Blogger BlogNet13779

Face it. If there is one place that the lazy man rules it's at the summer or vacation beach cottage. The normal adult puts in far enough effort at work just to make the real estate costs and municipal real estate property taxes to have to put in a full time job just maintaining the lawn and landscaping at the vacation property. On top of that, unless you have a condo in the city you've got a first property landscape to maintain.
Who needs the great effort of a second chore?

You may have workers hired, kids or even a spouse to do the heavy work at the so called vacation property to do the job. Why not lighten the load in the first place by planning for a lower maintenance yard. It's the smart man's and lazy man's way to effort free cottage or camp property ownership.

First of all a low maintenance garden, like all well designed yard landscapes, begins with a plan. Everything should begin with a plan. Even raising a tent requires planning and a plan. Plan ahead. By planning ahead you will have more options to make your yard a lower maintenance ticket. Its well worth the effort and time as well as energy saved.

The basic rule is to have things; places and greenery remain as "natural" as possible. What existed before certainly required little if any maintenance as well? Why not go with as much pre-existing greenery as possible? It's basically to "go with the flow". It can be said truthfully that the less you disrupt the existing greenery and native plants the less overall maintenance that will be required.

Next look at the basic layout of the landscape. Just as many seek to purchase a home in the city that faces the sun you should evaluate the yard. What part of the garden and lawn receive sun all day, part of the day or are perpetually shaded? What parts of the areas are shielded from rain and showers? Are there are areas that seem to receive the lion's share of moisture? If not apparent when you first purchase the vacation property these should become apparent after two or three full summer vacation seasons or less if you make the cottage or chalet a permanent weekend retreat and refuge throughout the year.

Next look at the varying layouts of the land. Are there any high dry spots or conversely low lying wet spots? Inspect your soil - whether visually or by an expert with access to agricultural expertise and testing. What is the nature of the soil? How does it accumulate or hold moisture. You would be amazed at how many people try to recreate their city landscaping and lawn in a sparse Canadian Shield type soil whereas they would be much better off copying the native vegetation. On the other side they may try to create an Arizona desert type motif in a clay gumbo type soil which heartily retains moisture. In the same manner is the soil acidic or less so. In the same way what are the characteristics of the water in the region - is the water hard or soft , can you expect enough natural rainfall to water your garden or if you choose non-native plants will you have to provide watering - do you have consistent access to water ? Can the plants do well on lake or river water if available? Will your landscaping accept well water or will you have to maintain a steady store of rain water in a barrel from rain run off?

In the end it can be simply said to keep as much of you're landscaping at the cottage as natural as possible. This way you will have less of a chore to maintain your lawn and landscaping at your vacation property or weekend retreat. Is not the whole reason you purchased your second property - that summer cottage or weekend year round chalet for rest and relaxation?

Jadran Z.E. Transcona

Sell Your Manitoba Cottage

Are Your Property Taxes too High?