Bumpy paint means you probably didn't wait long enough for the previous coat to dry and if you see little craters slow down. 

Also, stay organized! Cottage Life said, "Cut down a large cardboard box to serve as a tray-like headquarters for all paint cans, brushes, rollers, and mixing sticks that you’re not actively using. The box keeps things together, minimizing your chances of knocking over a can of high-gloss eggplant paint."

The post Are you painting correctly? appeared first on Kawartha Waterfront Realty.

Beautiful plants can be invasive, too. Luckily, there are some resources available to those who want to plant native options!

Cottage Life said, "Fortunately, the Grow Me Instead Nursery Recognition Program offers a straightforward way for cottagers to ensure they’re not inadvertently planting an invasive. It offers alternatives to invasives, based on similar style and required growing conditions and also includes a list of nurseries committed to selling only native plants."

Check them out and do your part to protect nature in Kawartha Lakes!

The post Landscaping responsibly appeared first on Kawartha Waterfront Realty.

Have you ever tried spicing up your iced tea? 

Easy and Healthy Recipes said, "Made with packaged tea, fresh fruits, sugar and water, and added some cubed ice, these can cool you down right with a large gulp."

Try strawberry mint with hibiscus or iced raspberry lemonade green tea. Or, create your own! Yum. 

The post Why stick with plain iced tea? appeared first on Kawartha Waterfront Realty.

Take care of any water issues first and check that water is draining correctly on the property. You should also double check your roof and your septic system. 

Then, clean the eaves and check for any animal nests in outdoor light fixtures or chimneys. 

Finally, get the grill ready to go! It's spring!

The post Get these cottage chores done! appeared first on Kawartha Waterfront Realty.

They look beautiful, are good for the environment, and even help local pollinators!

KawarthaNow said, "You can expand the number of pollinators in your yard and increase the biodiversity in your neighbourhood without sacrificing visual appeal or the approval of your neighbours."

With a little research, you could have a stunning, native yard. 

The post Landscaping with native plants appeared first on Kawartha Waterfront Realty.

If you have tree sap stuck to something, just grab some olive oil from your pantry and it should come off in no time. 

Moss on your shingles can cause damage, so wipe if off with a bristle broom. 

If you have dust and pollen on your screens Cottage Life said, " Fill a bucket with four litres of warm water, half a cup of Borax, and two tablespoons of dish soap, says Melissa Maker. Using a nylon bristled brush dipped in your cleaning solution, scrub the screens to remove dust, pollen, spiderwebs, and whatever other bits of gunk or bug debris are getting in the way of your view of the lake."

Then get back to enjoying your summer!

The post How to clean well at the cottage appeared first on Kawartha Waterfront Realty.

Cottage Life reported, "Beech bark disease isa one-two punch combining an attack from a sap-feeding scale insect with a subsequent fungal assault beneath the beech’s thin, silvery bark."

This disease has already caused problems in the Adirondacks of New York and has moved north to Ontario. 

However, there is hope! Beech trees in the Adirondacks are rebounding fairly well. 

The post Do you have beech trees? They might be in trouble. appeared first on Kawartha Waterfront Realty.

In order to protect your home or cottage, prune the bottom branches of trees that are nearby. Make sure you rake up loose leaves and clear out your gutters as well! 

Also, practice fire safety and follow all rules and regulations. Never leave a fire unattended and put them out thoroughly. 

The post Protecting your home or cottage from fires appeared first on Kawartha Waterfront Realty.

Have you ever considered a bright color for your doors or windows? How about painting over brick to change the color but keep the texture?

If you're not ready for a huge project like that, paint some decorations! Old soup cans, furniture, or even your kitchen island can be drastically changed with some new paint! 

Cottages and Bungalows said, "A quick coat of paint can easily add a pop of color or a whole new look." We agree! Have fun with it!

The post Paint projects to tackle this year appeared first on Kawartha Waterfront Realty.

You can invite even more wild friends to your yard with a specialized garden. Cottage Life said, "Wildlife-friendly gardens can also attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, all animals that benefit cottage properties by pollinating plants so that flowers bloom and fruits and vegetables grow."

Decorating with native plants is a great way to help your your environment as well! Plus, they can often be a lot less work. Try planting black eyed susans or swamp milkweeds and see what wildlife shows up!

The post Invite wildlife to your garden appeared first on Kawartha Waterfront Realty.