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Easiest Flowers to Grow in your Garden

June 22, 2022 by Dale Corpus Leave a Comment

Gardening definitely has its fair share of difficulties, so every once in a while it’s nice to rely on flowers that thrive with minimal time and effort. Here are some easy flowers to grow that are suitable for nearly any backyard.Easiest Flowers to Grow in your Garden

Aster

With more than 250 varieties, you’re bound to find a cultivar that’s suited to your space. The extensive range of sizes and colors available makes this plant one of the most popular late-season bloomers.

Daylily

This summer bloomer is cherished for its reliability. And with thousands of cultivars out there, gardeners have almost limitless options. Though individual blossoms last just a day, many hybrids flower repeatedly all season long.

Yarrow

Yarrow produces long-lasting, easy to grow flowers that come into their own once the weather is consistently warm. Suited to most growing conditions, yarrow provides a long season of blooms all the way into fall.

Sedum

You’ll notice that this plant’s flower heads are made up of little star-shaped blooms. Since the plants range from 3 inches to 3 feet high, some species work well as ground covers, while others make excellent border plants.

Coneflower

Its sweet honey nature has made coneflower a garden staple. Growing about 2 to 4 feet high and 2 feet wide, this colorful bloomer is the perfect companion plant in just about any garden, and tolerates drought. Give it well-draining soil and watch it thrive in full sun as well as partial shade.

Hosta

The ultimate low-care shade plant, hosta cultivars come with endless varieties of leaf shapes, patterns, textures and colors. Easily divided, hosta is perfect for the budget-minded. It forms a dense, leafy clump, with blossoms rising up to 3 feet above the foliage. Some hostas tolerate sun, but partial shade produces the most handsome, longest-lasting foliage.

Bee Balm

This unusual beauty grows up to 4 feet tall and starts flowering in midsummer, inviting hummingbirds, butterflies and bees to your backyard. Plants come with pink, red, white or purple blooms and reseed readily.

Pansy

This colorful bloomer is best known for the whiskered “faces” that mark many of the flowers. The majority of pansy varieties are annuals, though some live longer. Most perform best in cooler weather, so in warm climates, some cultivars are grown as winter annuals.

Peony

A peony’s fresh, heady scent simply can’t be beat. In late spring, bushy plants burst with lush, showy purple, white, red, yellow or pink blooms that make this flower a favorite choice to use in colorful beds and bouquets. Hundreds of peony hybrids are available.

Sunflower

There’s something about a sunflower’s bright face that makes you feel good. These easy flowers to grow range from red to yellow to white.

It’s easier than you might think to grow flowers from seed.  You only need a few basic supplies to make it a success. If you choose flowers that are easy to grow from seed it doesn’t have to be time-consuming. The biggest challenge you’ll face is not getting carried away and planting more seeds than you have space for. Finally, growing your own flowers from seed is fun, and seeing those little seedlings thrive is hugely rewarding.

More: 4 Design Tips to Enjoy a Garden from the Inside

Dale Corpus offers information on the Tri-Valley California real estate market including homes in San Ramon, Pleasantville real estate, Livermore, Danville and surrounding areas. 

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Filed Under: Alameda County

4 Design Tips to Enjoy Garden Views from Inside the Home

May 31, 2022 by Dale Corpus Leave a Comment

A room that has an amazing view out of the windows can totally change the overall look and feel. Not every one of us however can have those views that look like a piece of art outside of giant windows. Many times, we are constrained to existing plots but one way we can improve the view out of our windows is with some smart landscaping design.4 Design Tips to Enjoy Garden Views from Inside the Home

If you are starting completely from scratch with your landscape or working with one that needs a few adjustments and improvements here are some design tips to help you make the most of the views outside your windows from inside your home.

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    Easiest Flowers to Grow in your Garden

First, take a look through your windows

First, take a moment to pause and study the view out of your windows from inside of your home. What is the spot that is most easily and prominently seen through the windows from inside your home?

In addition to considering how you can make it more picturesque is taking into consideration if there are certain areas that may benefit from a little more privacy. Or maybe you might want to consider the significant investment of larger windows to more easily enjoy your future view of your beautiful garden.

Think about spaces like the foreground and background

When an artist begins painting, they think about how the composition will be set up. In the same way, your window is like a painting hung on your wall. You want to separate elements of your landscape close to the viewer from those that are further back.

Items that are closer to the viewer/the window are all about more detail as this will be more noticed. Things like grouping a cluster of small pots or bringing in tiny elements like a fountain will help to frame the foreground of your picturesque view.

Larger elements belong in the foreground. Items like large hedges work better at a greater distance from the viewer. This helps to draw the gaze deeper into the garden.

Add in some focal points

When looking out of a window a focal point provides a place for your eye to settle and rest on the view. This can include a decorative birdbath that is like an art piece, a fire pit, a seating area, and the like.

You want to make sure you find the right placement and align the focal point along a site line either within your garden or from the view of the window. You want to make sure that the element is enough to stand out against the rest of the landscape. This means that it creates a contrast from its surroundings.

Don’t forget about the winter

When planning out a lush landscape most of us are doing so in the spring and summer but if you are doing it to help improve the views from your windows inside the home you will be enjoying those views more often during the colder months.

Don’t forget to include plants that will look great all year long. Include some that will have bright branches, berries, or winter flowers. This will keep the view picturesque all year long, especially during those times when you spend long hours inside.

Dale Corpus offers information on the Tri-Valley California real estate market including homes in San Ramon, Pleasantville real estate, Livermore, Danville and surrounding areas. 

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Filed Under: Alameda County

Where to Find the Best Pizza in Livermore California

November 22, 2021 by Dale Corpus Leave a Comment

Whether you’re traveling through or live in the Livermore area, you need to know the best places to enjoy some mouth-watering pizza. If you’ve already got a favorite place, try branching out to see what these places have to offer. Here is a list of favorites you’ll want to take the time to try and a few reasons why.

Where to Find the Best Pizza in Livermore California

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Patxi’s Pizza 

Known for their fabulous food, great atmosphere, and stellar service, Patxi’s is number one on the local pizza list. In downtown Livermore, Patxi’s has fun outdoor dining, as well as a large indoor eatery. They serve tasty pizzas, creamy pastas, and delicious salads. A must try on the menu is the deep-dish crust, which is comparable to a Chicago style pizza. The thick crust is delicious and chewy, but not doughy and the thin crust has just the right amount of crispiness. If you’re having a large gathering or need a place to host a celebration, Patxi’s is a great place for that, as well.

mountain mikes pizza

Mountain Mike’s Pizza 

You can almost get a sense for the style in their name and Mountain Mike’s will not disappoint. With freshly sliced vegetables and meats plentifully spread atop their fresh dough, the pizza is worth a drive even if you aren’t in the immediate area. They offer gluten-free crust, which makes it a great option for those with restricted diets, as well. There is beer and wine to go along with the pizza and salads. With a party room, big screens and buffet, there’s not anything this pizzeria is missing.

Pizza in Livermore California

Melo’s Pizza and Pasta 

With specialties like a Mediterranean Pizza or Carne Calzone, this restaurant offers all kinds of flavors to invigorate the taste buds. Not only serving pizza, Melo’s has a wide array on their menu from appetizers, to salads, sandwiches to pastas, and calzones to pizzas. With all these options, there’s sure to be an option to please every taste.

Best Pizza in Livermore California

Pizza Guys 

If you’re looking for delivery or take-out pizza, this place is highly regarded. Pizza Guys does not have a dining room so save this for when you’re in need of delivery or want to take a pizza to go. Pizza Guys uses fresh toppings, loads of meat, and it’s reasonably priced. They also serve pastas, salads, wings, and desserts and are known for their prompt service so when you’re looking for something on the go, this is the place to head.

Now that you’ve got some insider tips, pick a place and have some pie!

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What is Contra Costa County Known For?

 

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Best Places to Eat in Pleasanton, California

November 2, 2021 by Dale Corpus Leave a Comment

Whether you have lived in the area for years or are planning a trip to Pleasanton or its surrounding areas, it is great to find a new favorite dining place. Here are some fantastic fan favorites and what savory dishes you will want to eat when you arrive.

Best Places to Eat in Pleasanton, California

Gay Nineties Pizza Best Places to Eat in Pleasanton, California

Set in a historic building from 1864, this pizzeria has been named the best in the Tri-Valley Herald since 1997. The menu includes a variety of savory pasta dishes, salads, and mouth-watering specialty pizzas. Gluten-free pizza is available on the menu, offering an option for everyone. Besides the warm and friendly feel of the restaurant, the generous, hearty pizza toppings and deliciously warm, chewy crust make this pizza outstanding and keep customers coming back for more!

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Best Places to Eat in Pleasanton, California Oyo 

This restaurant offers authentic South American dining including curries and Lo-Mein from Eastern Asia, Jerk Chicken and Rundown Fish from the Caribbean, Pepper Pot from West Africa, and South American Paella. Live music is offered every Thursday night to bring together all your senses while enjoying your meal and entertainment. During the Pandemic, Oyo’s is offering promotions including family package meals for take-out, packaged meats and seafood to cook at home and patio and street dining. If you’re looking for some new flavors to liven up your senses, try Oyo and see what South American dining is about.

Hap’s Original Best Places to Eat in Pleasanton, California

This upscale, New York Steak and Seafood Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with locally sourced produce and fresh ingredients. The ambiance is warm and inviting, and the live music in the evening brings the establishment alive. Hap’s has a wine selection of over 300 wines from around the world with a focus on the Napa Valley Region, California wines, and French Champagnes. From Hap’s Signature Prime Rib to savory Australian Lamb Chops, there’s a rich beef, pork, and poultry menu to choose from. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy the stellar cuisine and music, you will want to make a reservation to ensure there is a space saved for you in this fine establishment.

Best Places to Eat in Pleasanton, California Lokanta Mediterranean Grill and Bar 

In a beautiful brick restaurant, with nicely set streetside dining to take in beautiful, warm evenings, Lokanta Mediterranean Grill and Bar offers upscale Anatolian, Greek and Mediterranean Cuisine. Serving brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert specialties such as Spanakopita, made with Filo dough, spinach, onion, and feta cheese; Grilled Octopus, with celery, garbanzo beans, parsley, and lemon vinaigrette dressing; and Baklava, made with pistachios – there are unique taste sensations to satisfy and amaze the taste buds. The specialty beer and wine menu has plenty of options to pair with the sensational tastes.

Whether you’re looking for outstanding traditional dining or ethnic eating experiences, you are certain to find something to please your senses in Pleasanton’s exceptional establishments.

And remember! I work the entire Pleasanton Real Estate Area!  Give me a call!

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Simple Ways to Get Your House Ready for Grad Parties

April 25, 2021 by Dale Corpus Leave a Comment

May is just around the corner, meaning it’s time for graduation and grad parties. It’s been an odd year but you still want to celebrate your grad! No doubt your grad has probably kept you busy through the year with many different preparations for getting to the big day. All the things that surround and lead up to the ceremony can quickly become overwhelming or stressful, including throwing a graduation party to celebrate the grad with family and friends. Have no fear we are here to help with some grad party prep tips to get your home ready to receive visitors and congratulate your grad on a job well done. [Read more…]

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5 Ways to Refresh Your Home for Spring

April 20, 2021 by Dale Corpus Leave a Comment

5 Ways to Refresh Your Home for Spring

Spring is here and even though we celebrated it a day early this year, it’s here nevertheless. Were starting to open our windows a little bit more during the day and maybe even starting to enjoy evenings out on the patio, the dry evenings anyway. But if you’re looking to add a little bit more freshness to your home this spring here are five simple ways to do so. [Read more…]

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How to Choose a RealtorÂŽ

August 17, 2020 by Dale Corpus Leave a Comment

How to Choose a RealtorÂŽ

Having the right RealtorÂŽ is a huge part of ensuring the home shopping and buying OR selling experience is a good one. A good RealtorÂŽ is constantly working for you. They’re constantly finding homes that meet your search criteria, sometimes even before they’re officially on the market, meeting you to look at potential homes on YOUR schedule and pulling strings with colleagues in the business to get your deal to go through. When selling your home, they work just as hard or harder. Home buying and selling can also be so emotionally and physically exhausting, that a good RealtorÂŽ is also an encourager and occasionally needed a reality check for you during the process.  A bad RealtorÂŽ is none of that and tons of frustration and even heartache. When choosing the RIGHT RealtorÂŽ for you be scrupulous. It’s no little wonder that choosing the wrong RealtorÂŽ is one of the many reasons homes fail to sell. Therefore, keep these RealtorÂŽ choosing mistakes in mind, when you start the hunt. [Read more…]

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5 Ways Telecommuters Can Reduce Energy Use

June 23, 2020 by Dale Corpus Leave a Comment

5 Ways Telecommuters Can Reduce Energy Use

If you’re reading this article you’re probably already concerned with your carbon footprint. But, whether that’s turning off the lights when you leave the room or reducing your programmable thermostat when you’re not at home, telecommuting can still be a drain on your energy source. [Read more…]

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Sage in Livermore Homes for Sale

March 30, 2020 by Dale Corpus Leave a Comment

Sage is the latest collection of townhomes at Sage in Livermore. This is one of the largest developments in Livermore with dozens of new homes, recreation, and open space just north of the freeway.  There are 4 distinct subdivisions in Sage: Balance, Harmony, Synergy, and Tranquility. From single family homes to townhouses, there’s something for everyone in all price ranges in Sage.

Sage has been very popular since it’s successful opening in 2016. Built by Shea Homes, these properties have received six awards from the Building Industry Association and the facilities and amenities are unparalleled [Read more…]

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Anyone Can Write a Positive Review – Are They Real?

June 5, 2018 by Dale Corpus Leave a Comment

“As a first time homeowner, I really appreciated Dale’s expertise. He’s thorough and available to answer all of our silly questions! We didn’t have an agent, and Dale was very easy to find. We were looking for information on a new development, and Dale was the one agent who’s informative youtube  video showed up in a google search! We thought it was early on in the process but contacted him, he responded right away, and said it was a good thing we spoke up when we did, the units were not even built yet but were selling fast.” – Manda Z.

[Read more…]

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