<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-garden/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-garden/</link>
        <description></description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/easy-steps-for-upping-your-santa-cruz-homes-curb-appeal.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/easy-steps-for-upping-your-santa-cruz-homes-curb-appeal.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Easy Steps for Upping Your Santa Cruz Home’s Curb Appeal</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As a seller preparing to sell your Santa Cruz home, you may be busily emptying closets and painting walls, but don't forget about the outside of your house. Home buying is emotional and, like many emotional reactions, it can be heavily impacted by first impressions.

Here are some suggestions on how to encourage love at first sight by increasing the curb appeal of your Santa Cruz home:

&bull;&nbsp;Tidy up  You may be so used to seeing the crumbling stack of firewood by the garbage cans and the old paint cans by the shed that they fade into the landscape, but potential homeowners see the mess.&nbsp; As you look at the outside of your house, think about what you can throw away or put out of sight. The broken swing on the tree actually takes away from the grandeur of that old oak.&nbsp; An extra hint: Not everyone will enjoy the garden gnome collection as much as you do. 

&bull;&nbsp;Trim Everything  If the hedges under the front windows of your Santa Cruz home are so unruly that they cover the windows, it's past time to find the clippers. 

&bull;&nbsp;Repair the Front Walk  If you have crumbling cement or stepping stones that slide deeper into the mud with every raindrop, check into updating the front walk so that it is inviting, safe, and weed-free. 

&bull;&nbsp;Power-wash decks so they look fresh.&nbsp; 

&bull;&nbsp;Clean the gutters  Tiny maple trees in your gutters scream &ldquo;Water damage!&rdquo; to potential buyers.

&bull;&nbsp;Paint  If the paint is peeling on the outside of your house, potential buyers go in wondering what the upkeep is like inside. Spend money before you put your home on the market to get a better sale price and quicker purchase. If you absolutely can't afford to paint the whole house, consider painting the shutters and front door for a fresher look.&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp;Make Friends with Mulch  If your green thumb is actually brown, and your garden sports a post-apocalyptic motif, consider the wonders of mulch.&nbsp; It covers up that patch under the oak where the grass won't grow. Buy a few simple plants and mulch around them to achieve a calm canvas on which gardeners can imagine more complex plantings, while those with challenged gardening skills can envision easy maintenance. 

The theme of all these tips is to create an image of your home as a place of order, calm and cleanliness; a place where prospective home buyers feel comfortable and cozy.&nbsp; 

Whether youre ready to sell or need more information before taking the plunge, I can help. Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Hedges

Power wash decks&nbsp;

Clean the gutters
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/is-it-time-to-put-the-vegetable-garden-at-your-santa-cruz-home-to-bed-for-the-winter.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/is-it-time-to-put-the-vegetable-garden-at-your-santa-cruz-home-to-bed-for-the-winter.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Is it Time to Put the Vegetable Garden at Your Santa Cruz Home to Bed for the Winter?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
All things must pass. No matter how the gardening at your Santa Cruz home went this year, its getting time to move on and change with the seasons. Here are some tips to help you:

&bull;&nbsp;Dig those sweet potatoes. Harvest sweet potatoes before the first frost, or they will be ruined. If you wake up and find the frost has hit before you had the chance, run out there immediately and at least cut the vines off at the base of the plants. This may stop damage to the roots, but you still need to dig your sweets before the next frost. After digging, cure them by keeping them in a warm, dark place like the attic of your Santa Cruz home. This sweetens them up and gets them ready for storage. After curing, store them somewhere that never goes below 40 degrees; they can still be damaged by low temperatures.

&bull;&nbsp;Harvest winter squash. Unlike sweet potatoes, winter squash can survive a frost. In fact, some say they benefit from a light frost, but dont leave them out during a hard freeze. Winter squash should be very hard; you should not be able to puncture the skin with your fingernail. Truly ripe winter squash should keep in storage for several months.

&bull;&nbsp;Take down garden structures such as trellises and stakes. 

&bull;&nbsp;Get rid of weed seeds. If you find any old weeds that somehow went to seed, get them out of there now, or youll regret it next year.

&bull;&nbsp;Save vegetable and herb seeds. If anything you grew went to seed, and its not a hybrid, collect the seeds and put them in small glass jars or envelopes. Make sure theyre dry first, and label with variety name and year. 

&bull;&nbsp;Try some last minute sowings. Some greens, especially spinach, can withstand surprisingly cold weather. What have you got to lose? Just throw down some seeds, water them in, and see if they make a stand. If they do, you may want to cover them with plastic in a month or two.

&bull;&nbsp;Mulch. This is especially important if your garden is not on flat ground. Bare soil is prone to erosion. Leaves, grass clippings or straw will protect your beds and slowly add organic matter, even over the winter months. 

If youre looking for a Santa Cruz home where you can grow a garden next year, I can help! Contact me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or 831.662.6522.

For additional information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links

Sweet potatoes

Winter squash

&nbsp;Hybrid
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/time-to-start-a-fall-garden-at-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/time-to-start-a-fall-garden-at-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Time to Start a Fall Garden at Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Maybe your vegetable garden has been neglected lately. Take heart, fall will be here before you know it, and all things can be renewed! Here are some tips to get the garden at your Santa Cruz home reinvigorated.

&bull;&nbsp;Pick a cool morning. Dont try going out there on a hot, sticky afternoon. Watch the weather and plan ahead. Be ready to get out there early.

&bull;&nbsp;Make an evaluation. First things first. Do you have harvested corn stalks that need to be removed to make room for late short-season crops? Do the tomatoes need some compost? Need to replenish mulch? Make an inventory of tasks and prioritize.

&bull;&nbsp;Tackle those weeds.&nbsp; If youre like most of us, chances are there are some weed problems in your Santa Cruz home garden this time of year.&nbsp; Dont try to pull weeds when its too dry. The best time is after a good rain. If the weeds are large and wont pull, try just cutting them down for now. At least they wont be shading crops and drinking all the water.

&bull;&nbsp;Feed and prune. Some crops like chard and kale can be renewed for a fall harvest. If theyre still around, give them some compost and mulch, and trim off old damaged leaves. Cooler weather will have them looking (and tasting) good as new.

&bull;&nbsp;Plant some seeds! Even where winters are cold and the ground freezes hard, many vegetables can still be grown to maturity before winter. Try beets, cilantro, lettuce, radish, spinach, kale, peas, salad greens, chard, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, onions, leeks and arugula.

&bull;&nbsp;Choose varieties that are fast-maturing. The key to growing vegetables for fall harvest is timing. Vegetables started in fall need about 14 extra days to mature compared with spring-seeded crops. When deciding the date to start your veggies from seed, first determine your average first frost date. Then look at the seed packet for days to maturity. Add 14 days to that number, then use that figure to calculate back to seed-starting date.

With these tips, you can have the garden at your Santa Cruz home looking great again and youll feel rejuvenated too. For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Mulch 

Kale 

Average first frost date 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/think-like-a-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/think-like-a-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Think Like a Santa Cruz Real Estate Agent</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Before you put your home on the market, you want to make certain that its in tip-top condition to ensure a quick sale. The key to listing your home at a competitive price and guaranteeing you have what buyers are looking for is to think like a Santa Cruz real estate agent.

To get your home ready to sell, here are five easy and inexpensive home improvements this Santa Cruz real estate agent recommends:

1.&nbsp;Layout  Take an objective look at your home and stage accordingly. Remove clutter and rearrange furniture so that potential buyers can envision each rooms purpose. Also, store any obtrusive furniture that disrupts walking flow or makes rooms look smaller.

2.&nbsp;Hardware  Update all hardware. Changing out door handles, drawer pulls and light fixtures is an easy way to modernize your home while costing little money.

3.&nbsp;Charm  Play up the unique features of your home. Refinish hardwood floors if scuffed, remove excess objects from built-in bookshelves and clean unique light fixtures. Its these irreplaceable elements that make your home stand out from other homes and hook buyers.&nbsp; 

4.&nbsp;Scent - Eliminate all bad odors like pet smells, stale cooking odors and cigarette smoke.&nbsp; Just lighting candles or spraying air freshener wont work.&nbsp; Clean, deodorize and get rid of rugs or other cloth objects that still smell bad.

5.&nbsp;Curb Appeal  Spend some time sprucing up the yard. Its the first impression buyers will have, and although the house might be in mint condition, a lots-of-work lawn could instill a negative notion before they even step a foot inside your home. 

Buyers needs vary in every market. However, buyers will always consider these five features before they buy. So, stay one step ahead of the game and ensure your house is up to par with buyers expectations. 

If youre getting ready to sell your home and are looking for a Santa Cruz real estate agent who can help you sell your home fast and for top-dollar, Id be honored to be interviewed for the job.&nbsp; Give me a call today at&nbsp;831.662.6522 or email me at&nbsp;Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com to schedule an appointment.

For additional information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links: 

Santa Cruz real estate agent

Stage

Curb Appeal
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/cut-mowing-time-in-half-on-your-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/cut-mowing-time-in-half-on-your-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Cut Mowing Time in Half on Your Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Do you need to be convinced that it would be nice to spend less time mowing your lawn? Think of all the fun things you could be doing instead of burning all that gas, making all that noise and sweating in the sun! Here are some ways to free up your valuable time and improve your Santa Cruz real estate at the same time.

&bull;&nbsp;Stop watering and fertilizing. Many people make more work for themselves by encouraging lush growth of their lawn. This is a waste of water and encourages problems with fungus. Using chemical fungicides creates a toxic cycle. You especially dont want to use pesticides where your kids and pets roll around.

&bull;&nbsp;Plant more trees. Trees are a priceless addition to your Santa Cruz real estate. They provide shade, habitat for birds, a place to hang a hammock, visual interest, and even food, if you want to try growing fruit trees. And they slow down the growth of the grass beneath them.

&bull;&nbsp;Plant more shrubs. Shrubs do most of the above, and many have beautiful flowers. They can also be used to create a hedge or screen for privacy.

&bull;&nbsp;Plant ground covers. These are herbaceous perennials that spread horizontally, replacing that pesky grass. Options include some fragrant herbs like thyme and flowering plants like alyssum.

&bull;&nbsp;Put in a patio. Use pavers under garden furniture, and you wont need to move it around to mow that area. 

&bull;&nbsp;Plant flower beds. The possibilities are endless: annual, perennial, fragrant, nostalgic, your favorite colors - you can go wild with this.

&bull;&nbsp;Use mulch around your trees, shrubs, and flower beds. Wood chips last more than one season, conserve water, check weed growth and make it easier to mow around the new plantings that will transform your Santa Cruz real estate.

&bull;&nbsp;Just dont mow so much. You dont need to keep your lawn shaved. You can easily let the grass grow for 7-10 days, unless its been raining a lot. The more you mow grass, the faster it grows. Dont encourage it. If you have enough acreage, you can even leave small islands of unmown areas, as small as 3 X 10 feet. Toss in some native wildflower seeds and watch what comes up. Youll create a refuge for toads, frogs, turtles, lizards, birds and beneficial insects. 

If youre looking for a piece of Santa Cruz real estate with landscaping potential, call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

&nbsp;For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links

Ground covers

Patio

Mulch
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/expand-your-santa-cruz-home-with-an-outdoor-room.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/expand-your-santa-cruz-home-with-an-outdoor-room.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Expand Your Santa Cruz Home With an Outdoor Room!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Feeling a bit cramped in your Santa Cruz home, but not sure youre prepared to add on? Consider adding an outdoor room. Depending on your site, you may want an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor sleeping space, an outdoor dining area or just an outdoor gathering space. Here are some things to consider.

&bull;&nbsp;Take an inventory of your outdoor space. Spend time observing where the best views are, how the sun travels through the yard in each season, where hot/cold spots are, where you might need more shade or a windbreak, and of course where doors to your Santa Cruz home are located.

&bull;&nbsp;Cover the deck.&nbsp; If you already have a deck, consider putting some kind of roof over it. Many people find they dont use their outdoor deck because its just too hot and sunny there. Turn it into a porch with ceiling fans, and you may enjoy it more.

&bull;&nbsp;Screen in that porch. If you have a porch on your Santa Cruz home but dont use it at night because of bugs, why not turn it into a screened-in porch? You may even want to sleep out there. 

&bull;&nbsp;Turn the porch into a sunroom. Have your cake and eat it too. This way you have a sunroom in the winter; and, when you open the windows, it becomes a screened-in porch for the summer.

&bull;&nbsp;Build a pavilion or gazebo. These are a charming, romantic option, which come in many different styles. They provide a roof overhead to protect from rain or sun, a floor underfoot, and no walls, for a view in every direction. Add drapes or shades on some sides, if you want privacy or to block a view.

If youre looking for a Santa Cruz home with potential for an outdoor room, call me at (831) 662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

Please visit my website for more information at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/ways-to-save-energy-and-increase-comfort-in-your-santa-cruz-home-this-summer.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/ways-to-save-energy-and-increase-comfort-in-your-santa-cruz-home-this-summer.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Ways to Save Energy and Increase Comfort in Your Santa Cruz Home This Summer</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You dont have to sacrifice comfort to save energy this summer. Some improvements to your Santa Cruz home will make your home more comfortable and save energy. Here are some examples.

&bull;&nbsp;Make sure your air conditioner is the right size for your Santa Cruz home. Many people think bigger is always better. Not so. If your air conditioner is too large for your home, it will not reduce the humidity sufficiently. Lower humidity equals comfort in the summer. You may find that you can keep the thermostat a few degrees higher and be just as comfortable, as long as humidity is low.

&bull;&nbsp;Shade your air conditioner. It will have to work harder if its out in the sun.

&bull;&nbsp;Keep a/c filters clean.

&bull;&nbsp;Use your window treatments wisely. Always try to close drapes or lower shades on the sunny side of the house. In the morning, youll want to keep sun out on the east side, and in afternoon youll need to block sun on the west side.

&bull;&nbsp;Minimize sun exposure on the west side of your home. If youre not home in the daytime to raise and lower shades, the most important thing to do is to keep out that afternoon sun. If you have large windows or sliding glass doors on the west side of your home, be sure to use some kind of insulated window treatment that keeps out sun and heat. There are many options these days, including cellular shades, solar shades, roman shades, as well as the more traditional curtains and drapes.

&bull;&nbsp;Shade the outside of your Santa Cruz home. Yes, keep the sun out before it hits the glass and causes heat to build up. Plant trees on the west side of the house, or for a quicker fix, erect an arbor and plant fast-growing vines. If neither of these is an option, you can invest in some exterior shades. These are all-weather shades that keep out the sun but allow enough light through for an unobstructed view out the window.

If youre looking for a new home where you can be comfortable and save energy, give me a call at (831) 662-6522.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-home-improvement-make-your-yard-a-refuge.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-home-improvement-make-your-yard-a-refuge.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Santa Cruz Home Improvement:  Make Your Yard a Refuge</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Whats the best thing about owning your Santa Cruz home?&nbsp; Many people say its their yard.&nbsp; No matter your lifestyle, there are things you can do to improve your outdoor space and your quality of life. Here are a few ideas to help you get more enjoyment from your yard:

&bull;&nbsp;Relax:&nbsp;&nbsp; Buy a lounger for sun bathing or a hammock for shade bathing

&bull;&nbsp;Enjoy meals outdoors:&nbsp; Add a picnic table to make eating outdoors easier.

&bull;&nbsp;Grow a garden:&nbsp; Whether its a vegetable, herb or flower garden there is nothing more rewarding than eating food or smelling flowers that you grew yourself. Start small if youve never gardened before. Like anything else, its easy to get burned out if you bite off more than you can chew. A few of your favorite vegetables and herbs will ensure success this year and have you planning more for next year.

&bull;&nbsp;Install a water feature:&nbsp; You can put in a fountain or a pond. These neednt be elaborate constructions, as there are small ready-made versions available.

&bull;&nbsp;Go green by adding a clothesline: Believe it or not, there is something very satisfying about hanging your clothes out on the line and letting nature do its job. Its using low-tech solar and wind energy to save you money. Your clothes, towels and sheets will have a truly fresh smell, as opposed to the cloying smell left by fabric softener.

&bull;&nbsp;Invest in Solar-powered lighting:&nbsp; Options range from path lights that have built-in solar collectors, to string lights, to glow-in-the-dark globes that make your yard a magical nighttime delight. With no power cords to trip on, installation is a snap, and, of course, none of these features will add to your electric bill.

Day or night, there is nothing like having your own outdoor space. If youre looking for a new Santa Cruz home with a yard you can make your own, call me at (831) 662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

hammockhttp://www.twinoakshammocks.com/

fountainhttp://www.homeandgardenideas.com/outdoor-living/landscaping/fountains-and-ornamentation/installing-outdoor-fountain 

solar-powered lightinghttp://www.solarhome.org/infobenefitsofsolarlighting.html
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/save-money-save-energy-save-the-earth-at-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/save-money-save-energy-save-the-earth-at-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Save Money, Save Energy, Save the Earth at Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Saving money and saving the planet go hand-in-hand. Its all about being thoughtful, creative, and into DIY  doing it yourself. Here are some ways you can save money, save energy and save the earth in your Santa Cruz home.

&bull;&nbsp;Be seasonal. Dress, cook and eat according to the weather. If its hot outside, dress accordingly, and keep the thermostat in the high 70s. Dont use the oven in summertime; eat and drink cold fare. When its cold, wear a sweater, and keep the temperature in your Santa Cruz home in the high 60s. Winter is the time to bake and to eat warm, hearty food.

&bull;&nbsp;Use a clothesline. The clothes dryer is an energy hog. Let the sun and wind do it instead. Go ahead and fluff the wet laundry briefly in the dryer on the air fluff cycle before hanging it. Youll be surprised how fast your sheets will dry, and how smooth your clothes come out, compared to the rumpled look they get from the dryer. And the truly fresh scent beats the cloying smell of fabric sheets any day.

&bull;&nbsp;Keep air filters clean. Professionals recommend that you check the filters on the air conditioner and furnace in your Santa Cruz home once a month, and clean or replace when needed. This will keep your heating and cooling systems working efficiently and extend their life.

&bull;&nbsp;Grow your own. Farmers markets are great, but theres nothing like going right outside the door of your own Santa Cruz home to get the freshest ingredients for your meals. Even if youre an apartment dweller, you can grow fresh herbs (and more) in pots. 

&bull;&nbsp;Use cloth diapers. If you dont want your child to live next to the disposable diaper landfill in 20 years, dont create it today.

&bull;&nbsp;Get rid of the gas-hog. Still driving an SUV or truck? Dont be fuelish. Trade it in for a used car that gets over 30 mpg. 

There are more money-saving tips on my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Grow your own

Keep air filters clean 

Over 30 mpg 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 16 Jul 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/invite-birds-to-your-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/invite-birds-to-your-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Invite Birds to Your Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The sound of birdsong is only one of the benefits of having birds frequent your Santa Cruz real estate. Depending on the type of birds you attract, they may also reduce the insect pest population. Here are some ways to attract birds to your property:

&bull;&nbsp;Install a bird bath. Finding a good place to take a bath can be a challenge for birds, especially in dry weather. If they can find it in your backyard, youll have the joy of watching them bathe. If you have a cat, just make sure that youre not creating mayhem; keep her inside, or get a hanging bird bath that will be inaccessible to her. Bird baths come in a wide range of styles and materials, from ceramic to metal to resin and more. Keep it filled, because the birds will come to rely on it.

&bull;&nbsp;Put up some bird houses. Whether you have a wide open space suitable for purple martins, or a small city lot, you should be able to attract some tenants to the appropriate bird house.&nbsp; Not all birds are cavity nesters, but some that are include chickadees, wrens, bluebirds and nuthatches. If you dabble in woodworking, building a bird house is a great first project for kids.

&bull;&nbsp;Grow a variety of plants. Birds will not be attracted to a bare lawn. Good bird habitat includes trees, shrubs and flowering plants that provide cover, shade and food such as insects or berries.

&bull;&nbsp;Put up a bird feeder. This is especially important during winter months, but some people feed birds year round. Hummingbird feeders are popular in summer, as nothing inspires wonder like watching tiny hummingbirds hover in mid-air. Alternatively, you can plant flowers that attract hummers. In general, they are said to prefer red, tubular flowers, but they can be seen visiting many types of flowers, including irises, honeysuckle and salvias.

&bull;&nbsp;Be still. Sit outside, not too close to your bird bath/bird house/bird feeder, and observe. If youre quiet and make no sudden moves, your birds will become accustomed to you and eventually feel at home. You may be surprised at the variety of birds you can attract.

If youre looking for Santa Cruz real estate that has a nice yard for birds and humans, I can help.&nbsp; Give me a call at (831) 662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 16 Jul 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>
