A Swimming Pool Increases Your Home's Value In Houston

As the holiday season comes to an end and we begin a new year, ask yourself: "Did I get everything I wanted?"

In the holiday classic, 'National Lampoons Christmas Vacation', Chevy Chase's character, Clark Griswold, longs for a swimming pool. He hopes his Christmas bonus will be the influx of cash to put in a pool. As you know he didn't get that bonus--not until the third act. But he dreamt what we all have while sitting in our offices or cubicles. A crystal clear swimming pool on a hot day. And like Clark, we envision our friends and neighbors taking full advantage of our heavenly oasis. (Minus cousin Eddie of course).

Clark's fantasy needn't be a fantasy anymore. For much less than you might think, you could own your very own pool.

There are a lot of recreational expenses we shell out and see no return on. As a matter of fact we lose money on all of our recreational items. R.V.'s, dirt bikes, jet skis, boats, etc. But a swimming pool is an investment. A swimming pool will increase your home's value. A dirt bike? Not so much. An R.V. will open up the road for you, but how much are you willing to shell out on gas? When you drive it off the lot you've already lost your initial investment. When a backhoe removes the first piece of earth to begin installing a pool, your investment begins it's ascent.

The above mentioned recreational activities: A boat, R.V, etc. are all comparable prices to a swimming pool. The only difference is one makes you money and makes you the coolest family on the block, the other; breaks down, guzzles gas, and bleeds your wallet. The choice is simple. Follow your inner-Clark. Get a pool. Contact Houston area Laird Landscaping at 281-578-2795 or online at www.lairdlandscaping.com for more information.

Year Round Plants That Improve The Look Of Your Property In Houston

Are you looking to add plants to your property that provide interest all year round? A quick lift can be provided with a few of these species. Below we've highlighted three types of flora that can bring appeal to your property:

Euryops pectinatus (Golden Daisy Bush) is a bright yellow flowering evergreen shrub that will bloom all 12 months, right on through the winter. It needs a warm, sunny spot and three to four feet of space to grow. It is especially nice to see when so many other plants are dormant.

Cercis occidentals (Western Redbud) is a small tree, that provides appeal all year. In spring it is covered with magenta flowers, in the summer bright blue-green foliage combine with magenta seed pods, in the fall the tree turns light yellow or red and in winter the bare branches are beautifully patterned and especially pretty when lit at night. The Western Redbud thrives in a dry location after regular waterings for the first two years.

Scaevola (Mauve Clusters or Blue Fan Flower) Its tight growth and low mounding habit really keeps the weeds out. Its rich small evergreen leaves display a mass of tiny purple flowers January through November. Hollies come in so many varieties as ground covers, shrubs and also trees. Most are evergreen, rich in color with bright red berries which are wonderful for decorating your home during the holidays.

For more information about plants that can add charm to your yard year round, contact Houston area Laird Landscaping at 281-578-2795 or online at www.lairdlandscaping.com.