Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

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The backyard serves a variety of purposes, from an outdoor entertaining area to a private oasis. If youre looking to do more than hang out by the pool this summer, it can also be the perfect place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Here are several backyard features that are sure to get you off the lounge chair and moving around outside.

Sports Court
A versatile sports court is a favorite among homeowners who have enough space to build one. Typically, they can be used for playing both tennis and basketball, but the kids will also love having a backyard area where they can rollerblade, skateboard and ride their bikes. The best part is, theyre extremely low maintenance when installed correctly, so you wont have to worry about upkeep.

Chipping Area
For the golf enthusiasts who want to keep their short game sharp, theres nothing like having a putting green right in the backyard. If you want to take it a step further, however, theres no reason why you cant have a professionally designed chipping area. Some homeowners have even gone so far as adding a sand trap. While you can always use synthetic turf for the putting green, if you want the real thing youll need to grow the right type of grass and invest in a greens mower.

Paddle Tennis Court
If you cant get enough paddle tennis at the country club, why not build a court in your backyard? It requires significantly less space than a regular tennis court and is sure to provide the family with endless fun while staying active. You can even make it a year-round activity by installing a heating system underneath the court to melt away ice and snow during the colder months.

Kid-Friendly Features
Of course, you might be specifically looking for backyard features that will keep the kids active. A wooden playground complete with a swing set, monkey bars and slide is always an excellent choice for the little ones, but an in-ground trampoline is another fun option that will let them bounce out all of their energy each day.

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Across the country, theres a new type of community emerging: luxury ecovillages. Catering to homeowners who want to lower their impact on the environment without compromising on quality of life, there are plenty of reasons to believe that these exclusive neighborhoods will only become more popular in the coming future. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, here are few reasons to get excited about the new trend.

Sustainability
A defining feature of these communities, of course, is their focus on smart design and renewable energy, like geothermal heating and cooling systems. In addition to promoting an environmentally friendly way of life, however, these features will likely also be sought after for those who are experiencing a wake-up call during this current crisis. Luxury homeowners who want to be prepared in the event of catastrophe can enjoy peace of mind in a home that runs on alternative energy sources.

Wellness
Wellness is practically synonymous with luxury these days, so it should come as no surprise that there is an emphasis on taking care of oneself. Health-conscious individuals can expect an atmosphere that rivals a five-star resort, with spa facilities, yoga studios and fitness centers. Ecovillages also tend to embrace nature with an abundance of trails and outdoor activities at your disposal.

Culture and Community
These full-service neighborhoods strive to have everything you could ever need within the enclave to allow for a walkable lifestyle rather than having to drive everywhere. That means they can boast a wide range of restaurants and boutique shops, as well as concert halls, theaters and even farmers markets right outside your door. In the top-tier, concierge services are part of the package to ensure a stress-free lifestyle.

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Is there anything more soothing than an aromatic cup of tea? If youre looking for a perfect home activity that will leave you feeling both productive and relaxed, try planting a small tea garden outside the house. Heres a quick rundown of whatll you need to know before enjoying your homegrown herbal blend.

Pick Your Herbs
With an abundance of herbs to choose from, picking the right ones to grow is a matter of personal preference. If you want a tea that will aid in digestion, then peppermint and fennel are both excellent options. For a cup you can sip in the evening before bed, herbs like lavender, lemon balm and chamomile can help you fall asleep at night.

Use Containers
Even if you have ample space in the backyard, containers are usually ideal for several reasons. For starters, certain herbs, like mint and lemon balm, are known to spread rapidly. Containers can prevent them from taking over your garden. Another benefit is that you can bring the containers inside when temperatures drop and easily turn it into an indoor herb garden.

Prepare to Harvest
When theyre ready to be harvested, the ideal time is widely considered to be early morning right after the dew has evaporated. Interestingly, the time of day that its plucked can significantly impact the flavor of your tea. Youll want to first clip the stem below the leaves, and once its been cut, you can pick the leaves off. For flowering herbs, its best to harvest right before they start to bloom.

Dry and Store
While you can certainly brew a cup of tea with fresh herbs, you can also dry the herbs and keep them for up to a year. There are various methods for doing so, such as placing them in a food dehydrator or the oven on low heat. You can also simply bundle the herbs together and hang them to air-dry. Afterward, be sure to properly store your dried herbs in an air-tight container.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.