To Mulch or Not To Mulch
Staging isn't just about the outside of your home. Staging is about great curb appeal as well.
Here is a great article about mulching and getting your garden looking fantastic.
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If you are a gardening purist, mulch might not be your thing. It does have some good qualities that one can appreciate as long as it is used properly. That's the key. Mulch has gotten a bad rap in the past but I think mostly because it isn't always used properly. Mulching can help retain moisture, hold down weeds and present a pretty manicured look to planting beds and borders.
There is a whole world of mulches organic and non organic to choose from. There are of course the dyed mulches available at most box stores. I am not a big fan as these tend to fade and look too ratty when they break down. If using stay with the darkest color...dark meaning black or dark dark browns. Those colors make your plants really pop and contrast any house color nicely. It's an inexpensive way to impact your curb appeal quickly if you are sprucing up for a sale of your home. Personally I hate the red stuff and most house hunters don't like it either but if you are not selling and it's your thing go for it!
There is the myth that dyed mulches are unsafe to plants and attract termites and bugs. Not so as long as they are properly applied. Before you start make sure to weed and then define your area. The application should be anywhere from 2 - 4 inches deep. If you are mulching around trees, never mulch up to the tree trunk, stay about an inch or two away around the entire trunk. Make sure to spread the mulch evenly, no mountains allowed...this is when you will attract the bad bugs and burrowing critters. I like to use my hands but a rake works just fine. When you purchase any organic mulch be sure you don't buy the bags if they are super soaked or smell especially bitter. Mulch that smells bad and is clumpy can breed bugs and fungus. Bad for your plants.
For me, composte mixtures or rocks are the way to go. Rocks especially in drought like climates like southern California. They are a bit pricier but you add lots of texture and visual bang for the buck. River rocks, lava rock and pebbles look great, stay looking great and the colors are beautiful especially when paired with other ground covers. Black lava rock is gorgeous and is lighter weight so easier to move around than the bags of rocks.
Composte is great in that you can make your own and it feeds the soil and plants being mulched. Composte can also be purchased.
No matter what mulch you choose always consider your pets and surrounding area. Some choices like barks and husks may not be safe or practical. Once you've considered and done all the above, sit back and enjoy the icing you just spread on your cake! Happy gardening.
Ana Hitzel is the owner of AccentPositives Home Staging and the host of Your Place Your Space Home Improvement Radio on KNOC 1680 AM and knocradio.com. The show airs Fridays 11AM to 12 PM PST. Stream live internet or catch the archived broadcast on the show page by visiting knocradio.com or click on the show logo below. Email the show at yourspaceradio@yahoo.com. Visit our Face Book page for more tips and information and don't forget to hit the LIKE button!
AccentPositives provides effective and economical Home Staging Consultations and services on site and on line. We are located in Corona and serve the Inland Empire of Southern California and the Palm Springs area. Call 951 833 8529. Email staging@accentpositives.com. Visit www.accentpositives.com.
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