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When you are looking for a groundcover for shade or partial shade, here's one for your list this spring--Vinca Minor or Periwinkle (common name).
You'll even find this at Monticello (Charlottesville). Yes, if it is in Thomas Jefferson's landscape---it has got to be a winner. Plus, Vinca minor has rich blue flowers in the spring.
Please click on photo to enlarge.
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) announced their most current data (averages for contract interest rates):
30 Year Fixed Interest Rate = 4.73%
15 Year Fixed Interest Rate = 4.46 %
1 Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage = 6.19 %
Source: Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)
During the 76th Annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia, now through April 25th, take time to get re-acquainted with the amazing beauty in the landscapes and gardens now vividly on display. From Albemarle to Winchester, from Alexandria to Westover, from Ashland to Virginia Beach and Williamsburg... Yes, spring is very alive in Virginia.
76th Annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia
(Photos by Dan Bonner, horticulurist and garden enthusiast, 2009.)
The State Arboretum of Virginia; at the University of Virginia's Historic Blandy Experimental Farm; Boyce, VA 22620
Please click on photos to enlarge.
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) announced their most current data (averages for contract interest rates):
30 Year Fixed Interest Rate = 4.70%
15 Year Fixed Interest Rate = 4.46 %
1 Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage = 6.21 %
Source: Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)
Spring at Westover in Charles City County.
Historic Garden Week in Virginia
See over 250 private and public properties and gardens around the Old Dominion.
Sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia.
Westover, facing the James River, was built in 1730 by William Byrd II.
Please click on photos to enlarge.
(Photos, copyright, Dan Bonner, Inc.)
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) announced their most current data (averages for contract interest rates):
30 Year Fixed Interest Rate = 4.73%
15 Year Fixed Interest Rate = 4.49 %
1 Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage = 6.23 %
Source: Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)
In analyzing housing data today, the statistic which may be most significant to both buyers and sellers is the absorption rate of houses sold per month in a particular neighborhood or community. Simply, the number of houses sold per month is the quantity sold divided by the given period (month).
For the first quarter of 2009, there were 191 "traditional re-sale" houses sold in Alexandria, including condos, attached properties, and detached properties. The data comes from the Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS). I have conducted this analysis to focus on sales other than those of reo (bank-owned) properties and pre-foreclosure (short sale) properties.
Over time, increased sales of "traditional re-sale" houses and a 5 to 6 months supply should be a barometer of more stabilization.
Presently, the number of "Actively" listed houses in the Alexandria survey is 442, or 442 available homes for sale. With 64 houses selling per month (average), the current monthly supply "on the market" is 6.90.
As a note: A 6-month supply is referenced as an indicator of a "balanced" market. Less than a 6-month supply is a "seller's" market; more than 6 months supply would mean a "buyer's" market.
Thus, "things" could be better...but, they are not bad.
Lastly, please note that more individualized data, based on housing styles and specific neighborhoods, would generate more reliable information to any current individual buyer or seller.
(Article content solely that of Dan Bonner, 2009; data source is MRIS.)
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(Photo by Dan Bonner, horticulurist and garden enthusiast, 2009.)
