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Summer Survival Guide: Hacks to Stay Chill and Save Energy

We’re nearing the dog days of summer, which means it’s hot out. Not that it hasn’t been hot for the past six weeks already, but at this point, Central Texas might as well be on the sun. 

 

Don’t sweat it, though; finding ways to keep cool without adding zeros to the energy bill just takes a little strategy. 

 

Thermostat and Energy Efficiency

 

There’s no getting around not using your air conditioner in Texas, but aim to set it as high as you can and still feel relatively comfortable during the hottest hours of the day (2 to 5 PM). Increasing the inside temperature of your home by just 1oF in the summer months can lower your energy bill by as much as 10 percent. 

 

Another thing to consider if you’re in the market for a new appliance in the summer is buying one with a good energy star rating. This will also help lower your summer utility bills.

 

Garage Hacks

 

Garages can trap a lot of heat during the summer. One way of removing some of that heat is installing some ventilation in your garage’s ceiling (remember, hot air rises). If your garage has windows, consider adding a reflective material to help radiate the sun’s rays outward rather than inward. 

 

Another simple trick is to wait a few hours before putting your car back in the garage after returning home. A car’s engine can hold onto heat for a long time, and taking your vehicle straight into the garage will only bring that heat with it. 

 

Outdoors and Watering

 

If you spend any time at all out on the porch or deck during the summer and it’s not covered, buying an umbrella for shade is paramount. 

 

And when it comes to watering your grass or flower beds, do this either in the morning or in the evening just before sunset. This will help to reduce the amount of water that is evaporated by the hot sun. It’s also a good idea to water plants at the base, rather than watering them directly on their leaves or flowers. 

 

Keep Things Cool Inside

 

One of the biggest challenges is keeping the inside of the home cool, but there are lots of small things homeowners can do that make a big difference. 

 

  • Close your blinds on the side of the house that gets the most sunlight
  • Adjust ceiling fans to ensure they are pushing cool air downward (counter-clockwise)
  • Close doors of rooms that aren’t in use. This helps trap cool air in the room
  • If you’re still using incandescent light bulbs, switch to LED, as they give off less heat
  • Buy a cooling pillow or mattress topper
  • Seal off any window cracks that might be letting cool air out and hot air in

 

One of the best things about the homes within the Crosswinds community is that they were all constructed by the industry’s leading home builders, using the best building materials and construction practices. This means a cooler home in the summer and a warmer home in the winter. 

If you’d like to find your dream home in the Crosswinds community, reach out to us today.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas TX

Slide into Summer: Water Parks Near Austin

Nothing provides relief from the scorching summer heat quite like a dip in the pool or blast down a waterslide with a near 90-degree drop! Texas residents have no shortage of water parks to cool down in this summer – each of them offering landscape slides, pools, and lazy rivers that promise a wet and wild good time. 

 

Schlitterbahn (New Braunfels)

 

It wouldn’t be an understatement to call Schlitterbahn the grandaddy of waterparks. The park rivals every water park in the country when it comes to the staggering number of slides, pools, and other attractions visitors can cool down in. 

 

Guests have over 50 water rides to explore, with everything from adrenaline-rushing slides like Dragon’s Revenge to relaxing zero-entry pools like Kristal Cove. One day really isn’t enough to soak up all Schlitterbahn has to offer and the park has several overnight accommodations guests can reserve. 

 

Kalahari Resorts (Round Rock)

 

Nothing can zap the fun out of a day at the water park like a bad sunburn. Move the water park indoors, however, and that chance of sunburn shrinks down to zero! At over 223,000 sq ft, Kalahari is America’s largest indoor water park. 

 

Twisting indoor slides like the Kenya Korkscrew and Stingray are two of the most popular attractions, but there’s plenty of variety to enjoy, like the FlowRider surfing simulator, Grotto swim-up bar, and Splashdown Safari kid’s area. 

 

Volente Beach Water Park (Leander) 

 

With water park passes easily climbing upwards of 50 bucks, Volente offers some welcomed relief for families on a budget. Weekday passes are only $15 a person, and season passes are only $40!

 

While Volente isn’t as large as some of the other parks, there’s still plenty of cool-down fun to be enjoyed. Fans of thrill rides will enjoy slides like Flash Flood and Sidewinder, and kids will love playing at the Gators Crossing obstacle course and floating pirate ship. 

 

Typhoon Texas (Pflugerville)

 

There’s something for everyone at Typhoon Texas, with slides that nearly defy the limits of gravity, as well as colossal water playscapes and relaxing tidal pools. Slides like Duelin’ Daltons promise thrill-seekers a 7-story free fall, and guests in search of something more relaxing are sure to enjoy a float down the Lazy River. 

 

The park also offers private cabana rentals for guests who are looking for a bit more relaxation and privacy with their visit. 

 

Crosswinds Splash Park

There’s no doubt that a day at the water park provides great family fun, but sometimes skipping the parking and locker rental and opting for a staycation can be the more appealing choice. 

 

Whether you’re looking to work on your tan and enjoy a good book, splash around with the kids, or perfect your cannonball, the pool and splash park is the ideal place for Crosswinds residents to cool down on a hot summer day. 

If you’d like to learn more about all the amenities Crosswinds has to offer and find your dream home, contact our team today.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Beat the Heat: Indoor Activities for Hot Summer Days

Between sunset concerts, movies in the park, family vacations, and Fourth of July fireworks, there’s plenty to love about summer. As much fun as it can be, however, it can also be brutally hot, and that heat can quickly drain enthusiasm. 

 

On those days when it’s just too hot to venture outside, here are some fun activities to keep the kiddos entertained indoors. 

 

Get Crafty

 

Crafts and art projects are hands down one of the best ways to keep kids entertained during a hot summer day. Supplies are often not too expensive, and kids get to engage their creative side while having fun. 

 

The list of indoor crafts for children is nearly endless, but a few classics your kiddos may want to try include: 

 

  • Dreamcatchers
  • Sponge water bombs
  • Seashell, button, or macaroni picture frames
  • Paper mache balloons
  • Water gun painting
  • Watermelon lip scrub
  • Oil and glitter sensory bottles

 

Cook Up Some Fun

 

Cooking is another great activity that engages kids, and creating new recipes can be especially fun for children who like to help out in the kitchen. Summer recipes like making homemade pizza yogurt parfaits, or rainbow fruit skewers (with the occasional mini marshmallow) are great for smaller children, as it allows them to get hands-on without too much mess. 

 

If cooking isn’t really your child’s passion, they may still love indoor activities like setting up a blanket picnic or creating a sundae ice cream bar. 

 

Board Games

 

Board games will always be a classic indoor activity that families can enjoy. Boardgames not only offer a much-needed way for kids to have unplugged fun but also provide an avenue for families to bond and spend time together. 

 

Not only are classic board games like Sorry, Life, Candy Land, Settlers of Catan, and Monopoly fun to play, but can help to lengthen a children’s attention span and even soothe anxiety. 

 

Learn Something

 

A hot (or rainy) summer day can be a great opportunity for kids to get some mental stimulation while on summer break. The Kyle Public Library has a summer reading program with a great selection of books for all age levels. Why not swing by to pick up a few and then set up a reading nook in your home for your child to dive into their book selection?

 

Simple science experiments like making elephant toothpaste or color-changing invisible ink can also be a fun activity for kids. Some of these can get messy though, and best suited to the garage or a space that’s easy to clean up. 

 

Get Active

 

One of the biggest challenges on a hot summer day is finding ways for kids to burn up energy and stay active while indoors. Not to worry, there are several fun ways you can engage your kiddos inside without leaving your home like it was hit by a tornado. 

 

Dance parties are a simple yet fun way to get kids moving. Turn the lights down low, put on a strobe or disco light, and crank up the jams. Indoor obstacle courses can also be a fun way for gets to stay active. An army crawl through a pillow fort, funky feet tape trail, or headstand station against a wall are all fun obstacles for any aspiring ninja warriors. 

Crosswinds residents can beat the heat at our community-exclusive Swimming Pool and Splash Park! Each home within the Crosswinds community is constructed to suit today’s family living needs. If you’d like to learn more, contact our team today.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Events Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

July Events + Activities in Kyle, Texas

With summer in full swing, July is packed full of activities for the entire family. Mark your calendar because there’s something for everyone happening this month in Kyle. 

 

Happenings and Events

 

Grab the sunscreen and a bottle of water, and get outside because there are events happening around Kyle you won’t want to miss! If you haven’t made it down to Kyle Market Days yet, then be sure to stop by the July 13 date. From 8 AM to 1 PM, vendors at Mary Kyle Hartson Park will be selling food, arts and crafts, and farm-to-market items. There will also be live music to go along with a patriotic theme. 

 

If you’re looking for some relief from the Texas heat (and who isn’t?), then Kyle’s Dive-In Movie Night is not not be missed. Families are invited to the James Adkins Pool on July 19 for a 7:30 PM showing of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Along with swimming, there will be raffles, prizes, and outdoor games to round out the fun. 

 

Hobbies 

 

Kyle’s community calendar is full of opportunities to enjoy a variety of hobbies (all in the comfort of air conditioning). Community hobby night happens every Monday at 5 PM and offers visitors to the library a chance to enjoy models, miniatures, board games, card games, and fiber arts. Be sure to stay after for weekly trivia, kicking off at 6:30 PM. 

 

Summer is one of the best times to pick up a new hobby, and teens can take a free juggling workshop on Saturday, July 6, at 1 PM. 

 

Ways to Stay Fit

 

If you’re looking to get active this summer, there are several events happening around Kyle  – all of them free and open to the public! On Tuesday, July 2 and 16, at 6:30 PM, there’s a free Hatha-style yoga class that is open to all ages and skill levels. 

 

If you can’t make one of the yoga classes, then be sure to stop in for the July edition of Kyle’s free nutrition class and walking club. The event takes place July 16 at 10 AM and will cover both tips for healthy eating as well as a walking session. 

 

Something for the Kiddos

 

It’s important that kids stay active both mentally and physically on summer break, and from babies up through teens, there is plenty happening around Kyle for children. 

 

On July 8 at 10:30 AM, parents can enjoy stories and sensory play with their toddlers at the Kyle Public Library, and on July 11, babies can get in on the action with nursery rhymes at the Baby Lapsit event. Older kids and teens will want to check out events like Lego Mania, Pokémon Trainers, and a reptile show happening on July 10 at 2 PM. 

 

Arts

 

Looking to get crafty this summer? From art shows to DIY art classes, a variety of artsy events are happening around Kyle this July:

 

Needless to say, there’s a lot going on and a lot to love about living in Kyle. If you’d like to find your dream home here, reach out to us to learn more about the Crosswinds master-planned community.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Rise and Dine: Exploring Kyle’s Top Breakfast Destinations

A bowl of cold cereal may be fine on a weekday before rushing off to work, but on days with time to spare, breakfast deserves a bit more attention. After all, it is the most important meal of the day. 

 

When it comes to breakfast options, Kyle has something for every appetite, from sweet to savory and everything in between. 

 

Try Something New

 

Snooze: Located at 5140 S FM 1626, Snooze is a relatively new concept on the classic diner, that is quickly building a loyal following of breakfast fans. Playing off the motto “breakfast but different,” patrons can enjoy everything from sweet dishes like bread pudding French toast to more adventurous fare like the garlic avocado miso rice bowl. 

 

Tacos Al Patron – If you’re on the go, then swing by the Tacos Al Patron food truck at 1701 Bebee Road. Hungry morning customers regularly line up to enjoy items like breakfast tacos, empanadas, and gorditas – all cooked fresh with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce. 

 

Something Light 

 

Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Many people don’t want a heavy meal first thing in the morning. If you’re craving something lighter that is delicious and nutritious, then Tropical Smoothie Cafe is calling your name. The national chain offers a near-endless variety of smoothie combinations, as well as breakfast flatbreads and berry bowls. 

 

Summer Moon: If a strong cup of coffee is all you need to start the day, then this coffee shop located at 4217 Benner Road is a must-visit. The Texas-based coffee chain is known for using wood as part of its bean roasting process, and the result is a lineup of light, medium, and dark coffees that pack a mean caffeinated punch. 

 

Pastries and Donuts

 

New World Bakery: For almost 30 years, this local bakery has been providing Kyle residents with a selection of freshly baked artisan breads. Located at 310 Edwards Drive, New World Bakery serves up a range of delicious breakfast goodies like bagels, danishes, croissants, and English muffins. 

 

Shipley Donuts: The donut game is fierce, but Texas-based Shipley Donuts regularly takes top honors, beating out other national chains. If it’s been a while since you sank your teeth into a perfectly soft Shipley donut, then swing by the 4520 Farm to Market location for a classic glazed, chocolate, strawberry, vanilla iced, or one of the many other flavors of donuts. 

 

The Classics

 

Denny’s  – For over 60 years, Denny’s has been America’s diner. If you happen to like your breakfast during the early AM hours, then be sure to stop by the Kyle location at 19020 IH35. The diner serves up the classic Grand Slam breakfast platter, among other dishes, 24/7. 

 

IHOP: When it comes to a stack of flapjacks, you really can’t go wrong with the International House of Pancakes. The Kyle location offers longstanding IHOP favorites like French toast and buttermilk pancakes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Not feeling pancakes? Not to worry, IHOP has a full burger/sandwich menu as well. 

From breakfast to lunch and dinner, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from in Kyle’s ever-expanding restaurant scene. If you’d like to learn more about Kyle and find a home in the master-planned Crosswinds community, reach out to our team today.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun

Day Trip: New Braunfels

From the bustling energy of Austin to the small-town charm of Fredericksburg, there are plenty of reasons to play tourist in the Texas Hill Country. If you haven’t yet made your way down to New Braunfels for a weekend or even a day trip, make a point to check it out this summer. 

 

It’s only a 30-minute drive from Kyle down I-35 S, and there are plenty of places for families and couples to explore. 

 

Cool Down

 

If you’re looking to beat the Texas heat this summer (and who isn’t?), then New Braunfels has some fantastic ways to do so. 

 

One of the biggest draws for the Texas town is the Schlitterbahn Water Park. The park bills itself as “the world’s best waterpark,” and there’s no shortage of slides and pools to back this claim up. The park has over 20 slides, pools, lazy rivers, and other water rides to cool down with. 

 

If you’re looking for a more natural setting when it comes to summer fun on the water, then don’t miss out on tubing the Comal River. Texas Tubes runs daily tubing trips on the river and provides everything from the tubes to the transportation. All you have to do is sit back and relax for the 4-hour float down the river. 

 

Shop, Drink, and Eat

 

No trip to New Braunfels is complete without a stop in the city’s charming downtown area. From local boutiques to hometown eats, here are a few places worth checking out. 

 

Dancing Pony: The clothing boutique located on W. San Antonio Street offers a stylish assortment of both women’s and men’s clothing. If you’re looking to add a new piece to your wardrobe, you’re bound to find it here. 

 

Lot 59: Offering everything from one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces to art and home decor, there’s a 

bit of everything at this local shop. Whether it be vintage records or handcrafted glass art, this is one of the best stores in town to find a unique gift. 

 

2Tarts Bakery – Since 2010, two sisters have owned and operated this local bakery that’s known for fresh desserts, cakes, and pastries – all made from scratch! The menu always has a few special monthly items, as well as customer favorites like red velvet cheesecake brownies. 

 

Huisache Grill – If you’re seeking an intimate date night experience in New Braunfels, then be sure to grab a table at this local restaurant. Housed in a century-old building, the restaurant offers an upscale American menu with items like farm-raised, pan-fried trout, and sirloin steak with a blue cheese butter sauce. 

 

Faust Brewing Company – This spacious beer garden is always a popular spot during the summer months. With plenty of seating, live music, and a delicious selection of German and English-style beers, it’s just the spot to spend a couple hours on a sunny weekend afternoon. 

 

Where to Stay

 

If you plan on staying the night, there are plenty of chain hotels in the area to choose from, but for a more unique experience, check out the Schmitz Bed & Breakfast or the Comal Inn. 

Overlooking the park in downtown New Braunfels, the historic Schmitz B&B is within walking distance of many of the city’s restaurants and shops. 

 

Located on the banks of the Comal River, the Comal Inn offers easy convenience to both downtown New Braunfels as well as The Schlitterbahn Water Park.

Of course, after a weekend getaway, there’s nothing better than coming home to a house you love. To find your dream home, reach out to the Crosswinds team today.

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Amenities Blog Homebuilder Kyle Texas

Meet Our Builders

From the amenities to the community’s carefully designed layout, everything about the master-planned Crosswinds community was executed with a purpose. This, of course, includes the award-winning builders behind the spacious floorplans of each move-in-ready home. 

 

Careful consideration went into choosing each of the six homebuilders below. 

 

Brightland Homes  – In just over three decades, Brightland Homes has emerged as one of the country’s premier home builders, crafting homes in every major metro area in Texas, as well as Phoenix, Nashville, Denver, and Jacksonville. In 2023, the firm earned industry awards in a variety of categories, including “best product design,” “best kitchen,” “best great room,” and “best bathroom.” Brightland currently has 9 homes available in Crosswinds. 

 

Highland Homes – Texans have been enjoying the craftsmanship of Highland Homes for over 40 years, and that continues with the constructed homes in Crosswinds today. The employee-owned company utilizes the best in home design and construction down to the very last detail. The results speak for themselves with 11 Best Architectural Design Awards. Highland currently has 11 homes available in Crosswinds. 

 

MileStone – Once you step into a MileStone-constructed home, it’s easy to see why the firm is now Austin’s largest home builder. The home design outfit offers a wide variety of floorplans, all designed for comfortable living with the amenities and designs that today’s homebuyers are looking for. Crosswinds currently has 4 MileStone-designed homes ready for move-in, all of them with at least 4 bedrooms and a 2-car garage. 

 

Pacesetter – Not to sound like a cliche, but Pacesetter truly does set the pace when it comes to elevated home construction. The brand has roots reaching back over 70 years and continues today to create homes with open and inviting spaces that appeal to both first-time homebuyers, growing families, and active adults. Check out Crosswinds’ available inventory to view floorplans of the six ready-for-move-in Pacesetter homes, ranging from 1,500 to 2,327 square feet. 

 

Pulte Homes – The history of Pulte Homes dates back over 70 years to a single home constructed by founder Bill Pulte. Today, the home builder has homes in over 40 major cities, each one of them designed with the homeowner in mind. Step into a Pulte-designed home, and you’ll find innovative floor plans that incorporate smart technology, versatile living, and thoughtful storage space. Crosswinds currently has 3 Pulte homes ready for move-in, starting in the low $300s. 

 

Perry Homes – Homebuyers will instantly appreciate the planning that was put into the home design by Perry Homes. All of the firm’s homes utilize smart home technology and are designed with open floor plans in a variety of styles. Perry Homes is also committed to being environmentally responsible throughout the building process and using sustainable or recycled materials whenever possible. There are currently 27 Perry Homes available within Crosswinds, ranging from 1,593 to 2,999 square feet. 

If you’re interested in finding the dream home that aligns with your lifestyle, reach out to us today to learn more about our home builders and the available homes in the Crosswinds community.

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Pet Pals: Teaching Kids Pet Responsibility

The old saying that a dog is man’s best friend rings true for children as well. In fact, you could probably apply it to cats, parakeets, hamsters, and maybe even a frog. A pet can bring joy to a child that rivals even the most sought-after toy, and pet ownership can be a wonderful way to teach children responsibility and empathy. 

 

Before you head out to find your child’s new best friend, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

 

Start in Summer

 

There’s really no wrong time of year to get a pet, but summer does have an advantage when it comes to helping children learn to care for their pets. Because children are out of school for the summer, they’ll have more free time to develop good habits of pet responsibility habits, such as cleaning up and feeding pets. 

 

Pet tip* Entering into a new home only to have its owners leave can create separation anxiety for pets. If your family has a vacation on the calendar, consider waiting until after you’ve returned before getting a new furry friend. 

 

Pick the Right Pet

 

Allowing your child to choose their own pet gives them a sense of power, but it’s important that 

parents use good judgment based on the type of pet and the child’s age. A 4-year-old child may love the idea of getting a golden retriever, but they won’t be able to handle that level of responsibility. Something along the lines of a gerbil or goldfish may be a better fit. 

 

Whichever pet wins out, your child must understand the new pet is not a toy. A daily pet responsibility schedule should be addressed before the pet is brought home. Your child needs to understand that just because they’re tired or not in the mood, their pet can’t be ignored but needs to be loved and cared for. 

 

Daily Duties

 

Unless you’ve opted for a pet rock, your pet is going to have some daily needs that will need to be addressed. Whether your family chooses a dog, a cat, or another type of pet, be sure to assign your child responsibilities suitable for their age. 

 

Young children will love scooping dog food into their pet’s bowl or sprinkling fish food in the water, but they shouldn’t be allowed to clean the cat’s litter box. Small children are constantly putting their fingers inside their mouths and rubbing their eyes, so save that job for older kids. 

 

Older children will be able to handle more pet responsibilities, such as taking the dog for a walk, but even then, parents should use their best judgment. Some dogs can pull on a limb with incredible force, so it’s crucial that parents make sure the type of dog they get is a good match with their child. 

One of the things that makes the master-planned Crosswinds community so appealing to pet owners is the amenities available. In addition to the dog park, the community has an expansive trail system that weaves through the community and is perfect for walks with a four-legged friend. To learn more, contact us today.

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Packing Tips and Must-Have Items for Your Summer Trip

Is there really any vacation that embodies the summer experience more than a trip to the beach? Families have been loading up their cars, spreading out on the sand, and soaking up the sunshine amid dashes into the water for generations. 

While there’s not a lot of complexity to enjoying a few days at the beach, a little bit of planning can go a long way. 

Sun Protection Essentials

No matter what beach you visit, packing the right sun protection is key – especially if you have young children in tow. Don’t head to the beach without these essentials. 

  • Waterproof sunscreen (dermatologists recommend SPF 40 or higher for kids)\
  • Sunglasses
  • Hats
  • UV shirts or UV suits
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Sunburn relief cream

When it comes to applying sunscreen, it’s good to apply it at least 10 minutes before heading outside and reapply every two hours, especially if your child is doing a lot of swimming. Pay special attention when applying sunblock to areas more prone to sunburn, like the shoulders, back, nose, neck, and ears. 

Keep Cool

Small children can’t stay out in the sun as long as adults, and providing some relief from the sun’s rays will help to keep everyone more comfortable. Consider bringing a beach canopy that you can set up or renting an umbrella if you’re at a beach that provides them. 

Be sure to also bring along plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy. Soda or sugary drinks may be popular, but water is your best bet when it comes to preventing dehydration. 

Fun in the Sun

It’s easy to have a good time simply splashing in the surf, but beach toys will take the fun to a whole other level. Just don’t make the mistake of taking more toys than you can carry. A good rule of thumb for the kiddos is to remind them that if they want to play with it, then they can help carry it. 

A few classic toys to consider bringing:

  • Sandcastle buckets and shovels
  • Frisbee
  • Kite
  • Skimboard
  • Water guns
  • Floats
  • A mask, snorkel, and flippers

If your beach crew is all about some friendly competition, beach games like volleyball, tidal-ball, spike ball, or a portable cornhole set can provide plenty of fun. 

Keep Things Easy

A relaxing day at the beach should be a simple affair, but that doesn’t mean that items of convenience should be ignored. One of the great things about stopping at those giant beach stores every touristy beach town has is that they’re full of items you don’t think you need until you need them. 

These items may not be essentials, but they’re nice to have:

  • Cooler bags
  • Mesh or waterproof bags
  • Sunglass straps
  • Aloe vera gel
  • Sand remover wipes
  • Insulated water bottles
  • Bug repellant
  • Trash bags
  • Rash guards
  • Beach chairs

The awesome thing about Kyle is that it’s only about 3 and a half hours to Gavelston, and if you’re simply looking for a beach day at the lake, well, that’s only a 10-minute car ride away. Kyle’s easy access to so much that Texas has to offer is one of the things that makes it such a wonderful place to live. 

Until you can get to the beach, you could enjoy a stay at home Sunday at Windy Point Amenity Center, which features a large pool with beach access, shade structures, and a spray park! If you’re looking for a home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about this master-planned community.

Categories
Blog Design Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

May Flowers: Gardening Tips for a Colorful Spring

It’s the dream of many homeowners to have a lush garden that’s bursting with bouquets of colorful flowers. While planting a flower garden can be intimidating for many beginners, it’s surprisingly easy to create a decorative display –  and keep it looking fresh all summer long. 

Here are some simple tips to bring out the bloom in a May flower garden. 

Pick a Sunny Spot

Most flowering plants like either full or at least partial sun, so you’ll want to pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Wherever you choose, be sure to look for a pattern of where and when the sunlight hits. This will help you in choosing which plants will best thrive in the area you’ve chosen. 

You’ll also want to pay attention to how well the soil in the spot drains. If the area is soggy for days after rain, that’s a sign it drains poorly and could drown the roots of any flowers you plant.

Good Soil is Everything

Perfect soil isn’t usually found but rather created. If you have poor soil, you may want to take a test sample to a garden center so they can give you advice on any precise fertilizers you may need. Organic matter and compost though are always a safe bet though, and will greatly improve poor soil. 

If you’re going to be using pots or planter boxes for your flower garden, then be sure to buy high-quality potting soil. 

Choose Your Flowers Wisely

You may love Japanese orchids, but the climate of Central Texas does not. Thankfully, there’s an incredible array of flowers that thrive in this area. The Austin area is in Zone 8b, so you’ll need to choose flowers that have Zone 8 in their ranges.

Texas annuals (these flowers complete their life cycle in a year):

  • Sunflowers 
  • Zinnias
  • Impatiens
  • Pentas

Texas perennials (these flowers come back year after year):

  • Tulips
  • Blackfoot daisy
  • Lantana
  •  Larkspur
  •  Marigolds

Be sure to read the directions on the recommended spacing and soil depth for each flower variety.

Start Small

While you may envision a huge garden that is just waiting for a glossy magazine cover shoot, it’s best to start small. 

Aim for 5 to 8 different types of flowing plants of various heights. This will not only keep things manageable but will help you get a good idea of what you like and what you don’t like. 

Water Right

Flower gardens in this area need a lot of water, so thorough and regular watering is essential. A drip irrigation hose is ideal for flower gardens because it offers slow and steady watering that plant roots can soak up. 

If you don’t have an irrigation hose, then water your flowers towards the base in either the morning or dusk. Avoid watering them directly on the blooms or leaves, as this can create fungus or lead to the petals burning once the sun comes out. 

Planting a flower garden either in planter pots or in the yard can be one of the best ways to add natural beauty to your home. If you’re looking for the perfect home and would like to learn more about the Crosswinds community, contact us today.

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