Whitney Minnich Real Estate and Community Updates

5 Plants You (Almost) Never Have to Water By:  Lisa Kaplan Gordon Every plant needs water. But drought-resistant varieties need only dainty sips once they’re established, making them perfect for low-rainfall areas and low-energy gardeners. Susan Gottlieb, an expert on drought-tolerant gardens, says native plants have the best chance of surviving dry summers or whatever nature throws at them. “Natives have evolved to thrive in your climate without a whole lot of extra work,” Gottlieb says. Include these five stunners in your  landscaping  and retire your watering can. 1. California lilac (Ceanothus):  This beautiful shrub flowers in late winter/early spring, emits a lovely fragrance, and shows flowers that run from white to purple. The “Concha” variety is prized for its deep blue blossoms. California lilacs grow best on dry, sloping land or in front of any structure that protects them from wind. They also prefer well-drained soil, and they don’t ...

8 DIY projects to add curb appeal for under $50 By  Abby Hayes May 22, 2015 11:59 am Looking to  sell your home ? Or maybe you just want to feel proud of the place as you swing in the driveway each evening? Either way, you can add some serious curb appeal without making a huge financial investment. For less than $50, you can make your home more attractive with these eight DIY projects. 1. Paint the front door. If your front door is a boring gray or brown — or blends into the facade of your home — it’s time to glam it up. Bright blue and red are both great options for a front door. Keep it classy, but choose a color that will coordinate with — and still stand out against — your home’s facade. Cost: $25 for a gallon of paint, plus a few hours of your time. 2. Upgrade your house numbers. House numbers are a practical necessity, but they can also be a statement. You can pick up large metal house numbers for around $5 each. Or you can buy wooden numbers from a c...