Green Spaces at Home

What is better than slicing up a ripe and juicy tomato freshly picked from your own backyard? How about picking a basket of your own grapes or, one of my very favorites, arranging a vase of flowers snipped from your own garden beds? Summer may be winding down but the growing and harvesting season isn’t over yet and perhaps you need some inspiration to plan next years garden or just think about the possibilities of what you could do with your own green spaces. I’ve put together some outdoor eye candy below for daydreaming.

Providence

This incredible estate in Providence at 460 Rochambeau Ave has over 3 acres of gorgeous grounds and winding paths, complete with multiple greenhouses and arbors covered in twisting grapevines. Asking $7,900,000

Little Compton

9-11 Brookside Lane in Little Compton is a Farmcoast compound with a 1750 Farmhouse and barn/ garage/ apartment on over 2 acres. A gorgeous, established perennial garden with stone pathways and a picket fence is the stuff dreams are made of! Asking $1,350,000

South Kingstown

35 acres of peace and tranquility in South County complete with a magical stone “playhouse” that boasts an outdoor fireplace and is situated next to a grape vine arbor. 480 Gravelly Hill Road, Asking $1,395,000

Barrington

In Barrington, 11 Bluff Road, also known as the Samuel Peckham house, is surrounded by lush perennial beds and a private stone patio on over half an acre. Asking $829,000

Wishing you a wonderful end-of-summer, hoping you are able to enjoy the fleeting magic this time of year has to offer.

Please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505 to view any of these or similar homes.

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Beauty Blooms

I’ve talked before about the ease and joy of growing your own flowers in a cutting garden. Maybe you started one this year and have more blooms than you know what to do with! Or maybe you can’t pass up all the beautiful flowers this time of year at your local market (Trader Joes and Whole Foods always have a fantastic array to choose from!) Either way I thought it might be a good time to talk about arranging all of that gorgeous color with some tips and tricks to help your bouquets stand out and last longer.

When to cut your flowers? Cut in the early morning. The day is not yet hot and the flowers have had a night of cool air and morning dew. Their stems are filled with water and will be firm to the touch. As the day wears on and the sun comes up, flowers start to dehydrate. They wont last as long inside if cut when hot and stressed.

How to Cut? Use Sharp Snips or shears. Cut at a 45 degree angle, this provides a larger area for water intake. Bring a vessel of water with you outside. This doesn’t have to be the vase you plan on displaying your flowers in, just a container of cool water that you can immediately immerse the stems in as you go. Remove all of the foliage that will be below the water line. This helps slow down bacteria growth in the water which will extend the life of your bouquet. Cut your stems long, right above a set of leaves. You can always make them shorter if necessary once arranging them in your vase.

What to Cut? I have mentioned before that fantastic cutting flowers are Zinnias, Cosmos and Dahlias as they are all easy to grow and cutting them will encourage more blooms. It is always nice to add in other stunners for texture and color like Hydrangeas, Sunflowers, Daisies, and Roses. You can also round out your arrangements with leafy greens. Look around your yard; Hosta leaves make a beautiful addition, as do many different herbs. Basil, mint, lavender, lemon balm will all look (and smell) beautiful with your flowers!

Arranging your Bounty. I would encourage you to have fun playing around with your options. Don’t worry about having the perfect vase. A simple glass jar or ceramic pitcher can make a beautiful statement. You could cluster several small jars or bud vases together to make a tableau. If you have large vessels and enough flowers to fill them, by all means, make a masterpiece! Think about the colors you are using. Monochromatic bouquets can be very visually pleasing and peaceful. If you are feeling playful, put together a riot of color!

Shopping When shopping for cut flowers to arrange remember to include some extra greenery.  Eucalyptus can add a lot of interest and texture and there are many different kinds to choose from. Also; ferns, ivy and lemon leaf are great options. One of my go-to favorites for store bought flowers are Alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian Lilies. They come in all shades and colors all year long, with strong sturdy stems and a very long shelf life. If you change the water often they could last you a couple of weeks!

I hope you fully enjoy the rest of this gorgeous growing season and find peaceful moments in the beauty all around you; both inside and outside of your home.

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Please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505 for all of your Real Estate Needs!

Growing Your Own Cutting Garden

Spring is definitely here in New England! We are still having some chilly days and nights but it’s not too early to start planning your summer garden. Whether you are into growing veggies or flowers (or both!) now is the time to start some seedlings. 

A cutting garden is a luxury that you will enjoy all season long, both outside and inside your home.  It doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming either. Below I’ve put together a few of the best flowers to grow for a cutting garden as well as favorites for potted annuals.

Zinnias

Zinnias are a must for any cutting garden; bright, cheery flowers that are easy to grow.  They are prolific bloomers and the more you cut the blooms, the more they produce!  They come in a variety of colors; pink, red, white, orange, yellow, lavender so you can plant several colors to make sure you have beautiful bouquets all season. They grow and flower best in full sun and they are not drought tolerant so you will want to water them deeply a couple of times a week once established but try not to keep the soil constantly moist.  You can start Zinnia seeds right now in little pots in a sunny windowsill or under lights.  You can also move the pots outdoors on sunny days and bring them back in for the cooler nights. They should be safe to plant in the ground after all danger of frost has passed, usually end of April/ early May here in Rhode Island.

Cosmos

Cosmos are another favorite for a cutting garden, for many of the same reasons Zinnias work so well. They are another “cut and come again” flower with airy and delicate, daisy-like blossoms and lacy leaves that look fantastic in arrangements. Like Zinnias, they need full sun to bloom well and once established will need to be watered thoroughly but the soil should be allowed to dry out between watering’s.  Cosmos seeds can also be started now inside and there are tons of color options.

Sunflowers

Who doesn’t love a cheerful sunflower? There are a surprising number of varieties, colors and sizes of sunflowers. You can grow giant stunners that will tower over your entire garden and attract helpful pollinators all season.  For your cutting garden, try a dwarf variety that will be easier to work into arrangements. It goes without saying that they like full sun. While germinating, they will need lots of water but once established will only need an inch or so of water per week. Sunflowers will not bloom the more you cut them the way Zinnias and Cosmos do so keep that in mind; you may want to start more seeds to ensure you don’t run out of flowers to cut.

Dahlias

All of the flowers we have talked about so far are annuals and will not come back after the season is over.  If you are feeling a bit more ambitious, consider planting some Dahlias. Dahlias can be a perennial, even in New England. They grow from tubers and will need to be dug up at the end of the growing season and stored in a cool, dry spot (garage or basement.) They are truly gorgeous with a head spinning number of varieties of sizes and colors from delicate blooms to blossoms bigger than a fist. They will also need full sun in order to bloom well and will provide you with more flowers the more you cut them. They can be heavy and often appreciate a little support in the form of a stake. You could also grow them alongside a sunny fence for support and a beautiful display.

Potted Annuals

Maybe what you are really looking forward to are beautiful hanging baskets and pots on your porch or front step overflowing with cheerful blooms.   For this very moment, Pansies are a great choice as they are very cold hardy and you can pop them in some pots outside or even in the ground and they will do well until it becomes hot. Ferns look beautiful hanging on a porch where their fronds can stretch out, just don’t place them in full sun as it will fry them.  Your Boston Fern might even survive to grace your porch for a second season if you bring it inside in the fall and find it an indirectly sunny window spot.  Petunias are another fantastic trailing plant and they do like full sun and hot weather and will spill over your hanging baskets in a gorgeous display. Impatients are a great choice for a shady or partially shady spot where you want a riot of color. As it gets warmer your options for flowers to plant will become almost endless, Happy Gardening!

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Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

5 Houseplants to Warm Up Your New England Winter

There is no denying it, New Englanders are smack dab in the middle of that very cold, very grey time of the year when we are all desperate for some sweet sunshine. The grass is brown and crunchy, the trees are bare and it still a bit too early to start working on your summer garden plans. It is right about now when I most fully appreciate the living, green things around me, in my own home. Some people claim to not be able to keep a houseplant alive but whether you have a “green thumb” or not there is most certainly a plant out there for you.  House plants have so many benefits.  Of course they add a wonderful aesthetic to just about any space but many of them also do wonderful things like help keep our air clean. Some, like Rosemary and Lavender are edible as well as fragrant. Below is a list of 5 of the best houseplants to help you on your journey to creating a more peaceful, beautiful and healthy home.

1. Philodendron

Philodendron’s are very easy care plants. They don’t need much light and are not picky about watering or fertilizing. These beauties are very hard to kill and will also filter unwanted toxins from your air.  There are several different varieties.  One of the most popular is the heart shaped Philodendron which is a trailing or climbing plant.  If you hang it in a basket it will eventually reach the floor.  If you give it something to climb; a trellis or a wall, it will create a beautiful piece of living art!

2. Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle Leaf Figs have been very trendy for several years due to their large unique leaves and the interesting statement they can add to your space. They can be a bit finicky in terms of light (too much and they will crisp up and die, not enough and they will wilt and become stunted.) A large, established Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree can also be pricey so don’t invest unless you have the right spot in your space and feel confident in your plant care abilities.

3. Fern

Ferns have been a popular houseplant since the Victorian Era, and for good reason. They are elegant, graceful and lush. There are many different varieties but the most recognizable is probably the Boston Fern. They look majestic hanging from a porch or perched on a stool. Ferns prefer warm temperatures and bright, indirect light as well as moisture in the air. Misting your fern with a spray bottle is a good idea, hanging one in your steamy bathroom is even better!

4. Succulent

Succulents are another super easy plant variety to care for. There are many to choose from; Jade, Cactus and Aloe to name a few. They don’t need much water at all and should be potted in a container with good drainage. Most of them enjoy direct sun but should be rotated frequently so they don’t lean over towards the light. The almighty Aloe in particular is beautiful and highly practical. It is a well known fact that Aloe directly from the source (cut one of the leaves and squeeze out the gel) is one of the best natural treatments for burns. It accelerates wound healing and has antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It is a smart idea to keep an aloe plant in your home to treat small wounds and burns.

5. Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is another popular house plant that does double duty filtering toxins out of the air. They are seen as a symbol of peace and hope and are often given as gifts. Peace Lilies are very easy to care for as they will grow happily in medium to low light and also prefer underwatering. You may even wait until your Peace Lily is looking droopy before giving it a drink. They have the unique characteristic of growing white flower like stalks… flowers all year, what could be better?

Some general plant care tips; a pot with at least one drainage hole is always the way to go as it will ensure that the roots of your plant do not get soggy and moldy. You can set the pot in a large plastic or ceramic dish to catch run off water and protect the surface underneath.  For most indoor plants underwatering is better than overwatering. A good rule of thumb is to check once a week by touching the soil; if it feels dry, water your plant. Don’t be afraid to experiment! If you bring home a new plant and it doesn’t seem to be doing well in a certain location, try putting it elsewhere. There is no room in the house that doesn’t benefit from the addition of living plants; kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, etc.

Hoping to pick out some new house plants and support a local business? Jordan’s Jungle in Pawtucket is a great place to spend an afternoon!

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Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

Wide Open Spaces

Room to breathe. Aren’t we all looking for more of that these days? Having your own private outdoor oasis is truly a luxury; and one that can be enjoyed any time of year. Below is a collection of 3 beautiful Rhode Island homes with gorgeous expanses of green, water views and sophisticated outdoor spaces to relax and recharge.

The above home at 527 Ministerial Road in South Kingstown combines the beauty of private fresh water views of Long Pond, an expansive stone patio and lush grounds all set on 51 acres. Includes private dock on the lake, walking trails and vegetable gardens. Asking 7,950,000.

The above breathtaking estate in Jamestown sits on 2.84 acres of waterfront on Mackerel Cove. An oversized wrap around mahogany porch and deck as well as your own staircase down to the waters edge make this property a true retreat. 147 Beavertail Road, Jamestown, RI. Asking 4,995,000.

The above beachfront beauty in Little Compton comes with it’s own private enclave beach. Panoramic views and incredible sunsets are year round staples here. 6 Bluff Head Avenue, Little Compton, RI. Asking 2,600,000.

To view these or other RI homes with wide open spaces to live, work, and play, please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505.

Fields of Green

A beautiful garden is a luxury that many don’t realize they were missing until its been discovered. A winding path and plentiful flowers that can be trimmed and brought inside for arrangements is such a joy. Colors that change and bloom throughout multiple seasons can add so much beauty to your yard, not to the mention resale value of your home. Below I’ve put together some beautiful garden inspiration collected from homes around our own little state.

This Burrillville garden incorporates annual stunners like zinnias and sunflowers, which attract both butterflies and pollinators as well as make for fantastic cut flowers.

A field of Daffodils at this Newport home make for a very cheerful spring.

In Narragansett you don’t need an expansive yard to grow a riot of color. These happy spring tulips will come back every year with the warming weather.

This property in Middletown boasts it’s own greenhouse conservatory and gorgeous purple perennial Dahlias.

The vegetable garden on this Cranston property is adorned with Sunflowers, Dahlias and Zinnias. A quiet spot to unplug from the chaos of the day.

To view homes in your area with fantastic garden potential please contact Lisa at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505.

Top 4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Outdoor Living Spaces

During these past several months most of us have been spending more time than ever at home. Why not use that as an opportunity to more fully enjoy and cultivate your outdoor space? Investing in your yard and gardens can have many benefits. Not only can it offer you an oasis that is incredibly therapeutic and enjoyable but a beautifully landscaped home with curb appeal does wonders for your resale value!

There are so many options, ranging from big-picture ideas to smaller projects that can add a little something special and help you fall in love with your outdoors again.

1. Bring the Indoors Out

Being able to entertain outdoors is crucial this summer now more than ever before. Having comfortable seating and warm ambient lighting will encourage you to spend more time outdoors relaxing.  A table ready for an intimate dinner party that can take advantage of these endless summer evenings is a must.

Cozy up with a good book in your hammock or catch up with a friend over a glass of wine in your rocking chairs. Don’t forget the lighting! Twinkle lights or string lights create a wonderful atmosphere and can easily be hung on decks, porches and pergolas.

2. Plant a Kitchen Garden

Now more than ever; eating healthy, clean food is so important. Knowing you grew it yourself from seed to harvest is about as clean as it gets. Gardening can be overwhelming at first but a great place to start is a small herb garden or a couple of tomato plants. Even potted plants can work well if your space is limited. Popping outside to pick a handful of fresh basil or a ripe tomato to add to your dinner is a truly wonderful experience.

3. Add a Water Feature

Never underestimate the soothing effect of running water. If your budget has some wiggle room a gorgeous fountain or a natural pond would be a great choice. Another unique option that is more budget friendly is a rain chain. These take the place of a downspout as a more decorative way to divert water away from the roof, they have been used in Japan for hundreds of years and can be found in a wide range of styles and materials. A bubbling birdbath is another simple water feature that is enjoyable for both you and your feathered friends.

4. Grow Your Own Flowers

Growing your own flowers to enjoy in your yard as well as to cut and bring indoors for custom arrangements can be easy and so rewarding.  Perennials are great options that you only have to plant once and will bring you blooms for years to come.  Some of the most reliable and colorful flowering perennials are Hydrangeas, Lilacs, Hosta’s, Black Eyed Susan’s, Iris’s and Lilies. Once planted, many of these really only need sun, water and maybe some occasional pruning. A little online research or your favorite local nursery can help you figure out what will work best with the light and space you have available.

Lastly, don’t forget about your inner child. An unexpected swing tucked under a favorite shady tree might just become your new favorite place! Put a little effort in now to fully take advantage of your outdoor spaces and the beautiful weather our special little state has to offer this time of year.

To view homes, online or in person, with spectacular outdoor living please contact me at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505