February 23, 2012

Landscaping In a Drought

Fields outside Benambra, Victoria, Australia s...

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If it’s flooding in one part of the country, it’s dry as a bone in others. When in a drought, water becomes a precious commodity, and local governments will start to restrict its use. Basically, you won’t be watering your yard every day, so it’s good to know how to landscape in a drought.

Native Plants Are Winners

You probably look at all of those scrubby plants on the side of the road and think they’re not so pretty. Think again. Your yard is dead and these hearty little roadside flora are still green. Most likely they’re native to the area, so learn to love them and seek out the ones you think are pretty at the local nursery. They don’t need special soil, and they certainly don’t need lots of water. What is pretty in Jamaica just won’t survive in a Texas yard.

Catch The Water When It Rains

You don’t need fancy rainwater catchment systems. All you need are few trashcans. You know where the water drains off your roof. In fact, you may even have a gutter drain you could run into a trashcan. When it does rain, let nature fill up those cans. Then put a lid on them. This will reduce evaporation and keep mice and frogs from hopping in and drowning. Remember that your plants aren’t the only living things that are thirsty.

Rainwater requires some toting to and from, but it’s well worth it if you want to be environmentally conscious. Besides, your plants will love the stuff. Let nature be your gardener. It definitely knows how to survive better than humans.

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Land Is a Better Real Estate Purchase

List of highways in Waller County, Texas

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The real estate business has always been tied to the economy. Just about the time the market becomes over run with high rise luxury condos, the economy tanks. That great bedroom community that used to be full of up and coming professionals is suddenly vacant with foreclosures. In either case, the value of the real estate isn’t going to hold. What’s a safe bet these days? Land. It’s more likely to hold its value.

Where To Find a Good Land Deal

Let’s take a look at a state like Texas that has a huge amount of open space. When thinking about finding a good land deal, it’s best to go in the opposite direction of everyone else. For instance, properties west of Austin are over-crowded and expensive. During a drought, people literally have to have their water trucked in. Today, Austinites would do better to look east. The property values are holding steady because it’s not as over populated. Many Houstonians have been purchasing properties in this area for years, and it has proven to be a good buy.

The Heart of Texas Real Estate

If you’re really serious about a good land buy, check with a real estate agent who is familiar with places like Fayette County, Texas. There are hundreds of properties for sale. Some already have great homes on them, and some are perfect for development. Many of the properties still have the original two-story homes that were built by the Czech and German immigrants. Due to low property taxes and a healthy local economy, these homes are a perfect buy. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

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