Do-it-yourself Landscaping Tips

Posted by Lisa Civitiello @ 2:36 pm, April 30th, 2008

Not only are the days getting longer, but they’re also getting warmer. You know what that means. It is time to start beautifying your yard! Here are a few simple ideas to get you thinking about how to start.

1. Design a plan for your yard that will work for all seasons. For example, your design should include plants that will provide gorgeous greenery in the spring, beautiful blooms in summer (maybe even a small vegetable garden), fabulous fall colors, and some evergreens to make winter not so white.

2. Layer your flower beds in rows, tallest plants in the back, shortest in the front. This way you get the most beauty, even in a small space. Also try to use repetition in your yard, meaning the same layers in different areas of the yard tying everything together.

3. You can also use ‘hardscaping’ tools like bird baths, stone paths, or Arbor Arches for interesting details.

4. Great landscape designs are anchored by focal points. One of the most peaceful focal points are water features. Water features are not only visually appealing, but emit soothing sounds. You can use pre-formed rigid plastic liners, durable pumps, flexible tubing and cheap fountains, they’re also a lot easier to install than you think.

5. Don’t forget about texture and color. Be sure to have varying forms of plants that not only vary in texture, but vary in color as well.

6. For folks in dryer areas, look into drought-tolerant plants that can grow even in poor soils. Click here for a site that has a list of some gorgeous drought-tolerant plants.

7. Make your life simpler by selecting plants that require little to no maintenance.
Every yard, big and small, can be gorgeous with the right tools and tricks. Getting out into the sunshine is a great way to beat the blah winter days, relieve stress, and get in some exercise at the same time. Landscaping should be fun, even the kids can help in the simpler projects.

Having a beautiful yard is especially important when trying to sell a home. Visit Great Triangle Homes online today to see how The Shuping Advantage Team can help your sell your home and/or buy a new one! With all of their expertise and education, The Shuping Advantage Team will help you every step of the way in buying and/or selling a home.

Bay Ridge by Olde South Homes, Inc.

Posted by Lisa Civitiello @ 12:30 pm, April 21st, 2008

A new home community in Durham is offering homes starting from the low $200,000. Built by the 2006 Builder of the Year, Olde South Homes, Inc., these homes are sure to catch your eye.

Some of the included special features are:

  • Fiberglass Shingles with 20 year manufacturer warranty
  • 10′ x 10′ wood deck
  • 9ft smooth ceilings on 1st floor
  • Direct vent fireplace with gas logs, mantle, slate surround and hearth
  • Installed security system
  • GE appliances in choice of colors (Self Cleaning oven and range hood, Dishwasher, and Garbage Disposal)
  • Luxury bath in owner’s suite includes tub and separate shower
  • Water saver toilets
  • Comfortable dual zone gas heat and central air

With 9 different models ranging from 1690-2325 square feet, you can find the perfect home for you!

Have an experienced Real Estate professional on your side to guide you through the home buying process with this new exciting community.  With over 27 years combined experience, Connie Shuping and Wilma Gunnesch will save you time and money with your real estate needs!  Visit Great Triangle Homes online http://www.greattrianglehomes.com to learn more about The Shuping Adavantage Team.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

Posted by admin @ 4:15 pm, April 16th, 2008

If you have children between the ages of 5 and 18 attending public schools or are relocating to Chapel Hill-Carrboro area, you may want to check out the local public school information. By clicking on this link, you will find the most up-to-date information regarding Academics, Family Resources, Student Resources, and much more.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is one of two public school systems in Orange County, N.C. Located near University of North Carolina and the world renowned Research Triangle Park, they serve a community with one of the highest educated populations in America. The CHCCS district operates three high schools, four middle schools and nine elementary schools which serve more than 10,000 students.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro is one of the top 37 school districts in the U.S. and the top performing school district in the Southeast U.S. These accolades are based upon student scores on the SAT, participation in Advanced Placement courses, the number of National Merit Scholars and similar data (Offspring Magazine, Sept/Oct 2000).
Among the 117 school districts in North Carolina, CHCCS has: 

  • Highest district-wide average SAT score: 1185
  • Highest percent of students taking the SAT: 92.5 percent of seniors
  • Highest high school End-of-Course tests results
  • Highest ranked high schools on state ABC Program
  • Highest percent of faculty with master’s degrees or doctorates: 56 percent
  • Highest local funding of public education at $3890 per student; one of the highest total funding per student: $8424
  • Highest percent of graduating students pursuing their education beyond high school: 81 percent to four-year colleges and universities and 9 percent to two-year community colleges
  • Highest percent of schools achieving exemplary growth on state tests.
  • Lowest high school dropout rate at 1.25 percent.

CHCCS is a wonderful district to be a part of. They want the best for every child as you can see from their mission statement: To enable all students to acquire, through programs of excellence and fairness, the knowledge, skills and insights necessary to live rewarding, productive lives in an ever-changing society. For more information please visit their website, or call 919-967-8211.

If you are considering relocating to Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Hillsborough, Pittsboro, Mebane or surrounding areas, contact us at 919-951-1945 for all of your real estate needs.  You can also visit our website at www.GreatTriangleHomes.com  to begin your home search or to learn more about The Shuping Advantage Team.

The Moorehead Planetarium

Posted by Lisa Civitiello @ 8:45 pm, April 11th, 2008

If you’re looking for an educational way to satisfy your child’s’ scientific curiosity The Moorehead Planetarium is the place to go.  Without question, this Science 360 and Science LIVE demonstrations are unbeatable.

One of the longest running shows, Carolina Skies, is just magnificent. Viewers learn how to spot the planets and stars currently making up the night sky and how to find the cardinal directions using celestial signposts. One will also learn the constellations and the ancient myths that string together their component stars. Other shows include “Destination space”, “Earth, Moon, and Sun”,  “Extinction”, “Extreme Weather”, and “Life in the Universe” and are fun and educational!

Current exhibits now showing at the planetarium are “Ancient Carolinians” and “Zoom In: Science at the Extremes”.

Typical Hours for the Moorehead Planetarium are:

Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm and 6:30pm-9pm
Sunday: 1pm-5pm

Admission prices typically are $6 for adults, $5 for children, and FREE for members!

For a special web offer for $1 off admission, please click here.

For updates on shows, show times, admission costs, and current exhibits please visit the Moorehead Planetarium online!