Good Morning!
We had a rather harrowing week this past week. After much encouragement, Mom finally decided to go out and meet one of her neighbors. She walked down the street two doors where a neighbor was trimming bushes. There was a small dog dancing around wagging its tail. Mom walked toward the neighbor to say hi and introduce herself and the dog rushed toward her and bit her. The neighbor explained it was a shelter dog and somewhat nervous - this while mom was standing there bleeding into her shoe. I'm taking her to the doctor this morning just to be safe. This isn't what I had hoped for on her reaching out to the neighbors.
James won his chess tournament this past weekend. He is trying to get more 2 days tournaments, but our schedule has been a bit full between work and family. It is still fun to win.
John is off to his bi-annual visit to the dermatologist. Red heads do need to be extra careful. I tease him he has such delicate skin. I'm working away and have found my new project I'll be starting soon. We have a set of wrought iron furniture that has been rusting on the porch. It came from Mom and Dad about 30 years ago and was originally bought in the 70's. It's nice heavy out door furniture but needs major attention. We finally found a gentleman in Yulee that can strip and powder coat it. My project will be to make new cushions for the 6 chairs. It will be similar to the project I just finished for my neighbor Sue. That was also outdoor fabric - which is like sewing plastic. Beyond Fabric here I come!
Best regards,
Cathy
If you are looking for some FUN THINGS GOING ON:
Event by Glam and Glow BBS
Glam and Glow BBS
Take advantage of our limited time offer! Receive Red Light Therapy absolutely free when you book any massage service on August 10th-11th.
Red Light Therapy has been shown to reduce muscle and joint pain, improve psoriasis, rosacea and eczema, reduce wrinkles, fine lines and age spots, and stress, while promoting better sleep.
Schedule your appointment now!
Book your appt online at glamandglowbbs.square.site Or text Rhett (240) 619-9164
Event by St. Marys Little Theatre
1000 Osborne St, St. Marys, GA
Immerse yourself into a poignant memoir about growing up in the south at St. Marys Little Theatre’s onstage performance of FROGHOUSES AND FIREFLIES playing August 15th thru 17th at Theatre by the Trax in St. Marys. Return to simpler times and the challenges that faced rural America in the 50s and 60s, as you are captivated by songs that touch your heart and stir your spirit. Come see why it was the best of times and the worst of times. Get tickets to FROGHOUSES AND FIREFLIES shows August 15, 16 and 17 at StMarysLittleTheatre.com or in downtown St. Marys at Once Upon a Bookseller. $20 admission.
Event by Camden County Public Library
1410 GA Highway 40 E, Kingsland, GA, United States, Georgia 31548
We are saying thank you and goodbye to our 'Color Your World' summer reading program by hosting a live action Mario Kart game at the library! Join us for an evening of fun with multiple in person prize drawing opportunities! JJ's Mobile Munchies is joining us again for purchase. Please call the library with any questions (912)729-3741.
Event by The Movement Studio at FTGU
2322 Osborne Rd. , St. Marys, GA, United States, Georgia 31558
Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
The Movement Studio
2322 Osborne Rd, St. Marys, GA
Are you new to yoga or just looking to move mindfully? This beginner-friendly Vinyasa class is the perfect midweek reset. Whitney will guide you through a gentle, flowing practice focusing on proper alignment, breath, and movement.
No experience needed
Mats and Blocks are available
Drop-ins welcome $20
Class passes and Unlimited Yoga Memberships are available
Come as you are, move at your own pace, and feel the shift!
https://wellnessfromthegroundup.janeapp.com/.../move.../book
Event by Sliders Seaside Grill
1998 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL, United States, Florida 32034
Slider’s Seaside Endless Summer Party is a three-day celebration of music, water, and summer vibes, running Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 17. Each day features live performances — Hupp & Dharma on Friday, Cole Terry & Soundclash on Saturday, and Brian Ernst & These Guys on Sunday. All weekend long, guests can enjoy a massive 20-foot water slide, giveaways, swag, games, great food, and nonstop fun. It’s the ultimate summer send-off — bring your friends, floaties, and party spirit!
Event by Camden County Public Library
1410 GA Highway 40 E, Kingsland, GA, United States, Georgia 31548
Our next Teen Only Night is Friday, August 15th from 5:00-7:00PM! This program is for ages 13-17 and does require a parent signup.
We will work together to solve the crime for this live action role playing game!
It’s 1988, and the Podunk Roller Rink is filled with teens showing off their shoulder pads and mullets—but it’s a strangely-assorted group. They ignore each other as much as possible and they seem resentful, almost like they’re here on detention. And why are the cool kids, the loners and the nerds all here together, skating dully in a circle? The people watching from the sidelines are equally mismatched: the rink employees, tired of renting skates and selling hot dogs; the retired roller derby pros, bored by the lack of violence; and the town prudes, obsessed with the possibility that the teens might start enjoying themselves or even worse—dancing. Suddenly, there is a scream. The body of Kevin Floosey, the new kid in town, has been found in the back hallway. It looks like someone strangled him with a leg warmer. Who could have done such a terrible thing to a guy who just wanted to dance… or is that really all he wanted? Who knows? Maybe YOU killed him!
Costumes are encouraged!
Registration is limited and will begin on August 1st. (912)729-3741
Event by Sweet Luncheonette
Back to School, Back to You!
Can we sit and celebrate surviving this summer heat and get back into the groove? Join us for a relaxing and creative evening of cookie decorating, wine, and light bites.
What to Expect:
+ A guided cookie decorating class led by Chef Stephanie
+ 3 themed cookies per guest (no experience needed!)
+ Wine pours to sip while you create
+ A cozy cheese & cracker spread
+ A fun and supportive atmosphere, perfect for unwinding
Sweet Luncheonette, 101 E Weed Street, St. Marys, GA
Saturday, August 16 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
21+ Event | Limited spots available
Grab your bestie, your partner, or come solo and make this your reset button to recharge and decorate something sweet!
Event by Camden County Alzheimer's Project
Surestay Plus Hotel By Best Western St Marys Cumberland
Sponsored by Camden County Alzheimer's Project, Inc.
Presented by Neil R. Graff-Radford, MD, Neurologist at Jacksonville Mayo Clinic Memory Care. He will discuss current research, medications, Alzheimer's and other dementia, questions and answers. Dessert is provided by Spouses Bakery.
Space is limited for this FREE event. RSVP by calling 912-576-2134 or email laquita@camdencountyalzheimersproject.org
Event by Ops Pizza Kingsland
1378 Boone Avenue Ext, Kingsland, GA, United States, Georgia 31548
Watch Party Alert! Catch the DAZN Itauma vs. Whyte Showdown at OPS Pizza!
Drink & Food Specials all night long!
Photo by BanksPhoto/Getty Images
August 8, 2025
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Turning Green Into Gold With Lawn Care
A beautiful lawn can add serious value to your home, increasing your home's price by 5%. Landscaping improvements often offer 100% or more ROI.
NEW YORK — Potential buyers judge your home before they step through the front door, and it all starts with the lawn they see on real estate sites and when they pull up to the curb.
They aren't just seeing green. Studies show that a well-maintained lawn can help put buyers at ease, signaling care and value, which can translate directly into dollars. How much green are we talking about? $20,000 to $25,000 in many cases, LawnStarter reports.
The numbers behind the green
First impressions matter both online and in person, and professional landscaping can boost a home's value by 15% to 20%.
"A well-maintained lawn signals upkeep and care, which is often associated with the overall condition of the home and how much interest it might receive," says Amber Kuefner, a Realtor® at Florida Home Sales & Development.
Savvy buyers notice your lawn first, and it's worth around 5% of your total landscaping ROI. Depending on your home's price, your lawn could add an extra $25,000, turning your green lawn into gold.
How does regular lawn care compare to major home improvement projects when selling a home?
Kitchen and bathroom remodels often take the spotlight regarding home improvements, but they don't offer the best return on your investment.
Kitchen upgrades yield an average of 38% to 91% ROI.
Bathroom renovations return between 32% and 73%, depending on the scale of the project.
Lawn improvements are relatively low-cost and can offer a return on investment of 100% or more, meaning you can recover every dollar spent on lawn care and boost your home's curb appeal.
And what about an unkempt yard? How does that affect your home's value?
Poor landscaping can reduce property values by 10% to 30%, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and Trees.com. That's tens of thousands of dollars just from neglected lawns, dying plants, or poor curb appeal.
And is your green-to-gold payoff richer in certain areas of the country compared to others?
Midwest
In the heartland, where the lawn care season averages 229 days, there's ample opportunity to make a strong first impression. Well-timed fertilization, aeration, and pest control can help keep lawns healthy and home values intact.
The average cost of yard service in the Midwest is around $53, a modest investment considering landscaping can increase home values in this region by up to 10% or more.
Letting your lawn go, though, can be costly. According to NAR, real estate professionals in the Midwest were the most likely to say poor landscaping can significantly lower a home's value.
Northeast
The Northeast's shorter growing season, averaging 226 days, makes fall lawn care essential. Raking and bagging or hiring a leaf removal crew can raise lawn care costs, but that effort pays off at sale. A yard buried in leaves signals work to potential buyers.
Cool-season Kentucky Bluegrass dominates in this region and needs regular dethatching, seeding, fertilization, and moisture control. Yard services here average about $55, a worthwhile spend when prepping your home for sale.
Southwest
Drought, water restrictions, and summer heat make traditional lawns tough to maintain in the Southwest. With a growing season that spans 264 days, many homeowners are opting for xeriscaping, low-water, drought-tolerant landscaping, as a way to stay green (and keep property values high) without grass.
In places like Arizona and other arid parts of the region, a beautifully xeriscaped, low-maintenance yard can fetch a higher price at sale than a traditional lawn that's costly and difficult to keep green. Yard service in the Southwest averages around $48, making smart, sustainable choices both practical and profitable.
Southeast
The Southeast has a long growing season, about 266 days, and plenty of rainfall, but that doesn't mean lawns thrive without effort. Heat, humidity, and persistent pests can turn grass patchy if it's not maintained.
Routine mowing, aeration, and pest control are often weekly tasks for much of the year, shifting to biweekly or monthly during cooler months. Lawn care runs about $52 here, a smart spend to protect curb appeal and home value in a fast-growing region.
Northwest
The Pacific Northwest has natural advantages like mild temperatures, frequent rainfall, and nutrient-rich soil, all of which contribute to healthy lawns. The 221-day care window is more than enough time for lawns to thrive.
In this region, a healthy lawn is the norm, not the exception. Buyers often expect perfection, making any signs of neglect stand out. Expect to pay around $52 for professional service, routine care that can make or break your home's first impression.
South
A green lawn is an expectation in the South. Neighbors notice (bless your heart), they judge, and HOAs enforce maintenance. The region sees 267 days of active lawn growth, making upkeep a nearly year-round commitment.
Between intense sun, sudden storms, and pest-friendly conditions, maintaining curb appeal can feel like a full-time job. Lawn care in this region typically costs around $49, and skipping it isn't an option if you want to compete in Southern real estate markets.
West
From coastal California to the Rockies, the West spans a variety of climates, but one thing holds true: buyers expect clean, low-maintenance yards that complement the natural landscape. The typical lawn care season runs about 237 days, giving homeowners plenty of time to make an impression.
Yard service in the region averages $51, and smart upkeep like mulching, trimming, and drought-conscious planting can help a home stand out without overcomplicating maintenance.
Top lawn details that influence buyers
Across the U.S., buyers look for the same telltale signs of a well-maintained lawn. Curb appeal starts with the grass, and unkempt lawns send the wrong message before buyers ever step inside.
Neglect doesn't just look bad. It can cost you. Long grass fees average around $65 in many cities, and the same overgrowth can lead to fewer showings and lower offers.
Realtor Kuefner has seen it firsthand:
"Numerous times!" she said. "Buyers are more likely to schedule showings and submit offers on homes that appear to be move-in-ready, inside and out, before one that might require renovation and/or maintenance."
And while lawn care can be time-consuming, hiring a pro saves you hours each month. The average service visit takes around 52 minutes. That time adds up, especially when you're focused on prepping your home for sale. Here are the lawn features that most influence buyer perceptions:
Defined edges and manicured borders: A clean outline around grass and flower beds makes the yard look more professional.
Turf density and consistent color: Full, evenly green grass signals health, while patchiness or discoloration could be a red flag.
Visible weed presence: Too many weeds signal neglect.
Simple fixtures: Mulch, potted plants, or decorative borders take little maintenance.
Pet-friendly landscaping: Safe plant choices can be a bonus.
Even basic lawn upkeep, like mowing, trimming, and edging, can make or break a buyer's first impression. But these tasks aren't always risk-free:
1 in 5 homeowners has suffered a serious injury during lawn work.
Mowing leads the list of injury triggers (11.6%), followed by weed whacking and heavy lifting.
Despite this, 56.6% of homeowners DIY their lawn care, potentially risking ER visits and lost income. Sometimes hiring a pro doesn't just save time, and first impressions are everything.
How does the market affect lawns?
Lawn improvements should match your home's price point and the expectations of buyers in that bracket. A freshly mowed, cleanly edged lawn may be enough for a starter home, but higher-end listings often demand more intensive landscaping.
"The best lawn care ROI is seen on low to mid-range homes," says Kuefner. "Clean landscaping and curb appeal stand out and often help the home sell faster. High-end buyers already expect perfection, so the return may be lower."
And with the average American yard covering 9,500 square feet, there's plenty of visual real estate to manage. Since the front lawn often leads in listing photos, even minor details can impact a buyer's first impression and how quickly they schedule a showing.
Lawn expectations by price point:
Starter homes: Buyers want neat and functional. Focus on trimmed grass, weed control, and low-cost touch-ups like edging or mulch to avoid looking neglected.
Mid-range listings: Visual appeal matters. Healthy grass with no bare spots, clean lines, and simple upgrades like potted flowers can create a polished, move-in-ready look.
Luxury homes: Curb appeal must match the home's price. That means flawless turf, sculpted trees, fresh mulch, and seasonal color arranged with care and intent.
The bottom line: Small moves, big value gains
A beautiful lawn does more than boost curb appeal. It can add serious value to your home. Experts say a well-maintained lawn can increase your home's price by 5% or more, and landscaping improvements often offer 100% or more ROI. On a $300,000 home, that's potentially $21,000 or more for upgrades that cost far less.
That's how you turn green to gold.
"To boost curb appeal, I would recommend the basics such as mowing, edging, weeding, and seeding as they all go a long way when trying to sell," Kuefner says.
"Upgrades such as adding mulch beds, rock or gravel features, and low-maintenance plants do numbers as well," she adds. "The key is to keep it simple and low maintenance."
Whether you're selling a starter home or a luxury estate, the smartest lawn investments are the ones that match your market, highlight your home's best features, and make potential buyers feel confident from the curb.
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