landscaping

August 16, 2019

Add Beauty & Value to Your Home

25 Braewood Place | $6,750,000 | The O’Gorman Group

Trees don’t ask for much — dirt, water, sunlight. Yet they provide many benefits for you and your home: They add beauty and value to your property, cut your energy bills with the shade they provide, serve as a home to wildlife, and improve the air you breathe.

10121 Waller Drive | $5,950,000 | Mary Poss

To get the full benefits from your trees, choose the right one and plant it in the right location. Planting a tree that sheds its leaves annually on the west side of your house provides cooling shade in the summer. In winter, after it loses its leaves, the same tree will let in sunlight that cuts heating bills.

1901 Point De Vue Drive | $2,900,000 | The O’Toole LeVan Group

If you’re planting a new tree, think about its fully grown size and shape before you dig. Roots too close to your home could damage the foundation or block sewer lines. The wrong tree in the wrong place could actually lower your home’s appraised value.

2022 Valencia Cove | $2,695,000 | The Marcontell & Gilchrest Group

To learn more about trees and how you can improve the environment while improving your property value, visit arborday.org, where you’ll find a wealth of useful information about trees. To learn more about the beautiful homes featured in this post, as well as all of the homes currently available for purchase in North Texas, visit the award-winning ebby.com.

August 6, 2019

Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Although we’ve been told to do otherwise, people often judge homes based on curb appeal. Enhance your home’s exterior with these five tips.

Front Door

Wash your front door and polish hardware — replace if necessary. If the sun has faded the paint or you want a change, consider repainting with a bold new color that brings you joy.

Windows & Gutters

Remove debris from gutters and drain spouts before cleaning. Wash and repair windows or hire a professional. Clean or replace window treatments inside your home that are visible from the outside.

Mow, fertilize and water your lawn. Tidy up gardens; remove dead plants and branches; plant colorful flowers along any path or walkway; and add potted plants by the entry.

Porch

Sweep the porch; clear cobwebs from fixtures, railings and corners. Store toys, yard equipment and garbage cans. Clean patio furniture or consider updating worn pieces; add a swing or seating if space allows.

Exterior Touches

Check for missing or damaged shingles. Power wash and repair walkways and driveway. Clean or update light fixtures. Repaint shutters; repair, paint or replace mailbox. Check that house numbers are visible from the street; replace if needed.

August 10, 2018

Love This Listing: Brentfield Beauty

Situated on a corner lot in Far North Dallas, this beautifully remodeled home features an open floor plan with herringbone white-oak flooring. The stunning kitchen includes high-end appliances and leathered granite countertops, while the backyard paradise offers a covered patio, mature trees and a flagstone pool deck perfect for entertaining. Watch the video to learn more about why we love this listing.

Need-to-Know Numbers:

• 16901 Colegrove Drive
• $675,000
• 4 bedrooms
• 3 baths, 1 half-bath
• 3,148 square feet

June 15, 2018

Love This Listing: North Dallas Oasis

Situated on one of the most amazingly beautiful lots in North Dallas, this prime property features a backyard with two koi ponds, a pool-spa with waterfalls, an outdoor living center with a fireplace and cooking center, a sport court, and plenty of room to play. Inside, large windows provide fabulous views and vaulted ceilings add grandeur. This property is a must-see! Watch the video to learn more about why we love this listing.

Need-to-Know Numbers:

• 5927 Warm Mist Lane
• $1,395,000
• 5 bedrooms
• 4 baths
• 5,573 square feet

April 2, 2018

8 Spring Blooms for Lone Star Landscaping

Spring is blooming all over North Texas, as seen from any car window the past few days. With fields of beautiful wildflowers popping up in city parks, off major highways and at celebrated gardens, what better time to curate the spring landscape of your dreams.

Whether you’re looking to refresh the backyard garden or improve your home’s curb appeal, these perfect plants are sure to flourish this season.

Bluebonnets — The iconic state flower of Texas features clusters of up to 50 fragrant blue blooms with a white tip and can be spotted off roadways all over this great state. Bonus: Bluebonnets attract butterflies and native bumblebees.

Indian Paintbrush — This eye-catching Texas native loves the sun and features stems topped with clumps of bright red, paintbrush-like spikes. With a reputation for being unpredictable, these flowers grow between 6 and 16 inches high.

Verbena — Ideal for cascading over garden walls, hanging baskets and window boxes, these tiny purple blooms form round clusters and tend to cover large spaces. Plant these drought-tolerant perennials in partial shade and enjoy their dainty scent.

Tulips — The typically cup-shaped tulip comes in virtually any color and grows from 6 inches to 2 feet tall. Treated like annuals, tulips require well-drained soil to avoid excessive moisture and should be planted 4 to 6 inches apart.

Iris — This easy-to-grow perennial is reliable and comes in a variety of colors. The plants thrive best with plenty of sun, well-drained soil and a flowerbed to themselves, but make lovely cut flowers as well.

Fuchsia — The delicate blooms of the fuchsia plant add vibrant color and versatile aesthetic to any outdoor space. Fuchsia thrives in any semi-sunny spot and grows beautifully in hanging baskets, flower pots or in gardens over the soil.

Daffodils — These showy yellow flowers with a trumpet-shaped cup are hardy perennials that develop from a bulb and typically bloom in early spring. Plant these cheerful blooms in a sun-soaked area as a bold border or between shrubs for a pop of color.

Primrose — The nodding delicate blooms of primrose range in color and require moderate watering. These native Texas flowers like well-drained soil and spread extensively in open areas.

March 22, 2017

Spring Plants for Your Texas Landscape

Spring is in the air, and it’s bringing with it a bright floral forecast.

According to experts at The University of Texas at Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, “higher temperatures in January and February pushed some plants to bloom early.” This means spring flowers will be in full force the next few months.

If you’re tired of your landscaping and are itching for a change, or simply hoping to add some springtime cheer to your home, below are some great options for plants that will thrive this season.

1. Bluebonnets – Lupinus Texensis

The iconic state flower of Texas is a no-brainer for spring landscaping. These beautiful stems feature clusters of up to 50 fragrant blue flowers with a white tip. Bluebonnets are even recognized by pollination ecologists as attracting native Bumble Bee species.

2. Daffodils – Narcissus

These hardy perennials feature showy yellow flowers with a trumpet-shaped cup. They develop from a bulb and can be expected to bloom early spring. Try planting these cheerful blooms in the sun as a border or between shrubs.

3. Delphinium – Delphinium Carolinianum

This colorful perennial may be a challenge to grow, but the beautiful spiky blooms are worth the effort. Flowers can be blue, pink, purple, or white, and are perfect for a cottage-style garden. Grow these plants in fertile soil in full sun to light shade.

4. Fuchsia – Fuchsia Magellanica

The delicate, striking blooms of fuchsia are great to add an exotic aesthetic to any home. Fuchsia grows best hanging in baskets or in any semi-sunny area.

5. Indian Paintbrush – Castilleja Indivisa

This native Texas plant is a showy annual or biennial that features stems topped with clumps of bright red paintbrush-like spikes. While relatively unpredictable, these flowers are a great pop of color.

6. Iris – Iris Germanica

This reliable perennial comes in a variety of colors and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The tall plants prefer sun, well-drained soil, and a flowerbed to themselves.
7. Linaria – Linaria alpina

These contrasting biennials are great for adding texture to any landscaping. Grow these in a sunny gravel garden, but don’t expect them to survive through a hot and humid Texas summer.

8. Phlox – Phlox paniculata

These perennials form beautiful clusters of pink or lavender blooms. Plant phlox in moist soil and a sunny area.

9. Primrose – Oenothera speciosa

The small, delicate blooms of primrose range in color and spread extensively in open areas. These flowers require moderate watering and well-drained soils.

10. Tulips – Tulipa

Tulips come in virtually any color, so you can easily find the perfect shade for your landscape. Space each bulb about four to six inches apart and make sure the soil is well-drained, as tulips cannot tolerate excessive moisture.

11. Verbena – Verbena

These tiny little purple blooms form round clusters and can cover large spaces. Plant these perennials in a partly shady area and enjoy the delicate scent they emit.

December 7, 2016

10 Plants to Brighten Your Winter Landscape

As temperatures drop, so often do our hopes of having full flowerbeds. But winter doesn’t always have to be so dull and bleak. Whether you’re buying a new home or updating your landscape for wintertime, there are many different plants to choose from that enjoy cooler temperatures.

“Generally you’re going to be in pretty good shape if you’re using native plants,” said Andrea DeLong-Amaya, director of Horticulture at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. “Native plants are a great way to reinforce Texas heritage and Texas pride.”

Whether using native Texas or non-native plants, here are our picks for adding color and texture to your winter garden.

1. Baby Blue Eyes – Nemophila menziesii

These charming sky-blue flowers are great choice for late winter/early spring color. In moderate winter temperatures, flowers will grow (even in shade) until they bloom. This low growing plant is easy to start from a seed and requires little maintenance.

2. Camellias – Camellia japonica

Delicately scented camellias are a great, winter hardy option for the cooler months, with the exception of unusually cold winters. The large blooms can be white, pink, red, yellow and lavender. Camellias dislike irregularity in watering or sudden temperatures changes, but can tolerate droughts or light freezes while still remaining bright. Camellias are a versatile option for a garden, as they can define spaces or spread in front of flowerbeds.

3. Christmas Fern – Polystichum acrostichoides

“Christmas fern got its name because it stays green right through the holiday season,” according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center online database. This robust, glossy fern is a great option for a border or accent plant. Although it won’t flower, ferns are easy to grow and stable in the right conditions. The evergreen fronds grow in clusters that will increase in size over time.

4. Coral Honeysuckle – Lonicera sempervirens

Some species of honeysuckle such as Hall’s Japanese are not native, so DeLong advises people to stick with Coral, also known as Trumpet. This high-climbing vine is a great option for a fence or trellis and can often bloom sporadically in January and beyond, especially in a warm spot or south-facing wall. The beautiful clusters of red or coral flowers will attract hummingbirds and large butterflies, and it has glossy evergreen foliage.

5. Hellebore – Helleborus niger

Hellebore, also called Christmas roses, are a late-winter blooming perennial that can bloom sometimes even when snow is still present and continue into the spring. The cup-shaped blooms are around three inches and pure white, although hybrid varieties are available in a range of other colors.

6. Ornamental Cabbage & Kale – Brassica oleracea

Ornamental cabbage and kale are low-maintenance fall and winter plants that become more vibrant as temperatures drop. They provide unique texture to a landscape or flowerbed with their colorful foliage. Cabbage leaves are broad and flat while kale leaves are ruffled, and the plants cover a lot of space. Leaves can be cream, lavender, purple, and bicolor green/white and can survive several frosts.

7. Pansies and Violas – Viola tricolor var. hortensis

Pansies and violas are a popular bedding choice for cooler temperatures because they bloom continuously through fall and spring. The plants come in a variety of colors such as yellow, purple, red, white and lavender and also look great as a border or in containers.

8. Snowdrops – Galanthus

These delicate, white blooming bulbs prefer cool climates and can be expected to bloom in the winter, even through snow cover. The flower resembles drops of snow, hence its namesake.

9. Southern Wax Myrtle – Morella cerifera

Perhaps known for its spicy smelling foliage, wax myrtle (in the bayberry family) is an evergreen shrub with olive green leaves and grey-white bark. In the winter, female plants have pale blue berries. This is a great option for screens, hedges and landscaping.

10. Winterberry (also known as possum haw) – Ilex decidua

Winterberry is an iconic plant in the holly family with bright red or orange berries. When it loses its leaves, the berries are left behind and will last until spring. The bark is a beautiful silvery white. However, be cautious when planting this one: the berries are poisonous and should be kept away from children and pets. This holly is great for homemade wreaths during the holiday season.

If you’d like to learn more about native Texas plants, click here.

March 11, 2014

Hottest Outdoor Design Trends 2014

The American Society of Landscape Architects recently surveyed landscape architects who specialize in residential design across the U.S. to predict the most popular trends for outdoor design in 2014. Here’s the breakdown:

94.2% believed gardens and landscaped spaces were somewhat or very popular, 92% believed outdoor living spaces– i.e. outdoor kitchens and entertaining areas- were somewhat or very popular, and, finally, spaces for outdoor recreation were seen as popular by 75.8%.

Across all categories, lighting was thought to be somewhat or very in-demand by 98.3% of respondents. In second place were seating/dining areas, at 97.7%. Fire pits/fireplaces came in third with 95.4% of the votes, and grills took fourth overall with 94.3%.

“Homeowners know that designed landscapes add value to their lives as well as their property values,” said ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA. “They’re interested in livable, open spaces that are both stylish and earth friendly.”

Terraces, patios, and decks were also high on people’s lists, voted popular by 97.7% of respondents.

Lucky for you,we’ve got homes that fit the criteria of all of these trends! To search them, click here and choose the fabulous exterior features you’d like to have outside your home.

To see all the results of this survey, click here.

Photos (top to bottom): 1804 Driskill Drive, Irving, 6416 Deloache Ave, Dallas, 5808 Falls Road, Dallas, 4004 Lake Powell Drive, Arlington, 4316 Lively Lane, Dallas, 9925 Jourdan Way, Dallas, 811 N Shore Drive, Highland Village, 12269 Pecan Forest Drive, Dallas

January 2, 2014

Of The Day: Get Updated In 2014

Happy New Year from the Ebby Blog! We thank you all for making 2013 our best year yet, and we hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! To start of the new year, we’re bring you five tips, big and small, for adding value to your home. Even if you’re not selling, we hope these tips will inspire you to update and make 2014 the best year yet for your home.

1. Light and bright: Light and ambiance are important in every home, no matter the size.

Keep it simple: Add table and/or floor lamps, having light at different heights is important in achieving the right ambiance. Open your blinds and pull back your curtains to make the most out of natural light.

Go big: Knock down a wall to create a more open floor plan, which will allow natural light to flow more easily around your home. Or widen doorways, which should be less costly and will also allow more light in.

For inspiration: A Place to Build or A Place to Entertain

2. Curb appeal: They say don’t judge a book buy it’s cover, but most of us still do.

Keep it simple: Mow your lawn. It’s really that easy. Invest in a lawnmower, or borrow one from a neighbor, either way it will make a huge difference in an unruly yard. Plant some flowers and maybe some bushes, too. No matter the color or variety, they will add life and interest to your yard.

Go big: Add a path to your front door or fix up your driveway, you can find many DIY’s online or hire someone to help you out. Then, plant some trees to add interest and height. They’ll take time to grow, but, like so many other things, your home is a worthy investment for time and money.

For inspiration: A Place to Notice

3. Outdoor space: A deck or patio creates an entirely new way to experience your home.

Keep it simple: If you’re pinching pennies this year, you can find cheap outdoor furniture at many of the big box stores. Throw down an outdoor rug, some chairs, and a table to create a gathering area in your backyard.

Go big: DIY or hire out to create a wood deck or laid-stone patio. From there the possibilities are endless- cozy furniture, a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, an arbor- let your imagination run wild!

For inspiration: A Place to Go Outdoors

4. Apply a fresh coat: Paint is one of the most inexpensive ways to update your home.

Keep it simple: Apply some fresh of paint, in the same or a new color, to refresh your walls. You’d be surprised at the difference a few coats it can make!

Go big: Buy painter’s tape or hire a pro to detail your walls in the latest chevron or whatever design tickles your fancy.

For inspiration: A Place to Create or A Place to Welcome Others

5. The kitchen: Many say it’s the heart of the home, so give it the attention it deserves.

Keep it simple: Buy some new stools or chairs to change things up. Or paint your cabinets and switch out the hardware.

Go big: Islands are all the rage and don’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon. If you have the space and the budget, consider adding an island with some seating. Updating your appliances and your backsplash are also very effective ways to update the look and feel of your kitchen.

For inspiration: A Place to Cook

We hope these tips will help you start your 2104 on the right foot. If you need some inspiration for updating your home or a specific room, head over to our Pinterest page. Thanks for joining us for OTD!