Spring is fast approaching and with it comes a chance to freshen up your outdoor space for the warmer weather.
“It’s getting to the point in the year where people want to start planning their projects,” says Darcy Hope from Evergreen Exhibitions, host of the fifth annual Victoria Early Spring Home Expo, Feb. 22 to 24. “It’s good to be prepared to get a move on when spring arrives.”
The changing season is a great opportunity to turn your attention to the yard and exterior of your home and make some much-needed repairs or upgrades.
1. Consider a robotic lawn mower
Like a Roomba for your yard, robotic lawn mowers take all the work out of lawn maintenance.
“Robotic lawn mowers are definitely the cool new thing nowadays,” says Darcy. “You set a wire perimeter and it stays within and does its thing.”
They have safety features that turn off the blade when objects get close to prevent injury to pets and people.
Plus, since the grass clippings are much smaller than those of a traditional lawn mower, there’s no need to clean them up and they return moisture and nutrients into the soil more quickly. It’s a great way to keep your lawn looking great even when you’re away.
2. Add a fire pit or grill
A fire pit – whether traditional or propane – can give your backyard a focal point. It’s a great way to keep enjoying the green space long after the sun has set.
“There’s a locally made and designed outdoor fire grill for camping that’s going to be at the show this year,” says Darcy. “It’s nice to get something that’s made in Port Alberni rather than mass produced.”
3. Paint your exterior
Been awhile since you had a fresh coat? While conventional wisdom says that you should wait for hot weather to paint, Victoria is warm enough in the spring for many types of exterior paints.
And remember, the closer you are to the ocean, the more frequently you should repaint your home to protect it from the elements. Get a jump on this task so you don’t spend another season looking at cracked, peeling paint.
4. Visit the Victoria Early Spring Home Expo
Home shows are a great place to find inspiration if you’re looking to spruce up your home, and the Victoria Early Spring Home Expo is the first of the year.
“Curbing, landscaping, heat pumps, roofing – you name it, it’s there,” says Darcy. “This is a one-stop shop for anything and everything you could need for your house.”
See more than 100 vendors showing off the latest and greatest in home improvement. The show is free to enter and gives you a chance to win the door prize, a $200 gift card to a local restaurant.
“Many exhibitors offer show discounts for products and services booked right at the show,” Darcy says. “It creates that big-time saving opportunity more than everything.”
The Victoria Early Spring Home Expo takes place Feb. 22 to 24 at Pearkes Rec Centre across from Tillicum Mall and ADMISSION IS FREE!
Visit Friday, Feb. 22 from 1 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.