by-step. Just call (334.559.9099) or email emily.d.white@mortgagesouth.com for experienced and compassionate consulting.

SCREENSAVER NEEDED

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:58:10 -0500

Yesterday morning I arrived to do an Open House. Adjacent to the Great Room windows is a nice-sized screened porch. Only thing missing is the screens. This newly constructed home is complete now, except for a basin in the laundry room, a hand-hewn mantle, and the installation of the screens. As I was opening doors and setting up, I noticed a feathery shape of blue on the stamped concrete floor of the porch, and was surprised, and sad, to find a breathless bluebird,

apparently having slammed into one of the windows. Although breathless, this bird remained a reminder of the delicate design, intricate patterns and exquisite colors, inherent in the natural world. It seems that winged beings of every sort, can uplift the heart of humanity. Preserved in this blue-winged stilllife was the reflection of Beauty. Thank you, little bird, for the blessing you brought to the earth. I'm sorry you lost your way. Surely there is a sanctuary in heaven where you might fly today.

[p.s. Screens would have spared him... I now have an altered concept for the term screensaver.]

NOTE: The Cotswolds development in Auburn, AL has preserved a large area of greenspace (approximately 40 acres), to lessen the impact on natural habitats and support conservation efforts. For more info on migratory birds and studies relating to the urbanization of landscapes, visit Auburn Migratory Bird Field Office, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

NEW HOME IN AUBURN, AL - 2542 Salford St, at The Cotswolds

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:30:04 -0500

NEW CONSTRUCTION of The Huntley floor plan at THE COTSWOLDS in Auburn, AL. Over 3000 square feet --- an incredible price, an incredible place. AUBURN... IT'S A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE!

For more info on the surrounding area, see: THE RICHLAND ROAD MORE TRAVELED - NEW HOMES, NEW SCHOOL & NEW TENNIS CENTER for AUBURN, Alabama

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:26:13 -0500

June 2008 has arrived with a first-time headline for history--- cell phone additction puts children in a mental hospital for rehab! According to the Spanish media, 2 children ages 12 & 13, were hauled off by their parents, probably shouting "can you hear me now?!" Apparently these young siblings stopped being able to function normally and dropped their grades in school, essentially becoming like chimpanzees with thumbs and texting away the days. They had to go cold turkey and do without tech toys for 3 months! Gosh, I don't know if I could do that. Are we becoming a civilization of addicts? Are we altering the collective mindset and preset to be a crazy place without walls? Are we having fun yet? Maybe new help groups will start-up this next decade, for those who just can't stop... maybe we can call it ON AND ON ANON.

Click here: Spanish Children Admitted to Mental Health Hospital for Cell Phone Addiction - AOL Mobile

MAY 2008 Housing Statistics for LEE COUNTY Alabama

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 21:12:29 -0500

http://www.marahawks.com/

ACTIVE REALTOR in AUBURN ALABAMA 36830

Taking My Heart for Real Estate to San Francisco

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:51:24 -0500

This is my COMMITMENT BLOG to the Inman Real Estate Connect in San Francisco in July. MY INITIAL IS OFFICIAL and my plan is in place. I'll travel the shortest distance between 2 points as I can--- that's a straight line from Atlanta to San Francisco! When I arrive, maybe I'll be able to smell the famous sourdough bread that I remember from that town, and Ghiradelli chocolate in any form will put a smile on my face. I can't wait to meet some folks from the AR community and also gather some new ideas, tech info, learn and grow and shine and share in the enthusiasm for real estate in 2008.

(you can save a bundle by blogging about it, just as I've done here!)

INMAN... It's about EDUCATION... It's about CONNECTING... It's about the HEARTbeat of Real Estate in our Land, in our Nation...

BLOCKS OF EARTH - In A Class By Itself

Thu, 15 May 2008 10:53:07 -0500

While her world is evolving and her days are revolving around the GROUND LEVEL explorations of her one-year-old, my daughter, Rebecca, has taken up the wooly feel of fine-grade felt and cotton embroidery threads, crafting stuffed, soft sculptures for the tactile world of her son. She just sent me a photo of one of her projects (Earth Blocks). Now I must tell you that, I opened up her email/photo, just after reading The Preamble to the Code of Ethics, as set out by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS. No, this is not a daily habit by any means (although it would be a good one!). Rather, it is a new inpiration by AR stAR, Jessica Horton, to study and discuss, excavate and unlock the NAR Code of Ethics. I am very excited about it, and very grateful for the opportunity to re-view this with a group of REALTORS outside of a classroom. Jessica's leadership and exegesis approach to this subject is brilliant. (THANK YOU JH!) Visit THE CLASS here: Jessica Horton's BLOG: Unlocking the NAR Code - Exegesis of the NAR Code of Ethics. 1

Although I've read the Preamble before, this morning was the first time I read it, slowly, speaking it out loud, as if it were a prayer. I began to think about all that is going on in the world today, and the ways---both known and unknown---that we are impacting the EARTH--- our HOME. Is it still 'humility' if I tell you that, in my best description, I was left with a deep sense of humility? And a profound regard for each one of us that seeks or struggles to know his PLACE in the world? A place to stand and be understood, a place to harbor our highest regard for the abundant gifts of Creation--- a place to LAND and a place to grow where we are planted. I think of our troops that left these spaces to defend the establishment and privilege we are afforded for this most essential need--- LAND... the physical foundation for HOME.

Opening up the email & the photo of the EARTH BLOCKS for a child's world just got me completely choked up in a moment of deep connections about the simplicity and the complexity of making EARTH our HOME. Each one of us is a designated steward for the EARTH. As a REALTOR, I adhere to Standards guided by the Golden Rule, as stated in the NAR Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice: 'Accepting this standard as my own...pledging to observe its spirit in all of my activities whether conducted personally, through associates or others, or via technological means...'

It is a PREAMBLE. Today, it is a prayer...

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS Code of Ethics The Preamble to the Code of Ethics - Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORSshould recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment.

(the beginning...)

April 2008 Housing Statistics for LEE COUNTY Alabama

Mon, 12 May 2008 17:18:46 -0500

http://www.marahawks.com/

ACTIVE REALTOR in AUBURN ALABAMA 36830

A grand Mother's Day

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:00:58 -0500

I remember my first Mother's Day (30 years ago!) and the incredible magic I felt to have a little child in my arms. I began to understand an aspect of my Mother that had eluded me before. My sweet mother passed away not long before the birth of her great-grandchild--- my first grandchild. A year ago, I shared the day with my daughter and the new baby. I was simply overcome with the gifts of the moment, and wrote these words... (hardly about real estate, but everything about a Mother's Day.)

At first,

Growing in the saline waters of my mother's womb,

That carried me to this distant shore,

I tasted the salt of the earth

At first,

Recognizing my mother's face as

She held me close and kissed me

tenderly...

The taste of sweetness filled my belly

At first,

Through growing pains and aloneness bread,

My belly was emptied of sweetness.

Bitterness consumed me as a tide,

scrambling my senses...

seeking security in the shifting sands

At first,

Searching, searching,

for the beginning---

endlessly...

Then,

The moment ---not long ago,

my Mother passed away...

The taste of everything changed.

Hollowness grew in my belly

Doritos could not fill my longing for the salt

of Salvation.

Nor Hershey kisses fill my craving for the sweetness

of a Mother's love

Today,

I watch my daughter, being a mother now...

Little boy at her breast, her face so full of tenderness

I taste the salt of tears, pulling me back

To LOVE so primitive,

to LOVE at first,

to LOVE at last...

From womb to womb,

the space is hallowed ---

a slightly curved distance

between

What must be the sweetness of heaven

and what IS the salt of the earth...

ANGEL MESSAGES

Thu, 01 May 2008 07:41:20 -0500

An out-of-town prospect contacted me through my website, asking if I could reserve some time on a Friday afternoon to show her some properties. A few days before her trip here, we set a time & I asked if she would meet at the office. She was car-less (her husband would be using it), so she emailed if I could please pick up her and her daughter at the hotel--- and that she'd buy the gas. I wrote back that I'd be happy to pick her up, and would be at the hotel at 2:00 with a full tank of gas.

We had a fun and successful afternoon, and later, clearing out my car, I found she had stashed a gift card from Chevron into my papers and junk on the side of my console. I was simply stunned. What an incredibly thoughtful & generous gesture, entirely unnecessary... one of those moments that arrived as a gift, a seeming token of kindness from above that re-energized my drive and spirit at the end of another long day. It softened my world that had exceeded its quota of harshness and challenges that week, like arriving at a field of wildflowers and waterfalls after trekking around construction sites for days on end.

Her lovely daughter, a fifth-grader, carried two, well-dressed & obviously well cared for "stuffed" companions in her arms the whole time, except when we stopped for an ice cream. One of her little friends was an adorable dog. I loved it--- one of those Ididitrod-racing huskys.

On Saturday morning, my first appointment of a final walkthrough on a house went very well. My second appointment phoned to let me know that she was running late. I suddenly had about an hour all to myself, which felt heavenly. I went and got one of those dessert coffees which I normally save for a special occasion--- which, I decided, this was. A white-chocolate mocha. The pet store was nearby. I did need some cat food and birdseed, so headed over there. I remembered that the Humane Society often brings some of their "friends" to this shop on Saturdays, and puts them up for adoption. Since I lost my own companion last Thanksgiving, I haven't even wanted to look at another one, carrying around the hope, but also the sadness & emptiness in a well-concealed manner these past months. Now I secretly felt a rush of excitement that I had this unexpected hour and, perhaps, would at least look at the dogs. My heart sort of sank as I entered the warehouse of pets & supplies, and no Humane Society group was there. After filling my cart with animal feed and way too many cat toys (they just seem to vanish into thin air at home!), I waited to checkout, and noticed the group from the Humane Society arriving. I checked my watch. I didn't have much time left now to get to my next appointment. I secretly yelled FASTER in the checkout line that seemed to be overrun with motionless people. I checked out & raced to throw everything in my car, then zipped back into the store to finally have a look at the dogs. And there she was, this little one that I felt instantly connected with. I held this calm (compared to all the other frenzied yappers) little creature that suddenly reminded me of a baby kangaroo. Little kaROO (I thought). I quickly completed 4 pages of an application. They'd phone me in a day or two. My mind was racing and also confirming that I can't be more than 10 minutes late for my appointment--- yes, I gave myself 10 minutes and didn't even care. I must be going crazy. I was, for this puppy...

It only occurred to me after I brought her home last night, that Little kaROO looks very much like the unusual Iditatrod dog-doll that the little girl carried with her on Friday. I felt such a tangible presence of kindness and Love, that must be choreographed from above. Can you imagine, every day, the angel messages coming your way?

THE LEE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY takes in over 7000 animals a year! For information on low cost spay/neuter programs in Alabama, call toll free 1-866-977-2925.

For info on pet adoptions in Lee County, visit lchs@leecountyhumane.org or visit them on 1140 Ware Drive in Auburn, AL (334.821.3222)

EARTH DAY

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:52:25 -0500

It's been nearly 40 years since the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, it was established as a time for communities the world over, to recognize our deeper responsibility by minding our ways in caring for our natural resources. It was intended as a global reminder that The Earth is, essentially, our home... so let's all pitch in and do our part to promote clean and economical uses of energy and preserve our irreplaceable, natural resources. I don't think it's enough to simply think about recycling trash. It might be more to think about the freedoms we have here in this country to make the choices and make a difference--- even to the point of recycling some of our habitual ways of thinking. While recycling office equipment, plastics, glass and paper may seem insignificant on an individual level, I've observed that it can develop an increased sense of observation and listening to daily life, conversations and situations. I've observed the subtle growth that can expand a person's or a community's capacity to find peaceable resolutions.

In a land and country that continues to fight long and hard for its freedoms, we can learn that pursuits, even when driven by desperation, are optimized with opportunity--- an ever-present resource, especially in America. I suppose that is a miracle of the human quest, We just never know how close we might be to the next opportunity... to knowing a difference, to making a difference, to 'being' the difference. "In my Father's house are many mansions"... In my Mother's heart are many doors... OPPORTUNITY IS KNOCKING...open a door today, for Mother Earth, for the world we live in.

March 2008 Housing Statistics for LEE COUNTY Alabama

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:54:40 -0500

http://www.marahawks.com/

ACTIVE REALTOR in AUBURN ALABAMA 36830

"A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP"

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:27:18 -0500

Walking... everyone applauds your very first steps. It's a grand achievement... a pivotal point in your developmental history. The world looks different now, after schlepping around like a snake and then on all-fours. Now you can explore your world in new ways. Walking...a primal progression, and STILL a daily opportunity. Connect with the land where you live...go on "a walkabout"... anticipate the journey as the miles become s-miles.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday mornings in Auburn, Alabama, THE AUBURN STRIDE WALKERS CLUB ventures out together on the various city walking trails. The monthly schedule is always available at http://www.auburnalabama.org/, and I'm posting the current one here. Begin walking today, and, before you know it, you'll have gone the extra mile!

happy bEARTHDAY to my friend, who got me here, to AR

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:36:00 -0500

hello sweet friend...TODAY IS A bEARTHday FOR YOU, so time for a party! You have arrived! In the immortal words of Henry Miller, "One's destination is not a place, but rather a new way of looking at things." MEthinks it tis our human habit to look backwards and forwards, but tis our spiritual nature to look upwards... only then do we begin to realize our true destination. So, looking up from our laundry baskets and lines of fresh linens and tributes to washerwomen, here is to all things GOOD and INSPIRED and TELLING of CREATION's STORY... and, today, HERE IS TO YOU, Lynne, a cup of kindness and endless gratitude, for telling it like it is (or at least how it can be!). Enjoy the party... WITH LOVE, http://activerain.com/lynnepope

Home at THE COTSWOLDS in Auburn Alabama

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 07:16:26 -0500

HOME at THE COTSWOLDS in Auburn Alabama AUBURN... IT'S A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE! Bring your life stories to this enchanting, storybook home, resonant with deep woods and architectural timbre. It's not too big and it's not too small. It's just right. You'll feel right at home and never knew it could feel so good! CALL ME for more info on HOMES in auburn, Alabama (334) 524.2220 © Copyright of photos and content, 2008. Mara Hawks, All Rights Reserved

WHICH CAME FIRST? THE EGG OR THE MOON?

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:15:34 -0500

I found this photo by Vladimir Nikolsky, published in USA Today, taken in the village of Miadel. It shows the full moon rising over a Russian Orthodox church. Being the first full moon of spring (which you hopefully saw yesterday, THE SPRING EQUINOX--- it was huge here!), it is sometimes called the Paschal full moon. The word has both Greek and Hebrew roots, meaning Passover. This "event" was charted as the 14th day of a lunar month, occuring on either March 21st (the Spring Equinox), or the first full moon that appeared after this date (which is why sometimes Easter ends up much later in April). This Easter and Passover time was scheduled according to an ecclesiastical calendar with a fixed set of rules, without regard for the real moon, whose calendar months would each be 28 days, and there would be 13 months (or 364 days a year). I wonder if they would have calculated it differently, had a computer been around in those ancient times. Of course they would still have to deal with the politics, because this all happened before the separation of church and state.

Now, in celebration of spring and resurrected hopes, let's COLOR SOME EGGS:

Homemade dyes are simple and beautiful. If you still have the coffee on, you can start with that--- just pour some in a bowl and add a splash of white vinegar. Other liquids to use are teas, purple grape juice, cranberry juice, etc. If you can find powdered beet juice (freeze-dried), you can mix some of that with water for another rich color. Alternately, you can boil any of the following (using a non-reactive pot) with a few teaspoons of white vinegar and an equal amount of water: crushed blueberries, spinach, beets, red cabbage leaves, yellow onion skins, powdered turmeric. Let boil for about 30 minutes, then add the UNCOOKED eggs and hard-boil them. Fun and unique and beautiful. An easy display is to nestle them in a bowl or basket or crate of clean straw. If you live in rural areas, it's fun to use different kinds of eggs. (I even have a dozen ostrich eggs!) Happy Easter!

www.marahawks.com

Reading About Interest Rates

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:11:57 -0500

A local lender shared with me an article that I want to pass along for prospective home buyers. The article can be helpful for customers who are postponing a purchase because they keep hearing on the news that the feds are cutting the rate. This can be somewhat misleading into thinking that mortgage rates will also go down. This is not necessarily the case. The article is provided by cnnmoney.com

IMPORTANT MORTGAGE RATE INFO

If you are looking for a home in Lee County, AL, you can email this local lender, Marion_Scott@countrywide.com for more information about a home loan.

HOW THE IRISH CIVILIZED REAL ESTATE LAWS

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:59:29 -0500

In thinking about THE IRISH folk this St. Patrick's Day, it seemed like a good day to review a moment in civilization and Irish history that continues to affect the way we operate in real estate today...

In the late 1800's, Captain Charles C. Boycott, formerly a British soldier, became a real estate land agent for the Earl of Erne in County Mayo (Contaw Mhaigh Eo), located in the province of Connacht on the west coast of Ireland As the story goes,

"The earl was one of the absentee English landowners who owned most of the property in Ireland. The vast majority of the Irish were renters in their own country. In the fall of 1880, Home Rule advocate Charles Stewart Parnell chose Boycott to, well... boycott. Any absentee landlord who refused to lower rents so the native Irish people could actually afford them was targeted." *

This is when Boycott made a bad name for himself. Being a good and faithful servant to his absentee landlord, he refused to lower the rents, and even took it a step further and evicted all those Irish tenants! Now the Irish can be a feisty lot, and agreed among themselves (probably at a shebeen) to not ever rent from this property manager again. So while the Earl's properties were being boycotted, Mr. Boycott was rather quickly isolated from the community, without farmhands or servants. He was not given service in shops, so really was unable to even buy food and clothing. He even stopped getting mail delivered.

Thus the name BOYCOTT became well known, and gave rise, in 1890, to the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, which aimed to break up monopolies and prohibit unfair practices in business and trade. At that moment, I suppose a countrywide toast was made with Guiness, celebrating the new law that would prohibit any conspiracy against a person or persons, to restrict production or raise prices, promoting services of GOOD for all the countrymen, for all the land.

www.marahawks.com

*wikipedia

an Irish blessing for ActiveRAIN

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 20:41:45 -0500

These few lines from The Irish Blessing

are well known... and spoken with significance, on this, St Patrick's Day. for

all ye that be Irish here in this community (remember, on St. Patrick's Day,

everyone is Irish!)... of ActiveRain, that grows like magic with its character of gold...

May the blogging be always at your back, and the activerains fall softly upon

your field of real estate...

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon the fields.

LUCKY US!

wwwmarahawks.com

February 2008 Housing Statistics for LEE COUNTY Alabama

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:09:48 -0500

www.marahawks.com
ACTIVE REALTOR in AUBURN ALABAMA 2008

A TIME TO SOW

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:50:59 -0500

SPRING is a time for all things growing to be renewed... a time for all things hibernating to awaken. A time to grow where you are planted and time to plant some things to grow.

This link is filled with excellent and well-organized information on growing native and naturalized wildflowers in the state of Alabama http://www.auburn.edu/awac/watch1.htm

If you are wondering where to find some seeds or bulbs or accessories for your garden in Lee County, Alabama, here are a few favorites that I've found:

Fred's Feed & Seed (334-502-6602), right on the outskirts of Auburn in Loachapoka, on the north side of Hwy 14. It's a place that speaks of the past, with its unique, old world charm and superb customer service. You will find an extensive selection of supplies here, for planting and wildlife.

Sikes Feed & Seed (334-745-5301), located in Opelika on the east side of Auburn, carries large supplies of seeds, bulbs, and animal feed. They are located at 1011 Avenue C.

Blooming Colors (334-821-7929), located at the intersection of South College & Donahue (across the street from Kinnucans), always has an incredibly inviting display on the corner of their raised lot. Right now there are adirondack chairs painted in every spring color, along with an array of blooming plants. It always looks delightfully seasonal and inviting.

Out In The Garden (334-705-6965), located at the intersection of Moores Mill Road and Lee Road 146 (4137 Lee Road 146), is one of my favorites. I stumbled upon it one day when I stopped for directions, shortly after I moved here. I was quite enchanted with the very zen-like atmosphere and the sounds and smells of gardens and waterfalls. I walked around all the gardens for nearly an hour, and came away with a happy heart and a small, potted plant that managed to survive for nearly 2 years on my porch. During the summer season, they have a wonderful fruit & vegetable vendor that parks his cart just outside of their store, several days a week.