Time to Fill Your Yard with Monsters, Spiders, and Snakes to Really Grab Buyers Attention…
Here's an old entry from the spirited Haunted Open House Notebook that I dusted off recently and just like the old Halloween decorations tucked away in the attic or basement, if it scares up some buyers attention, why not haul it out and hang it up all over again. When it comes to re-posting old posts, I like to change them up a bit and update particulars where necessary but this haunted blast from the past is one of my favorites and best received posts of all time. I hope you enjoy this Halloween themed treat that won’t rot your teeth!
Is Your Curb Appeal a Real Horror Story?
Is the situation in your yard, grave and bone chilling? Is your curb appeal giving potential buyers the fright & flight syndrome? Does it's appearance keep you up at night and serious buyers at bay? Why not fill it with Monsters, Spiders, and Snakes and turn that ghoulish haunt of a yard into a tropical paradise that buyers take notice of right away! Try adding some easy, low maintenance, tropical warmth with Monstera, Spider Lily, and Snake Plant and really get those spooked buyers attention!
MONSTERA (Monstera deliciosa, Ceriman, Swiss Cheese Plant (Cheese Plant), Fruit Salad Plant, Monster Fruit, Monsterio Delicio, Monstereo, Mexican Breadfruit, Locust and Wild Honey, Windowleaf and Delicious Monster)
This monstrosity of a creeping vine is native to tropical Central American rainforests and is a climbing relative of the philodendron from Mexico and Guatemala. It is popular yard plant here in Hawaii and in tropical and subtropical areas around the globe, growing well in partial sun but best in shade. If you have ever driven the Road to Hana or spent any time on the Windward sides of all the Hawaiian Islands you will see this plant growing abundantly. The plant starts bearing fruit after three years and is a popular houseplant as well, however, it rarely fruits or blossoms indoors.
The large oval leaves are perforated with oblong holes and the plant produces a 9", dull, deep green cone-like fruit, which grows from a gigantic version of the philodendron flower. The fruit is covered with hexagonal scales that dry out and separate as the fruit ripens very much like corn, revealing the edible white pulp inside. It takes more than a year to mature to a state of edibility. Eating unripen fruit can cause mouth and throat irritation due to high levels of oxalic acid. You may induce the fruit to ripen by picking it when the base has started to wrinkle and wrapping it in a bag for a few days. When unwrapped, the scales should have separated. Special note: This plant can be poisonous to pets due to the oxalic acid so if your cat likes to nibble on plants keep this one out of the house.
One amazing characteristic of this plant is that the seedlings will grow in the direction of the darkest area of the yard until it encounters the base of a tree, where it attaches itself to the trunk. It then reverses its light aversion and climbs towards the light, which is generally high in the tree canopy. Yes Carrie Anne, move towards the light…
SPIDER Lily (Hymenocallis caribaea variegata)
Spider Lily is a tropical and subtropical species in the Tropical Hymenocallis category, and this bulbous perennial herb, blossoms all year long. Hymenocallis caribaea (Caribbean Spiderlily, Spider Lily, White Lily), produces bulbs, flowers, and remarkably large sword like foliage.
The leaves are 40-70 cm long and up to 6 cm wide at their broadest. Smooth-textured and glossy, spider lily leaves are erect and somewhat curved at the top end. The sessile leaves are dark green and sometimes variegated red. These grow best in shade to part sun but will grow in full sun if watered regularly.
Spider lily’s release a lovely aroma from dusk until dawn. Tropical spider lily's are much larger than their temperate, delicate, and Iris like cousins found on the Continent. This spider is hard to dislike.
SNAKE Plant (Sanseveria trifasciata)
The snake plant is named thus because of it’s vertical snake like appearance. A.K.A. mother-in-law's tongue due to its pointy sharpness; In Japan it is known as tiger's tail and in Brazil it is commonly known as espada-de-são-jorge (sword-of-saint-george). A yellow variegated variant is known as espada-de-santa-barbara. Popular in folklore, the plant finds its origins in Zaire Africa, where the plant is used as a protective charm against evil or bewitchment. In the ancient practice of Feng Shui, the legendary plant is commonly found as a houseplant where tradition states that the Eight Gods bestowed their eight virtues on those who nurtured them. The virtues included: health, strength, long life, prosperity, intelligence, beauty, art, and poetry. NASA has recognized the snake plant for its air purification ability and to curb "Sick Building Syndrome", caused by poor ventilation.
The snake plant is an easy to maintain succulent that grows just about anywhere. Although the snake plant grows best in medium or bright light it will tolerate low light levels too. When caring for snake plants, it’s best to let the soil dry between watering's as over watering can happen easily. It grows best in temperatures from 30 to 50 degrees Celsius. Its leathery sword-shape leaves are often marbled with gray green and may be edged with yellow or white, adding a slash of color to a concrete slab or graven stoop.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Fill Your Yard with Monsters, Spiders, & Snakes: Grab Buyers Attention
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