Rose Cottage Ltd

++ Zillow to Acquire Web Real Estate Site Trulia

++ Norway’s Arctic Circle Real-Estate Boom

++ Hydroponics Gardening Systems

++ Former Helmsley Estate In Greenwich Back On Market After Renovations

++ Million dollar homes: Most expensive house edition

++ Real estate brokers take digital trickery to new levels with virtual renovations

++ Odd pets bring their own challenges

++ Farmers, Ranchers Oppose EPA Water Grab

++ Garden.com – A Bird Sanctuary

++ House of the Week: Federal-era townhouse in Georgetown for $10.5M

NOTE: Some kids are already returning to school and many of the rest are out running around – burning off the last of summer vacation energy. Please drive carefully. And remember, leave no kids or pets in hot cars. Too many have died from heat exposure already this season…

Here we are past the middle of the month in the middle of the year and time for the longest day of the year. I won’t start counting down the days until Christmas just yet though – we’ll leave that for some other blog.

Here are some items of interest from the world of real estate for this past week…

++ VA home loans underused, real estate experts say

++ Housing Market Falters Amid Rising Prices, Lower-Paying Jobs

On the other hand…

++ Eight housing markets at all-time highs

++ Here’s What Wealthy People Want In Their Luxury Homes

++ Cow Hollow home listing price jumps from $3M to $13M after flip (WHOA!)

++ Thinking Out Loud: Creating Native Landscapes

++ Are Home-Remodeling Reality Shows Distorting Reality? (VIDEO)

My answer: Only if you forget you’re watching a “reality” TV show…

++ Previews: International Luxury Real Estate

++ Decorative Outdoor Faucets – Great Gift Idea

Mississippi Aluminum Oval 9-piece Dining Set

This Mississippi Oval Nine-Piece Dining Set is beautifully designed to enhance any outdoor dinner setting. It is just the right size for any backyard or patio, and includes one oval dining table and eight dining chairs. It features rust-free cast aluminum construction and hardened powder coat finish for years of beauty. It also has an opening for an umbrella.

Have a smaller space to work with?

7 piece with Swivel Chairs option.

Here’s a great and traditional choice when it’s just you and your newspaper or novel, and a glass of wine or frosty iced tea…

Cedar American Forest Adirondack Rocker and Table

The Cedar American Forest Adirondack Rocker and Table is seamlessly designed to grab attention. The beautiful collection of Adirondack chairs exudes flawless designs, robust construction and durability. Created for easy storage and added convenience, these chairs are sure to provide you with exceptional comfort. Here you will definitely find that perfect Adirondack chair for spending a lazy afternoon and enjoying the beauty of your backyard patio. Click the link for sizes, weights and dimensions.

Amazonia Rennaisance 9 Piece Dining Set

Great designs, beautiful colors and varied styles let you add the perfect finishing touch to your favorite space. Set can be used indoors or outdoors. Free feron gard wood preservative for longest strap durability. It works great against the effects of air pollution, salt air and mildew growth.

Fabric/Material: 100% FSC Eucalyptus table/Aluminum and Synthetic wicker chairs.

Amazonia Teak Luxemburg 7Pc Wicker Dining Set

Real teak – built to last, great look and can withstand all the seasons might have to offer!

++Table is made from genuine plantation-grown teak.
++Stackable side chairs are made from all-weather wicker.

Dimensions: Table – 59″L x 35″W x 29″H

Did I mention FREE SHIPPING on orders over $99? That means any of the table and chair sets above ship FREE!

I love statues and stones in a garden. As long as they are sized right for the environment and not too overdone – statues and stones can add a bit of character and interest nearly anywhere. Some are very simple with very clean lines and some are unbelievably intricate.

Here are a few ideas…click on any image for full details…

I need one of these “Fairy of Lost Things” statues – inside AND outside…

While these products above are each available for less than $50, I have to add one more that costs a bit more – just because it is so beautiful!

And here she is – the Grand Fairy of Kensington! “She” is sold out at the moment – and I can see why…

Find them all plus some special savings and free shipping options at…

Amazing how much a sometimes minor change can make to the atmosphere of your backyard/garden. Adding a birdbath, a few garden stones, or an arbor can instantly enhance your property’s “personality.” Here are a few suggestions:

This New England Arbors Rosewood Pergola Arbor features a classic arch top and elegant side panels for a look that is eternally stylish.

The Rosewood Arbor is also easy to assemble and install.

Included with the Rosewood Pergola Arbor are ground stakes, assembly and installation instructions.

Material: Cedar
Dimensions: 86.7″H x 47″W x 24″D
Price: Just under $300.

Also under $300 is the Eden Arbors Westhaven Pergola Vinyl Arbor.

If you need a low maintenance option, this is an elegant open lattice piece designed to train woody vines and create an outdoor piece of art.

You’ll love walking through your favorite greenery and blossoms after an enjoyable growth period – think of the possibilities!

Crafted to last, this arbor is built with PVC that is guaranteed against rot, cracks, warping, yellowing, and weather damage.

Post size: 2 x 3.5 inches
Width: 50 inches

Have a larger space to fill?

This arbor with “wings” might be your answer.

The Dura-Trel Grand Colonial Vinyl Arch Arbors w/Wings provides total freedom from maintenance. They never need painting, staining, or sealing to keep their exceptional good looks. 32″ Ground Anchors are included and limited assembly is required.

Dura-Trel’s line of lawn and garden compliments are an unbeatable and maintenance-free enhancement that will transform the outdoors from average to outstanding. As you would expect from a national corporation with over 25 years experience like theirs, Dura-Trel offers affordability, 20-year warranties, and easy to follow instructions.

Arbor Size: 58″ W x 100″ H x 48″ D 50″
Width with wings is 132″ Wide
Post Size: 4″ x 4 ” posts.
Price: Around $1,000.

Happy Weekend!

This year in Central North Carolina hasn’t had the drought conditions of the past five or six. Rain came – in some places too much too fast – right at the first official week of Summer 2013. But in the last week at my location there has been none and we still have to get through August and September…

A good way to take advantage of the water Mother Nature provides is with a rain barrel. As you can see here, you aren’t stuck with some industrial-appearing 55 gallon drum either.

Crafted for extra strength and durability, the Algreen Sandalwood Cascata Rain Water Barrel is sure to provide you with efficient and long lasting functionality. This collection of rain barrels not only aid in preserving the environment, but also efficiently help in water conservation. They let you do your bit for the environment, while ensuring your backyard or garden function efficiently and look great.

The smartly designed Koolscapes 75 Gallon Sandstone Rain Barrel combines the contemporary aesthetic of authentic stone with the enduring longevity of resin. The Koolscapes 75 Gallon Sandstone Rain Barrel is ready to go. It comes with all that you need to start conserving water, preserving the environment and the size of your wallet. The rain barrel construction is UV protected, made to withstand harsh temperatures, at either extreme. This is an investment that pays off.

Dimensions: 46”H x 23.5”D

The Rain Wizard Urn is a thing of beauty and clever design. Constructed with thick and durable polyethylene resin which holds up to the harshest elements, the exterior has the appearance of a terra cotta urn. The graceful lines, curves, and garnishes on the exterior make it an accent peace on your home’s exterior and not something that just sticks to your house. The flat back design optimizes space used and allows you to position the barrel close to walls or flat areas. The top is the only of its kind that not only acts as a planter space, but also features a unique watering system that leeches excess water from the barrel itself.

++ For a limited time – get the Rain Wizard Urn with free shipping!

Some municipalities are (in my opinion) gouging people on water. Prices are ridiculously high – forcing customers to curtail yard and garden activities because of the constant fear of the darned water bill. At least with a rain barrel you can have water for your plants and if you use it right – enough to help wash your car. Until ever-reaching local governments put a tax on personally-owned rain barrels, this is a way to help the environment and save a bit of cash.

Dreary day in North Carolina but we can always use the rain and all my yard work was completed yesterday so let it pour!

Nice color around the yard this time of year though. Here’s a shot of the Clematis providing its show a bit later than last year:

Congratulations to Oxbow – who won the Preakness Stakes yesterday. I actually picked the winner this year – who won against 15-1 odds – but I had no money in the deal so just enjoyed the victory!

Happy Sunday…

A picnic is whatever you make it. It can be a wrapped sandwich and a cold drink or it can be an elaborate outdoor meal with linens and utensils. It can take place in your own backyard, or it can be part of a day journey or a long summer road trip.

In my family, it usually meant cold fried chicken and homemade cole slaw. I rarely eat this combination even today without thinking about Sundays spent at my Grandparent’s cottage on the river.

Below are some picnic options for the well-organized picnic planner for Summer 2013…

How about some cool colors for hot weather picnics?

This Aegean Picnic Basket Tote comes to you from “Picnic at Ascot.”

The fully insulated tote to keep food and drinks at the perfect temperature, with two integral bottle holders. Fully equipped with service for four. Sure to be a favorite of any couple or family. Hand grip custom antique brass accents signature contrast detailing on all straps. Easy Clean Lining.

The Somerset Picnic Basket – a double lid willow basket with plastic service, is perfectly designed to serve 2 persons.

The Somerset Basket is the perfect basket to carry on any picnic occasion. It is durable with a full willow construction and a plush corduroy interior. This basket includes a deluxe service setting for two allowing you to create the perfect picnic for yourself and a special guest. It has ample storage for 2 wine glasses, 2 food containers, salt and pepper shakers, 2 porcelain plates, 2 sets of utensils, cheese knife, cutting board and corkscrew that will enable you to have a tasty food and enjoy your picnic in the truest sense of the term.

This Barrel Picnic Basket is a barrel-shaped, two-lid willow basket with deluxe service for two that features durable pine green polyester lining. It includes: 2 plates, 2 napkins, 2 hand-blown wine glasses, 1 tablecloth, 2 stainless steel forks, knives, and spoons, 1 set of salt and pepper shakers, and 1 stainless steel waiter-style corkscrew.

Also makes a great gift!

Here’s one for us coffee fans…

The Buckingham Picnic Basket is a full reed willow handcrafted Picnic basket for four with a rich chocolate brown finish.

It has a traditional picnic basket shape and convenient top carry handle. This set includes coordinating melamine plates and cotton napkins, glass wine glasses, stainless steel flatware, and corkscrew. Also includes a convenient food cooler and coffee set with stainless steel coffee flask and mugs.

Literally hundreds of options for picnic baskets at Garden.com. Free shipping on many items…

Yesterday we looked at a few great options for gloves that will protect your hands and arms while gardening. Today we’ll have a look at some gardening/landscaping/country property-focused footwear. If you can’t walk, you can’t work.

If you’re constantly working in areas of uneven terrain, these boots will provide some necessary support and they are On Sale right now!

The Men’s and Women’s LawnGrips Pro are the perfect outdoor utility shoe, though they offer the comfort of a walking shoe.

The 6″ high lace-up rise offers additional ankle protection and the steel rubber overtoe resist water and scuffing. They feature water and stain-resistant full grain leather uppers. The patented Grip-N-Go outsole gives you traction even on wet grass. The tough heavy duty rubber sole holds up, even to shovel work.

The LawnGrips “Brutus” are the perfect outdoor utility boot, though they offer the comfort of a walking shoe. The 7″ high lace-up rise offers additional ankle protection.

They utilize water and stain-resistant full grain leather uppers with a commercial-grade waterproof membrane and hi-wall sole for greater stability and support. The patented Grip-N-Go outsole gives you traction even on wet grass.

If you’re working in the woods, doing chainsaw work, or otherwise taking on a major project, these solid boots are the pair you’ll want and they’re also on sale right now.

If you’re doing any work around a lake or pond – or in any other “wetland” type area, get yourself a pair of these very handy boots! That nice grip on the bottom will provide the traction you need in wet or damp environments. On sale right now – over 20% off – a good time to purchase!

The LawnGrips Aquanators the perfect outdoor utility boot, though they offer the comfort of a walking shoe. The 16” high rubber boot is made of 100% waterproof, all natural one-piece rubber uppers with patented Grip-N-Go(R) outsole for traction on wet grass and uneven surfaces. Tough butyl rubber sole and a steel shank hold up to shovel work. The Aquanator features a removable, anti-microbial, bacteriostatic sock liner for comfort and high-wall construction for stability.

These are sturdy, serious boots for those of us who have large projects and/or large properties to manage. Look for other less “rustic” choices for shoes, clogs and boots at Garden.com.

Around this time of year I start to inventory what was working well last garden season and what wasn’t, and also take time to check my gloves, boots, etc., for wear and tear – and possible replacement. I never know when the day will come when the weather, the available materials, and the urge to work might first hit me so have to make sure I’m ready to safely perform Spring and Summer gardening tasks.

First up on my list of “possibles” is this pair of Rose Gauntlet Gloves.

Available in small, medium and large sizes, these Leather Gauntlet Gardening Gloves gloves are a must for any serious gardener. Only a long leather glove will protect your arm from thorny rose canes and other pickers and brambles.

Rose Gauntlet gloves have been tested for thorn resistance and they win against other leather gauntlet gloves marketed for this use. They are made with soft top grain pigskin leather that has been brushed to a suede finish to give the leather added suppleness. The cuff is elbow length so these long gauntlet gloves protect more of the arm.

I had a run-in with a Pyracantha, also known as “fire thorn” one year and gloves that reach this far up the arm would have come in very handy.

I call this pair of High Performance Gloves “Get a grip!”

Although these are called “woman’s work” gloves, anyone wants glove fingertips that won’t break through When you dig vigorously in the soil. These gloves are reinforced with Toughtek, which is practically indestructible yet flexible at the same time. These gloves are also sized specifically for women’s (generally) smaller wrists, hands, and fingers.

We want gardening gloves to be breathable. This garden glove not only lets hands breath, but also stays cool even on hot days with added ventilation panel on the back of the hand. It’s easy to lose gloves in the garden so the added handy carabiner hook on these work gloves can quickly attach to a belt loop or tool holster.

These Men’s Tough Pro Work gloves are available in sizes medium, large and extra-large.

I could use a pair of these on my “Makita” days! Lots of interesting features here…

More gripping power with less hand fatigue. Anatomical relief pads even the surface of the hand to naturally promote a lighter, more secure grip. Motion zones over the knuckles and web zones between the fingers promote natural movement and help hands “breathe.”

Extra finger and palm protection. Reinforced silicone material on the thumb, fingertips and palm add protection and durability. Vibration Absorption – Unique padding helps reduce hand and joint pain caused by the vibration from power tools, lawn mowers and tractors. Extra protection and longer life.

Top-grade, supple cabretta leather and added padding on the palm helps provide enhanced durability.

These are just 3 of my favorites from the selection of work and garden gloves available at Garden.com. Tomorrow we’ll discuss some winning choices for oft-forgotten Spring and Summer protection and support for your feet!