Date Archives: June 2021

Horseback riding is one of the best ways to connect with nature. Luckily, the Central Texas area offers a lot of opportunities for horseback riding. Whether you're looking to take riding lessons or plan to head off on a guided trail ride, our real estate agents have a few recommendations. 

1. Spicewood Farms: 6607 Spicewood Spring Road, Austin, TX 78759
   If you'd like to start taking riding lessons, Spicewood Farms is a great choice. They offer both English and Western riding lessons for children and adults. Each lesson lasts an hour, and you pay by the month. They offer both private and group lessons.
   
   Spicewood Farms also offers horse boarding services. All breeds and disciplines are welcome, and the owners live on the premises. Their facility is exceptional, offering a jumping ring with sand footing, a 60-foot round pen, and marked trails. Also, it's roughly 13 miles south of Round Rock homes for sale. 
   
   
2. Bella Luna Equestrian: 10804 East Hwy 29, Georgetown, TX 78626
   If you're an English rider looking at Georgetown homes for sale, and you'll need a place to board your horse nearby, Bella Luna Equestrian is a great barn to consider. They're an English facility offering lessons in the Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Eventing disciplines. They travel to a lot of shows in the area.
   
   If you don't have your own horse, Bella Luna Equestrian also offers lessons for adults and children ages 5 and older. Along with riding, beginner lessons include education on horse care, tacking up, tack cleaning, and grooming.
   
   
3. Maverick Horseback Riding: 5766 Balcones Drive, Austin, TX 78731
   Maverick Horseback Riding is a good choice for beginners who want to go on a guided trail ride and enjoy the Texas landscape. They offer more leisurely rides that are open to everyone, along with trail rides that are better suited for more experienced riders. You can even book a group excursion that includes a trail ride and barbecue.
   
   If you have kids, Maverick Horseback Riding offers a great class called Children's Intro to Horsemanship. Participants learn all about caring for horses and taking care of the land.
   
   
4. Cornerstone Farm​​​​​​​: 115 Woodland Trail, Leander, TX 78641
   Owner/trainer Jen Shaw has been training equestrians for over 25 years. At Cornerstone Farm she gives hands-on instructions for both beginners and advanced riders. The farm offers both private lessons and summer camps to help riders learn near Leander homes for sale.
    
   
5. Texas Trail Rides: 8601 Bluff Springs Road, Austin, TX 78744
   Texas Trail Rides is a company that offers guided trail rides in cooperation with Lone Star Ranch, just outside of Austin. They have beginner-friendly horses and can accommodate riders up to 250 lb. 
   
   On a trail ride, you'll pass scenic creeks and sandy bluffs. Texas Trail Rides provides all of the necessary safety gear, but you will need to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. These trail rides are great for couples, small groups, and anyone who wants to get outside and enjoy nature for a few hours.
   
   

Whether you're an experienced equestrian or someone who has never ridden before, Central Texas is a great place to enjoy horses. Visit one of the stables or facilities above, and don't hesitate to contact us if you're looking for a real estate agent nearby.

There are few projects as satisfying as growing your own food, and raised garden beds allow everyone to do that, even in a minimal amount of space. Our real estate agents can show you some exciting Round Rock homes for sale to house the garden you have wanted. With a little patience and a few simple steps, you'll soon be enjoying your own fresh produce, and nothing tastes better than the vegetables that come fresh from your own garden.

• Select the Container
  If you don't want to invest in expensive materials, consider materials you may already have or can easily acquire. Many people start with wooden pallets. Almost any container will do. A galvanized horse trough will work well, even if it has a few leaks and is no longer good for the purpose intended. If you want multiple beds that are all uniform, pre-made kits are easy to find at home and garden stores, some of which are on wheels so that you can optimize the sunlight. 

• Chose the Location
  Select a spot with the proper amount of sun for the crop you are planting. Tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, and cucumbers thrive in full sun for the entire day. Root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and beets, need about half a day of sunshine to thrive. For shadier spots, plant leafy greens, such as kale and spinach. Take the time to do a little sun mapping before planting for the best results. Choose carefully because once you fill the bed with soil, it will be difficult, if not impossible to move, unless it is on wheels. 

• Determine Watering System
  You may enjoy watering with a hose the old-fashioned way, or you might want to consider an efficient drip irrigation system. You can run a line directly from your water tap or rain barrel to allow you to water quickly and easily by simply turning a spigot. 

• Fill the Container with Soil
  One of the advantages of a raised garden bed is that you won't need to worry about digging, rocky ground, or nutrient-poor ground. You won't find an article on raised garden beds that doesn't emphasize the importance of using the highest quality of soil your budget will allow. When purchasing garden soil by the bag, select products that support organic vegetables, after you fill the container about three-fourths full, top it off with compost. If you don't already have a compost pile, you can buy it at garden centers. This combination is important to fill your garden with rich nutrients and to hold moisture. To determine the amount of soil you will need, several suppliers offer online calculators that are very helpful.

• Plant Your Crops
  Of course, you'll have done your homework long before this point and decided what crops to plant and when to plant them. If you're planting from seeds, you may have already started germinating them inside and have seedlings ready to place in the garden. You'll have learned that Round Rock has a growing zone designation of 8. Many vegetables should be started indoors in mid-February to avoid frost. For later planting, consider transplanting seedling tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, fresh herbs, and more from your favorite garden center. The optimal growing season in this area runs from April 1st to December 1st. 

Are you ready to start looking for a place to plant your own raised vegetable garden? Contact us today to arrange a tour. 

Nature, in all its spectacular glory, makes everyone a good photographer. As if you need another reason to be outdoors, Nature Photography Day is observed on Tuesday, June 15. Our real estate agents look forward to documenting the natural scenery around Central Texas at these local parks.

1. Round Rock West Park - 500 Round Rock W. Dr., Round Rock, TX 78681
   Ducks are one of nature's most photogenic animals. Catch some candid shots of these delightful birds at Round Rock West Park. The centerpiece of the 15-acre park is a beautiful duck pond that provides several photo opportunities. Pack a basket and make use of the picnic tables and grills. Kids will enjoy the playground and sand volleyball court. Park hours are 6 a.m. - midnight daily.
   
   
2. Veterans Park - 600 Pecan Ave., Round Rock, TX 78664
   Veterans Park is a small gem, just down the street from Round Rock homes for sale, that's already a popular destination for photographers. Brushy Creek, which runs through the park, is surrounded by a lush framework of trees. The creek has a small dam, creating a waterfall and lake with a clear, reflecting surface where egrets, herons, and other waterfowl make frequent appearances. Veteran's Park is also a great place to remember and pay tribute to the men and women who have served our country. Hours are 6 a.m. - midnight, seven days a week.
   
   
3. Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve - 3505 W. 35th St., Austin, TX 78703
   Always fierce and camera-ready, peacocks are the supermodels of nature. Approximately two dozen of these magnificent creatures make their home at Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve. Whether they're roosting in the trees or casually wandering around the grounds, the peacocks made wonderful photo subjects. Don't miss the cast iron and cement ponds, dotted with lily pads and inhabited by fish, turtles, frogs, and snakes. Mayfield Park is open every day between 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.
   
   
4. Zilker Metropolitan Park - 2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704
   Home to a variety of family-friendly activities for people of all ages, Zilker Metropolitan Park is widely regarded as the most-loved park near Austin homes for sale. At a sprawling 351 acres, there are seemingly endless opportunities to snap photos of landscapes and wildlife. The Botanical Garden alone is worth a visit. Streams, waterfalls, and koi ponds enhance the 28 acres filled with themed gardens such as the Rose Garden and Taniguchi Japanese Garden. While they don't technically count as nature, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Austin skyline are other top photo targets at the park. Hours are 5 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily. Admission to the park is free, although there is a small fee to enter the Botanical Gardens.
   
   
5. Berry Springs Park and Preserve - 1801 C.R. 152, Georgetown, TX 78626
   When you first reach Berry Springs Park and Preserve, you'll feel as though you've stepped into a painting. The peaceful serenity of the century-old pecan grove and majestic trees makes it hard to believe you're only minutes from Georgetown homes for sale. Be sure to stop by and see Lil' Bob and Pedro, the park's resident donkeys, who are happy to strike a pose. Park hours are 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily. 

Display your photos in your new Central Texas home. When you need knowledgeable assistance buying or selling local real estate, contact us at RE/MAX Capital City.

These days, a home's outdoor spaces are just as important as its indoor spaces. Just look at all the Round Rock homes for sale with outdoor living spaces! Homeowners use their outdoor spaces for dining, entertaining, and relaxing, so patio furniture and decor require some planning. Here are a few things to know before you go shopping for new patio furniture.

1. Think About Your Goals
   Do you plan to use the space for grilling, outdoor dining, and entertaining? You'll want to prioritize a table and chairs where you can eat. If your dream patio is one where you can enjoy a glass of wine, read a book, and relax, you'll want to look for furniture that is more appropriate for lounging.
   
   
2. Consider the Size of the Space
   Choosing patio furniture based on the size of your patio is very similar to choosing indoor furniture based on the size of the room. Leave plenty of room for the flow of traffic around the furniture. Measure your patio before shopping so that you know how much space you have to work with. The "less is more" approach to staging a home applies to outdoor spaces as well, according to our real estate agents, so this is especially important if you're preparing your home to sell.
   
   
3. Keep the Weather in Mind
   The sun, rain, and humidity in Texas are something to consider when shopping for patio furniture. Being exposed to these elements can weather some types of furniture, such as wood, faster than others. If your patio furniture isn't protected from the elements by a roof or overhang, opt for something sturdy such as metal. Cushions left outside will likely need to be replaced every few years, but this may be seen as a bonus since it gives you a chance to freshen your look!
   
   
4. Storage Options
   If you can, storing your patio furniture (or at least your cushions) will keep it looking nicer, longer. A patio storage bench is perfect if you want a handy place to put your cushions when you're not using the space, or you could build a garden shed with room to store lightweight patio furniture when not in use. Well-planned outdoor storage can be a selling point when you go to list your house, too. 
   
   
5. Remember That You Get What You Pay For
   Sure, you have a budget, but try not to buy the cheapest patio furniture you find, as you will surely get what you pay for. Inexpensive patio furniture tends to be made of materials that don't hold up to weather exposure, such as plastic that will degrade quickly in the sun or cheap metal that will rust quickly with exposure to rain. If you need to stick to a tight budget, check out resources for secondhand goods, and keep an eye out for higher quality patio furniture.

Ultimately, look for patio furniture that not only looks good but where you can also see yourself spending time. Your outdoor living spaces should be an extension of your home: the perfect place to hang with family and friends or kick back and relax after a long day. For more information on what homebuyers expect from an outdoor living space, contact us today.