Spring/Summer 2025
Santa Cruz / Monterey Country to Coast
Spring/Summer 2025
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Features
Transform Your Garden Blending style, functionality and sustainability.
8 Home Fashion for 2025 Blending style, functionality and sustainability.
14 This Year’s Outdoor Design Trends Design trends reflecting our connection with nature.
20 Accessory Dwelling Units A how to guide for Santa Cruz County.
30 Simple Ways to Get Ready to Sell
Curb appeal is your home’s first impression.
32 Top 10 Mosquito-Repelling Plants for the Outdoors Create a natural and effective environment.
42 4 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
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Contents
12
Transform Your Garden ... 8, 10 Sea, Sand and Sage Design Pantones ... 12
18
Home Fashion for 2025 ... 14 2025 Interior Design Predictions ... 16 The Top 8 Container Vegetables to Grow on the Central Coast ... 18 This Year’s Outdoor Design Trends ... 20, 22 Coastal Home Real Estate ... 27 Santa Cruz 2025 Market Snapshot ... 28
16
Accessory Dwelling Units ... 30 Simple Ways to Get Your Home Ready to Sell ... 32 Gold Hour Glow Design Pantones ... 34 Natural Light Can Increase Comfort in Your Home ... 36
36
42
Fourteen Million Tons of Plastic are Dumped Into the Ocean Each Year ... 38 Advertisers Directory 2025 ... 40-41 Steak Kebabs with Orzo Recipe ... 42 Learn to Love Your Laundry ... 44
44 6 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
Top 10 Mosquito Repelling Plants ... 46
Art Materials & Picture Framing Family owned and operated since 1968!
Legendary local artist Jim Phillips, long time customer and friend, framed his documentary poster with our framing department.
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IN THE GARDEN
Transform Your Garden
Using These 8 Award-Winning Plants and Products As winter turns into spring, it’s time for gardeners to consider which plants they’ll cultivate in planters, pots and gardens. If you’re in the midst of planning your garden and need inspiration, Green Thumb Award-winning products are a great place to get inspiration. The Green Thumb Award is an annual competition recognizing outstanding and innovative new plants and garden products. Winners are selected through two categories: the People’s Choice Award, voted on by the public, and the Professional Choice Award, determined by a panel of expert horticulturists from the National Garden Bureau (NGB). Whether you’re a novice or an old pro, check out these 8 remarkable plants and tools that can help you take your gardening to the next level in 2025. 1. Calibrachoa Abstract Lemon Cherry The Abstract Lemon Cherry Calibrachoa is the newest addition to the series. It dazzles with vibrant golden-yellow blooms accented by a bold cherry-red splash, making it an irresistible choice for any garden. Designed with a controlled, semi-trailing growth habit, this lovely annual variety is perfectly suited for hanging baskets and combinations. 2. Broccoli Purple Magic F1 Purple Magic is the first purple-stem, purple-headed broccoli in the world! These nutritious large, dome-shaped heads weigh about 1 pound each and are very high in anthocyanin - a plant-based chemical called a flavonoid thought to be useful in preventing cancer and inflammation. This annual grows well in all regions of the U.S. and matures about 90 days after harvest from transplant. 3. Philodendron Prismacolor‚ Orange You Gorgeous Winner of both the People’s Choice and Professional’s Choice awards in the houseplant category, this tropical philodendron is a living kaleidoscope of citrus-inspired colors with a warm orangey glow reminiscent of a sunrise over a tropical grove. Its elongated, spade-shaped leaves emerge with a mottled bright orange color, then slowly fade to a marbled tapestry of gold and green, brightening your space even in the dim days of winter. 4. Butterfly Bush Little Rockstars Red Check out the Butterfly Bush Little Rockstars Red, a People’s Choice-winning perennial that is part of a new compact series of Buddleia. Its beautiful, large, cone-shaped inflorescences are perfect for small pot production, offering a complete color assortment and all-season flowering. 5. Hydrangea FlowerFull Smooth The FlowerFull Smooth Hydrangea stands out with bold blooms and sturdy upright stems that won’t flop in the wind and rain. With two to three times more blooms per season than other smooth hydrangeas, this perennial shrub makes an outstanding focal point plant for your garden. Disease-resistant, low-maintenance, and maturing at just 3 to 4 feet tall, it’s the perfect choice for small and big landscapes. 6. Cosmos Sea Shells Red Cosmos Sea Shells Red is a charming and unique flower that brings a Continued on page 10 ... 8 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
delightful touch to any garden. This Professional’s Choice winner is known for its distinctive, tubular petals that resemble seashells. Its beautiful palette of soft pinks and whites adds a romantic flair to flower beds and arrangements. The blooms also make excellent cut flowers and offer a long vase life (7-10 days) that ensures that you can enjoy their beauty indoors as well. 7. Hellebore JWLS Endless Hellebores are a must-have plant for gardeners wishing to join in on this year’s Garden of Nostalgia and Romance design trend. This plant was selected as a Professional’s Choice winner for its abundant and long-lasting blooms and features glossy, dark green foliage topped with upward-facing flowers that start out green and transition to a beautiful white. 8. Basil Everleaf Lemon Basil Everleaf Lemon is the first lemon basil bred for this collection, which features basil plants that are tall, upright and highly branched, offering plenty of harvest potential. This particular annual is very late to flower – up to eight weeks later than standard basil - so you can enjoy its tasty leaves all season long. Its bright lemon flavor is a perfect addition to dressings, marinades and fresh salads. This versatile plant performs well in ground and in patio containers. Whether you choose one (or all) of these extraordinary plants and products, your indoor and outdoor green spaces will be sure to please and impress. To learn more, visit NGB.org.
10 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
Spring/Summer 2025
Visit our website for all things Home & Garden in Santa Cruz County! www.coastalhomeandgarden.com
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Spring/Summer 2025 Coastal Home & Garden 11
INSIDE THE HOME
Sea, Sand and Sage
Fresh Ways to Style Your Coastal Home blue that energizes a space without overwhelming it. It’s ideal for adding pops of color and bringing the outdoors inside. Incorporate Aquamarine through accent pieces like throw pillows, vases, or a statement piece of coastal artwork. In the kitchen, consider aquamarine bar stools or a mosaic backsplash that channels the sparkle of sunlit waves. Bedrooms and bathrooms, in particular, shine with touches of this breezy hue—try an aquamarine quilt at the foot of your bed, or towels that add a splash of ocean color to an otherwise neutral bathroom. For the adventurous, painting a piece of furniture—like a vintage dresser or a kitchen island—in aquamarine can serve as a playful yet refined focal point. 3. Ground the Look with Sage Green Sage Green is the perfect anchor to balance the brightness of Bleached Sand and the energy of Aquamarine. Reminiscent of coastal succulents and windswept sagebrush, this earthy green is soothing and versatile. Living on California’s Central Coast means being surrounded by nature’s finest palette: misty mornings, golden beaches, and vibrant ocean blues. For homeowners looking to refresh their spaces this year, Pantone’s coastal-inspired shades—Bleached Sand, Aquamarine, and Sage Green—offer a perfect starting point. These serene hues echo the landscape outside your window, creating interiors that feel timeless, fresh, and deeply connected to the sea. Here’s how to incorporate these beautiful colors into your coastal home for a look that feels both effortless and sophisticated. 1. Set the Foundation with Bleached Sand Bleached Sand is a soft, natural neutral that instantly brings warmth and brightness to any room. Think of it as the color of sun-drenched driftwood or windswept dunes—subtle yet full of character. Start by using Bleached Sand on your walls or large furniture pieces. Painted walls in this tone create a calm, expansive feeling, making your spaces seem larger and airier—perfect for those cozy seaside cottages and open-plan beach homes alike. If a full repaint isn’t in the cards, look for oversized area rugs, linen curtains, or slipcovered sofas in this inviting hue. Layering Bleached Sand through textures like woven baskets, jute rugs, and unfinished woods will reinforce the relaxed, beachy feel. 2. Add Splashes of Aquamarine Aquamarine captures the lively spirit of the ocean—a cool, refreshing
12 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
Use Sage Green on built-ins, cabinetry, or trim work for a sophisticated, organic feel. A sage-hued front door can offer an inviting welcome while blending beautifully with the surrounding landscape. Indoors, incorporate sage textiles such as bed linens, upholstered chairs, or window treatments. In the garden or patio, pots painted in soft sage hues, paired with native plants like lavender, agave, and coastal rosemary, extend your coastal color story outdoors. For a more subtle touch, woven sage-green throw blankets, pottery, or ceramic tiles can hint at this earthy tone without committing to a full room makeover. 4. Bring it All Together The magic happens when you thoughtfully layer these three colors throughout your home. Start with Bleached Sand as your backdrop, layer in touches of Aquamarine to add movement and energy, and finish with Sage Green to bring balance and a connection to the land. Natural materials – like reclaimed wood, rattan, stone, and linen—enhance the organic feel of the palette. Incorporate plenty of light through open windows and minimal window treatments to let the Central Coast sunshine do its work. Add final coastal accents like driftwood sculptures, seashell collections, and nautical textiles to tie everything together. By weaving together Bleached Sand, Aquamarine, and Sage Green, you create a serene and welcoming space that feels like a natural extension of the Central Coast’s breathtaking landscape—a home where the beauty of the coast is celebrated, inside and out.
INSIDE THE HOME
Home Fashion for 2025
Coastal Living with Style and Sustainability 3. Soft and Serene Coastal Color Palettes The color trends of 2025 lean towards soft, nature-inspired hues that reflect the coastal surroundings. Shades of sandy beige, warm taupe, soft blues, and seafoam greens dominate interior spaces, creating a tranquil, beachy ambiance. Rather than bold, nautical themes, homeowners are choosing subtle coastal influences with muted tones, layered textures, and organic patterns. This shift brings a more modern, timeless appeal to coastal home design. 4. Multi-Functional Outdoor Spaces Outdoor living areas continue to be a priority for coastal homeowners in 2025. With more people embracing al fresco dining and entertaining, patios and decks are being designed as true extensions of the home.Pergolas, retractable awnings, and outdoor kitchens make it easy to enjoy the fresh sea breeze year-round. Fire pits, built-in seating, and cozy nooks create inviting gathering spaces, while native coastal plants and low-maintenance landscaping ensure a harmonious connection with the environment. As we move into 2025, homeowners in coastal towns like Santa Cruz and Monterey County are embracing design trends that blend style, functionality, and sustainability. Whether you’re updating your beachfront retreat or refreshing your seaside cottage, here are the top home trends shaping coastal living this year. 1. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Homes With growing environmental awareness, sustainable living is at the forefront of home design. In 2025, coastal homeowners are prioritizing energy-efficient solutions, such as solar panels, smart home systems, and eco-friendly building materials. Reclaimed wood, bamboo flooring, and recycled glass countertops are popular choices that enhance the beauty of a home while reducing its ecological footprint. Additionally, water conservation is a major focus, with rainwater harvesting systems, drought-resistant landscaping, and smart irrigation technology helping homeowners maintain lush outdoor spaces without excess water waste. 2. Natural and Organic Design Elements Coastal homes in 2025 are shifting toward a more organic aesthetic, bringing natural materials indoors for a relaxed, earthy feel. Think linen upholstery, rattan furniture, jute rugs, and handcrafted ceramic décor. These textures create a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere that aligns with the laid-back coastal lifestyle. Stone countertops, raw wood beams, and indoor plants further enhance this connection to nature. Homeowners are also opting for large windows and sliding glass doors that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living, maximizing ocean views and natural light.
14 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
5. Smart Home Technology for Coastal Conditions Advancements in smart home technology are making coastal living more convenient and secure. Homeowners are investing in automated climate control systems that adjust humidity levels to prevent mold and salt damage. Smart security systems with remote access provide peace of mind, especially for those with vacation homes. Voice-activated lighting, motorized shades, and energy-efficient appliances are also gaining popularity, helping homeowners reduce energy consumption while enhancing their comfort. 6. Coastal-Inspired Minimalism While coastal homes have traditionally embraced a relaxed, lived-in aesthetic, 2025 sees a shift toward a more minimalist approach. The focus is on decluttering, incorporating built-in storage, and embracing quality over quantity. Instead of overly themed décor, homeowners are opting for curated, meaningful pieces that evoke a sense of place. Subtle nods to the ocean— such as driftwood accents, abstract seascape art, and woven textiles—add character without overwhelming the space. Embracing the Future of Coastal Living In 2025, coastal home design is all about blending sustainability, functionality, and natural beauty. By incorporating these trends, homeowners can create spaces that are both stylish and practical, enhancing their connection to the ocean while embracing modern comforts. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or making small updates, these trends will help you craft a home that feels fresh, timeless, and perfectly suited to coastal living.
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INSIDE THE HOME
2025 Interior Design Predictions
Cool Tones, Organic Textures and Soft Geometries
Style is an expression of one’s individuality, rooted in the confidence to trust personal instincts and create a world of beauty, rather than pursuing fleeting trends. It’s about celebrating all the nuances that define uniqueness - from the fashion one wears and the food they savor, to the way they design their home. True style is singular, impossible to replicate, and utterly incomparable. Brizo¬Æ Kitchen & Bath Company exemplifies this credo, setting the standard for style and innovation through every collection. Design’s Cool Turn The runways of top designers influence more than just fashion - they shape how individuals express themselves. From the clothes they are drawn to, to the choices made when designing a space, it all reflects personal style. Building on this influence, upcoming collections that have graced the Spring/Summer 2025 runways show that bold, cool tones are taking over. This can translate into the home by combining cool tones and metal finishes, with warm stone veining or natural wood accents. This approach creates a harmonious blend of contrast and cohesion, infusing the home with runway-inspired sophistication. Textured Renaissance Connecting the indoors to nature is a timeless design philosophy, but 2025 will take this concept to a new level through the incorporation of texture-
16 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
rich elements. Think irregularities in patterns that evoke topography, like a burl wood side table, or raw, earthen stone pieces. These varied textures and organic design elements create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, offering a space that mirrors the unparalleled beauty of nature. Modern Industrial Flair To add an industrial flair to modern design, blend soft geometrical influences with raw elements and mixed finishes. The Litze¬Æ SemiProfessional Faucet by Brizo, featuring intricate knurling and expanded finishes, including the split Matte Black / Brilliance¬Æ Luxe Steel, exemplifies this trend by adding dimension to minimalist spaces. Similarly, the Brilliance¬Æ Polished Nickel handle found on Jason Wu for Brizo‚Ñ¢ Kitchen faucets draws inspiration from the base of Jason Wu’s mannequins, while the Matte White finish exemplifies a timeless quality. This design approach balances simplicity with bold industrial touches, empowering homeowners to express their character through modern design and style. Regardless of the choices made when designing a space, the cornerstone of success is remaining authentic to one’s individual style and selfexpression. Just like in the world of fashion, interior design offers the freedom to exercise creative license and personal choices, allowing homeowners to reimagine spaces with confidence.
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IN THE GARDEN
The Top 8 Container Vegetables to Grow on the California Central Coast
The Central Coast is an ideal region for growing vegetables in containers, thanks to its mild temperatures, coastal breezes, and long growing season. Whether you have a small patio, balcony, or limited garden space, container gardening allows you to cultivate fresh produce year-round. Here are the top eight vegetables best suited for container gardening in this coastal climate. 1. Cherry Tomatoes Cherry tomatoes thrive in containers, especially in the Central Coast’s warm days and cool nights. Choose a compact, determinate variety like ‘Tiny Tim’ or ‘Patio Princess.’ Use a pot at least 12 inches deep with a sturdy cage or stake for support. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the container in a sunny spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight. 2. Lettuce Lettuce grows quickly and is perfect for container gardening. Loose-leaf varieties such as ‘Buttercrunch’ and ‘Red Sails’ do well in the mild coastal climate. Use a shallow container (6–8 inches deep) and plant seeds in welldraining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent bolting. 3. Peppers Both sweet and hot peppers flourish in containers, making them a great choice for Central Coast gardeners. Varieties like ‘Jalapeño,’ ‘Mini Bell,’ and ‘Shishito’ perform well in 5-gallon pots with good drainage. Place the container in full sun, as peppers require warmth to produce abundant fruit. 4. Kale Kale is a nutrient-rich, hardy green that grows well in the Central Coast’s cool and foggy conditions. Varieties such as ‘Lacinato’ (Dinosaur Kale) and ‘Red Russian’ are great for containers. Use a deep pot (at least 10 inches) and ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew. Harvest leaves as needed, allowing the plant to continue producing. 5. Radishes Radishes are fast-growing root vegetables that thrive in containers. They
18 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
mature in as little as 3–4 weeks, making them perfect for succession planting. Varieties like ‘French Breakfast’ and ‘Cherry Belle’ grow well in shallow pots (6 inches deep). Keep the soil evenly moist for crisp, mild-flavored radishes. 6. Green Beans Bush beans and pole beans can both be grown in containers. Bush varieties like ‘Blue Lake’ work well in pots, while pole beans need a trellis for support. Choose a container at least 12 inches deep and place it in full sun. Water consistently to encourage a high yield. 7. Carrots Carrots can be grown successfully in deep containers filled with loose, well-draining soil. Shorter varieties like ‘Parisian’ or ‘Thumbelina’ are ideal for pots. Avoid heavy soil, and keep the container evenly moist to prevent misshapen roots. 8. Herbs (Bonus Pick!) While not a vegetable, herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro thrive in containers and complement any vegetable garden. They require minimal space and can be grown alongside other vegetables to deter pests and enhance flavor. Container Gardening Tips for the Central Coast • Use High-Quality Potting Mix: A well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix will help plants thrive. • Water Regularly: The coastal breeze can dry out soil quickly, so monitor moisture levels. • Choose the Right Containers: Ensure pots have drainage holes and are appropriately sized for each plant. • Provide Support When Needed: Staking or trellising can help plants like tomatoes and beans grow properly. • Rotate Crops: Change plant locations seasonally to prevent soil depletion and pests. With the right selection of vegetables and proper care, your container garden on the Central Coast can provide a bountiful harvest year-round. Happy gardening!
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Spring/Summer 2025 Coastal Home & Garden 19
OUTSIDE THE HOME
This Year’s Outdoor Design Trends
Americans are spending more time in their outdoor spaces Рand want to maximize those spaces. Studies show that nearly 90% of homeowners consider their outdoor areas to be important to their health and wellbeing. Design trends reflect that people are showing more interest in connecting with nature in their own backyard and enjoying the comforts of indoor living while gathering outdoors. This means creating environments that are comfortable, multifunctional and cost-effective. The outdoor design experts at Belgard®, the trusted leader in hardscape solutions from pavers to retaining walls, share exclusive insights into 2025 outdoor design trends to help homeowners plan their dream outdoor spaces. Privacy and spaces of solitude As property footprints continue to shrink year over year, homeowners are looking for aesthetically pleasing ways to incorporate more privacy from neighbors or their surroundings. Decorative screen panels, pergolas, built-in planters and other structures can add elements of both beauty and functionality that provide a sense of solitude, even in urban environments. Sound gardens and water features can further enhance a feeling of solitude by adding audible privacy from neighbors or street traffic.
20 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
For example, even a simple fountain or water bowl can enhance the ambiance and help muffle sound. Shifting back to classic style While minimalism remains a popular trend, there’s also been a shift back to a more classic style in indoor and outdoor home design. Mixed materials and warm colors such as beige and sepia are re-emerging, which lend themselves to a more traditional aesthetic. With modular options from Belgard, a mix of different materials with multiple textures and sizes can create limitless possibilities while keeping with a classic design aesthetic. Because they’re available in many styles, shapes, and sizes designed to work together, a variety of paver patterns can be combined seamlessly to achieve any desired overall look. Convenience in design As outdoor spaces are now a must-have for homeowners, they must be convenient to access and offer the same amenities as the home’s indoor spaces. Homeowners are looking for their outdoor space to transition easily from the house to the built environment while offering the same modern conveniences of lighting, eating, Wi-Fi, quality furnishing and accessories. Continued on page 22 ...
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By designing outdoor environments that support their health and wellness, individuals can cultivate spaces that provide a retreat in their own backyard to improve their quality of life. Value-added features In every metro area, property sizes are smaller than ever. With this shift plus budget considerations, homeowners want to maximize small spaces through modular components that serve multiple purposes, like built-in seat walls, fire features, water features and planters that seamlessly blend into a living space - offering both functionality and visual appeal.
Health and wellness Using outdoor spaces to improve your well-being is a top focus for many people today. Americans are looking to be more balanced and in harmony with their environment, favoring the use of native plants and sustainable materials like permeable pavers, which promote better water drainage and reduce environmental impact. Gardening is also a popular hobby that helps improve people’s feeling of well-being, so enthusiasts can opt for raised garden beds or planters to pursue their growing goals in their outdoor spaces.
22 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
Homeowners can get creative with outdoor spaces with the right hardscape materials. For example, a small space can be transformed into a lush oasis by adding a vertical garden, or underutilized spaces like side or front yards can become cozy sitting areas. Even a small patio can serve as an al fresco dining space, and it doesn’t take a lot to add an outdoor workstation with the right tools and tech. Patio pavers and wall units help define spaces, making them serve more than one purpose for any household. These strategic investments not only increase the functionality and enjoyment of outdoor areas but also significantly boost curb appeal and the home’s property value, making them a smart choice for homeowners looking to maximize their limited spaces. To find inspiration for any outdoor space, visit Belgard.com.
Spring/Summer 2025 Coastal Home & Garden 23
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26 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
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REAL ESTATE
Spring/Summer 2025 Coastal Home & Garden 27
REAL ESTATE
Santa Cruz 2025 Market Snapshot Santa Cruz County Housing Statistics DĂƌĐŚ ϮϬϮϰ͗ ^ĂŶƚĂ ƌƵnj ŽƵŶƚLJ Ͳ ^ŝŶŐůĞ &ĂŵŝůLJ ZĞƐŝĚĞŶƚŝĂů ǀŐ͘ KD
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$1,554,375 $678,500 $611,250
$1,442,500 $773,500 $585,000
$823 $440 $464
102% 93% 101%
$18,652,500 $2,714,000 $3,667,500
1,963 1,511 1,426
7,884 11,228 13,351
2.4 1.1 2.5
90
$832,666
$940,000
$407
99%
$2,498,000
1,956
24,858
4.4
27
$1,636,833
$1,675,000
$570
97%
$4,910,500
3,303
2,112,050
2
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Aptos Ben Lomond Boulder Creek Brookdale Capitola Corralitos Felton Freedom La Selva Beach Los Gatos Mount Hermon Santa Cruz Scotts Valley Seacliff Soquel Watsonville
14 1 13 2 4 2 8 0 0 6 1 34 10 0 5 11
25 6 19 3 6 4 16 0 4 8 1 50 11 1 7 24
12 4 6 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 22 6 0 1 10
35 39
$1,351,613 $1,623,766
$1,250,000 $1,464,500
$1,067 $754
104% 103%
$29,735,500 $9,742,600
1,460 2,323
21,422 40,177
2.7 2.4
53 39
$1,365,000 $910,000
$1,365,000 $727,000
$601 $574
96% 98%
$1,365,000 $9,100,000
2,272 1,496
5,053 178,169
3.5 2.3
Summary
111
185
67
51
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$1,250,000
$574
99%
$82,385,600
1,968
268,244
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Aptos Boulder Creek Capitola La Selva Beach Santa Cruz Scotts Valley Soquel Watsonville
6 0 4 2 8 5 1 7
17 2 5 2 13 3 4 12
5 3 6 0 5 2 2 3
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24 56 15
$982,400 $601,333 $762,416
$880,000 $639,000 $736,250
$713.00 $542.00 $729.00
99% 99% 100%
$4,912,000 $1,804,000 $4,574,500
1,225 1,136 1,015
1,982 1,264 1,231
3.4 1.2 1.3
12 58 109 18
$650,000 $885,000 $1,362,500 $579,333
$525,000 $885,000 $1,362,500 $638,000
$778.00 $633.00 $804.00 $502.00
99% 102% 100% 103%
$3,250,000 $1,770,000 $2,725,000 $1,738,000
852 1,405 1,694 1,181
6,645 1,263 1,335 1,307
2.4 1.5 4 4
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Santa Cruz County Housing Statistics March 2025: Santa Cruz County - Single Family Residential City
New
Inventory
Sold
Aptos Ben Lomond Boulder Creek Brookdale Capitola Corralitos Felton Freedom La Selva Beach LOS GATOS Mount Hermon Santa Cruz Scotts Valley Soquel Watsonville
37 8 16 4 11 1 16 2 1 16 0 67 19 6 17
59 13 37 4 13 3 27 1 10 32 1 95 22 10 40
16 2 7 1 4 0 1 0 1 6 0 28 6 7 14
Summary
221
367
93
Avg. DOM
Avg. Sale Price
Median Sale Price
Median $/Sqft
% LP Rec'd
Sale Volume
Avg. Home Sq. Ft.
Avg. Lot Sq. Ft.
Months of Inventory
30 7 68 28 41
$1,770,437 $1,396,000 $677,000 $795,000 $2,575,000
$1,671,000 $1,396,000 $600,000 $795,000 $2,175,000
$868 $454 $484 $745 $1,672
98% 101% 97% 99% 97%
$28,327,001 $2,792,000 $4,739,000 $795,000 $10,300,000
1,952 3,141 1,483 1,067 1,507
10,259 59,982 13,952 10,019 7,558
5.7 4.9 5.6 12 7.8
5
$725,000
$725,000
$589
93%
$725,000
1,230
7,013
8.1
158 40
$1,349,900 $1,513,833
$1,349,900 $1,454,500
$815 $599
100% 94%
$1,349,900 $9,083,000
1,656 2,670
5,750 145,498
15 7.4
38 14 11 67
$1,647,232 $1,991,666 $1,810,750 $864,785
$1,712,500 $1,812,500 $1,535,000 $801,000
$977 $754 $808 $659
101% 102% 98% 105%
$46,122,500 $11,950,000 $12,675,250 $12,107,000
1,749 2,704 2,311 1,217
29,994 6,725 11,410 25,486
3.9 3.7 3.3 4.4
$1,425,250
$750
99%
$140,965,651
1,891
27,804
6.8
42
$
1,426,384
March 2025: Santa Cruz County - Common Interest Development City
New
Inventory
Sold
Aptos Boulder Creek Capitola La Selva Beach Santa Cruz Scotts Valley Soquel Watsonville
12 0 10 2 17 9 1 7
32 3 11 3 32 12 4 19
8 0 4 1 12 4 1 1
Summary
58
116
31
Avg. DOM
Avg. Sale Price
Median Sale Price
Median $/Sqft
% LP Rec'd
Sale Volume
Avg. Home Sq. Ft.
Avg. Lot Sq. Ft.
Months of Inventory
32
$1,123,375
$1,007,500
$778.00
104%
$8,987,000
1,303
2,570
7.4
25 28 26 31 7 137
$874,500 $260,000 $765,375 $1,126,125 $675,000 $658,000
$804,500 $260,000 $747,550 $1,181,250 $675,000 $658,000
$803.00 $309.00 $659.00 $547.00 $731.00 $634.00
100% 93% 99% 100% 100% 96%
$3,498,000 $260,000 $9,184,500 $4,504,500 $675,000 $658,000
1,001 842 1,067 2,012 924 1,038
806 1,258 1,603 1,002
2.5 9 2.7 3.3 6 6.3
41
$783,196
$747,550
$659
99%
1,170
1,448
5.3
Data provided by MLS Listings, Inc. and compiled by the Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS®
28 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
$
27,767,000
beach house, ocean views
Buyers are dreaming searching finding buying Ready to live the life you’ve been dreaming of ? Give yourself every advantage. Buying or selling, relocating or downsizing, your needs are as unique as your home. Contact Amber today for a no obligation consultation or FREE home value estimate delivered to your front door AMBER MELENUDO
TOP 1% PRODUCING AGENT 831.566.2263 AmberMelenudo.com ambermelenudo@gmail.com DRE 01921098
REAL ESTATE
Accessory Dwelling Units
A How to Guide for Santa Cruz County
Following are the steps from daydream to completion of your ADU or Junior ADU. An overview of the process can be helpful for understanding what to expect from the design, permitting, and construction phases of the project. Pre-Application Phase • Use the GIS tool to determine the eligibility of your parcel and the maximum size ADU you could build. • Consult the ADU Financing Guide to estimate your ballpark costs. • Call or Email the Zoning Counter to discuss options as well as any constraints or site-specific factors (steep slopes, double frontages, agricultural buffer setbacks, existing accessory structures, septic systems, etc.) that could require additional consideration. This step will help you avoid surprises after investing time and money into a building design. • If your home relies on a septic system for sanitation, consult with the Environmental Health Department about the capacity of your existing system. Reach the Zoning Counter by calling or emailing: Zoning Info Line (831) 454-2130 Planning.ZoningInfo@santacruzcountyca.gov Design Phase – Design and Preparation • Will the ADU be built as a New Construction or as a Conversion ADU? Consult the ADU Design Guide for guidance and inspiration. • Consider your options for drafting plans. You could hire a designer or architect, draw your own plans, purchase a set of stock building plans or consider purchasing a manufactured home or pre-fab unit. • Consider your options for building. Will you hire a contractor to build the unit? Will you construct the unit yourself? • Once you select an ADU design option, you can get an estimate of County fees by using the Fee Estimator. • Design your project to minimize stormwater runoff from impervious and semi-impervious surfaces. Construct flatwork like parking areas and patios using pervious pavers, porous concrete, or gravel with a stabilizing grid. These materials allow runoff to infiltrate into the soil which reduces the amount of stormwater runoff. • With your preliminary design, the Building Counter can provide a list of plan submittal requirements.
30 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
Reach the Building Counter by emailing: planning.buildinginfo@santacruzcountyca.gov Permitting Phase – Submit Plans for Building Permit Submit your plans and building permit application using the County’s online ePlan system. Expect 2 rounds of comments/re-submittals; in addition to building plan check, plans are typically reviewed by zoning, environmental planning, the Department of Public Works, and fire districts. Each round of submittal review may take up to 60 days. Record Deed Restriction if Applicable For all properties with JADUs, and for all properties with ADUs except for those permitted between 1/1/20 and 1/1/25, the property owner must reside in either the primary home or the ADU/JADU. Confirmation of a Homeowner’s Tax Exemption is required prior to permit issuance, and a restriction on the property’s deed stating this requirement must be recorded before the Building Permit can be issued. This requirement will apply to all future owners of the property. Obtain Permits and Pay Fees • Obtain your building permit and any other necessary permits. • Pay all fees as required. Fees vary both by size (small units are exempt from certain fees) and by method of construction (Conversion ADUs are not subject to several fees). See the ADU Fee, Cost and Cash Flow calculator and ADU Financing Guide for more information about fee. Construction & Occupancy – Construct Your ADU Complete all Required Building and Environmental Inspections at appropriate stages of the construction process. Occupy your ADU If you will be renting the ADU, the information in ADU Financing Guide: ADUs as Rental Property about how to be a landlord, accepting housing vouchers, etc. may be valuable. Information courtesy of Santa Cruz County: https://cdi.santacruzcountyca.gov/Planning/Housing/ADU/How-ToGuide.aspx
SELLING YOUR HOME
Simple Ways to get Your Home Ready to Sell
Your home’s first big impression is its curb appeal, so if your place needs some sprucing up, you may wonder how you can make some updates without breaking the bank. These 6 ideas are easy on budgets, but they can also greatly impact your home’s exterior image. 1. Paint your front door. As long as your front door is in good condition, there’s no need to replace it completely. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s facade. Go bold or stick with a classic hue –it’s up to you. 2. Dress up the windows. Add character and charm by enhancing your front windows. You might add wooden shutters, window box planters, or both. Also, look at the trim around the windows. If it’s chipped and peeling, adding a fresh coat of paint doesn’t just look nice, it can protect your windows from damage. 3. Install new lighting. Replacing outdated light fixtures can give your exterior an instant upgrade. There’s no right or wrong style; choose a color and look that matches the rest of your design. 4. Pressure wash the drive and walk. Over time, driveways and sidewalks collect an incredible amount of grime. Pressure washing not only eliminates the filth, but the clean surfaces also add to your home’s visual appeal. 5. Add new vegetation. Landscaping is a relatively inexpensive way
32 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
to introduce more personality to a yard. Aim for a mix of pretty and practical, such as some low-flowering bushes and some trees or bushes that offer privacy and shade. Clean up flower beds. An unkempt flower bed can drag down an otherwise stunning home. Keep beds tidy and vegetation trimmed, even during the offseason. Watch for weeds and replenish mulch or rock ground cover to keep the beds looking healthy and inviting. 6. Keep up with basic maintenance. When your home is in poor repair, it shows. Pay attention to bent or rusting gutters, imperfections in the roof and other maintenance matters that aren’t just aesthetic; left unrepaired, they can also result in major damage. 7. Pay attention to details. Functional items like the mailbox might non seem like much of a design element, but these small details can be a big distraction if they’re not in good condition. Update of replace as needed to keep you aesthetic in sync. 8. Add seasonal décor. There’s no need to go all out for every occasion, but some timely decorations that celebrate the holiday or season can make your entry fun and festive. Coordinate wreaths, planers, signs and other accent pieces for a cohesive look that says, “come on in”! Find more affordable ideas for upgrading your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com.
Swenson is pleased to present the Aptos Village Phase 2, a collection of New Homes. 29 units will be offered for Sale. 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans available. All homes come fully equipped with a complete appliance package and select homes feature Ocean Views. Contact the Sales Team for Information on Availability, Pricing, and Tours.
Derek Timm DRE 01386067
Aimee Thayer-Garcia DRE 01846533
(831) 200-9934
www.TheAptosVillage.com
INSIDE THE HOME
Golden Hour Glow
Infuse Your Home With Summer’s Hottest Hues to experiment with these sunny hues. Think buff orange throw pillows scattered across a linen-colored sofa, pastel yellow vases on a driftwood coffee table, or a cozy pastel yellow throw blanket ready to grab on cool summer evenings. Keep your base neutral — whites, creams, and sandy beiges — and let Buff Orange and Pastel Yellow shine through your accents. 3. Brighten Your Kitchen and Dining Areas Nothing feels more inviting than a kitchen that radiates warmth. Incorporate Buff Orange and Pastel Yellow into your kitchen through accessories like ceramic dishes, tea towels, or barstools. A pastel yellow backsplash can look especially stunning against white cabinetry, while buff orange pendant lights or a colorful fruit bowl can tie the space together. For your dining room, consider a centerpiece arrangement featuring summer blooms in both shades, paired with natural wood or rattan accents for that classic Central Coast vibe. Living on California’s Central Coast means waking up to the sea breeze, basking in golden sunlight, and finding inspiration in the natural beauty that surrounds us. This summer, two Pantone shades — Buff Orange and Pastel Yellow — are perfect for infusing your coastal home with warmth, vibrancy, and an effortless sense of style. These colors feel tailor-made for our sun-drenched days and coastal lifestyle, offering the perfect way to refresh your interiors without losing the laid-back charm we all love. Why Buff Orange and Pastel Yellow? Buff Orange is a soft, muted version of classic orange. It captures the warmth of a Central Coast sunset without overwhelming a space. Pastel Yellow, on the other hand, is a buttery, gentle hue that brings to mind fields of coastal wildflowers and sunlit sands. Together, these colors offer an uplifting, sophisticated palette that reflects the natural beauty of our surroundings — cheerful yet breezy, bright but never brash. 1. Create a Cheerful Entryway Your home’s entryway sets the tone for everything beyond the front door. A pastel yellow front door, framed by buff orange potted flowers like marigolds or dahlias, immediately creates a welcoming feel that resonates with the casual elegance of coastal living. Even something as simple as a pastel yellow outdoor rug or a small painted bench can offer a joyful pop of color without too much commitment. 2. Bring the Colors into Your Living Room The living room is the heart of the home, and it’s the perfect space
34 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
4. Transform Bedrooms into a Seaside Retreat Bedrooms on the Central Coast often aim for a serene, resort-like feel, and these colors can elevate that goal. Opt for pastel yellow bedding accented by buff orange decorative pillows or a woven throw at the foot of the bed. Artwork featuring coastal sunsets or abstract pieces in these shades can help anchor the palette without overpowering the room’s natural light. Keep your furniture simple and natural — think reclaimed wood, whitewashed finishes, and soft linen fabrics — to maintain a breezy, effortless feel. 5. Outdoor Spaces That Glow Summer means long afternoons and golden evenings spent outside. Buff Orange and Pastel Yellow are perfect for styling patios, balconies, and backyard lounges. Try adding buff orange cushions to your outdoor chairs, a pastel yellow umbrella over your dining table, or string lights with soft, warm-toned bulbs to reflect the sunset hues. Don’t forget potted plants and fresh flowers — the Central Coast climate is ideal for growing blooms that naturally complement these colors. Buff Orange and Pastel Yellow capture the very essence of summer on the Central Coast: warm, inviting, and naturally beautiful. By weaving these Pantone colors into your home this season, you can embrace the best of coastal living — easy, fresh, and effortlessly vibrant. Whether you go bold with a painted accent wall or keep it subtle with small decor touches, these hues promise to make your home feel like a sunshine-soaked retreat all season long.
INSIDE THE HOME
Natural Light Can Increase Comfort in Your Home
Practical Upgrades to Increase Style and Function a desk – either standing or traditional – then consider additions like an ergonomic chair and keyboard, soft light desk lamp, mood-boosting plants, and a whiteboard to stay organized. Don’t forget to add flairs of personality like artwork, knick-knacks, or photos of loved ones to make it your own. Skylights By improving the overall look and functionality of dark spaces, such as home offices where natural light can improve creativity and productivity, an option like skylights can increase the value of a home, and 55% of new homebuyers rated skylights as desirable or essential, according to research from the National Association of Home Builders. For rooms that need brightening, skylights can free up wall space for storage while adding abundant natural light and increasing ventilation. Over the long term, high-quality skylights can also help reduce carbon emissions and home energy consumption, saving money on household bills, according to Urban Grade. Remote-controlled models can be opened to bring fresh air inside, and with light-filtering or roomdarkening shades, homeowners have maximum control over the exact amount of light they want. Plus, solar-powered shades come in more than 75 colors and patterns, allowing homeowners nearly endless customization options. Backyard Retreat Perfect for hosting friends, dining al fresco, or simply relaxing with the backdrop of nature, 48% of survey respondents cited a backyard retreat as a must-have home amenity. Start with a deck or patio, then customize your outdoor living space to meet your family’s wants and needs. Weather-proof furniture can add comfort while features like outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, fans and lighting can create a connection to your indoor areas that add both style and function.
Whether you’ve purchased a new house or are just looking to invest in what is likely your largest asset, home improvements can make your living space more comfortable, functional, and stylish. Homebuyers are looking for practical home amenities that allow them to live, work, and play – such as dedicated home offices, backyard retreats, home gyms, and more.. Consider these popular upgrade ideas to create a space built for your family’s needs that can also increase resale value down the line. Home Office Many professionals find themselves working remotely, a trend that has continued. 46% of survey respondents listed a dedicated office space as a must-have when purchasing a new home. When creating this space, keep function and efficiency top of mind. Build your home office around
36 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
Walk-In Pantry If you want to add a pantry in your kitchen, you’re not alone. Walk-in pantries found their way onto 48% of respondents’ lists of must-haves. To get started, consider your storage needs to determine the amount of space you’ll require and remember to vary shelving heights to maximize space. Open shelving can also be combined with additional counter space, cabinets, pull-out organizers, and other features to help match the design to the rest of your kitchen. Home Gym Another trend is that home gyms can take on a variety of shapes and sizes, utilizing available space in the garage, basement, a spare bedroom, or even the backyard. Providing more time to fit workouts into your schedule, home gyms can be customized with equipment most important for your lifestyle. From yoga mats, jump ropes, and free weights to treadmills, ellipticals, and benches, and racks, your space, budget and goals can help in the creation or update of a dedicated, in-home workout space.
My Patriot Supply Trusted Self-Reliance
Homeowners Are Using This Revolutionary New Device to Cut Power Bills and Stay Prepared for Outages New Off-Grid Power Solution Helps Homeowners Keep the Lights On—Without Relying on the Grid As electricity costs continue to rise and severe weather wreaks havoc on the power grid, homeowners across the country are turning to a new solution to both cut their electricity bills and make sure they’re never left in the dark. Meet the Grid Doctor 3300 Solar Generator w/ EMP Intercept Technology—a cutting-edge, silent, and fume-free backup power system that works anywhere the sun shines. It’s the first solar generator designed to withstand a true worst-case scenario – an EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) event. And while preparing for disasters is one of its main benefits, it’s also incredibly useful for everyday life. Delivering over 3,300 watts of clean, silent electricity, the Grid Doctor 3300 can run refrigerators, medical devices, power tools, and even space heaters—without a single drop of fuel.
To learn more about how to get your own Grid Doctor 3300 Solar Generator, scan the QR code below, visit or call:
mypatriotgrid.com/power16
1-844-334-8110
A Smarter, Safer Power Solution For decades, backup generators meant dealing with loud, gas-guzzling machines that broke down and needed constant refueling. But the Grid Doctor 3300 is different. It operates silently, produces zero emissions, and is virtually maintenance-free. Best of all, it doesn’t just provide backup power—it helps homeowners reduce their energy bills, too. By harnessing free energy from the sun using the included 200-watt solar panel, families can generate their own electricity, offsetting costly energy bills while staying prepared for power outages.
The Best Time to Prepare is Now The Grid Doctor 3300 is already in thousands of homes across America, helping families stay safe, independent, and prepared.
THE ENVIRONMENT
Fourteen Million Tons of Plastic are Dumped Into the Oceans Each Year 6 Ways you can Help Reduce Waste
SC Johnson, the maker of Windex and other home cleaning brands, is working to turn the tide on ocean plastic waste. To clean up this plastic crisis, it’s not just about individuals being committed to recycling. It’s a collective effort from all of us - individuals, businesses and governments. The ocean plastic crisis: How you can help The problem seems daunting, but if everyone does a little, the changes will make a big difference. Here’s what you can do today to help. Sign the petition. With over 14 million tons of plastic waste dumped in the oceans each year, according to a 2021 report by International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the ocean plastic crisis will not go away on its own, especially when microplastics are in our food chain. Disruptive change is needed, and the solutions can be complex, but we can work together to solve the crisis. Add your voice to this important issue by signing the petition on The Blue Paradox website to help reduce plastic waste.
The world’s oceans are a magical, beautiful ecosystem ... and they also need help - urgently. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, by 2050, there will be more plastic by weight than fish in the ocean. Let that sink in. You may have heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch - a floating island the size of the state of Texas that is made of debris. And it is growing, in no small part because of how much plastic ends up in the oceans. The amount will boggle your mind. The U.N. Environment Program reports that the equivalent of a dump truck’s worth of plastic is dumped into the oceans every minute of every day. And every one of those plastic bottles will take more than 450 years to decompose. The enormity of it is hard to get your mind around. If it makes you wonder what you can do about it, you’re not alone. Plastics are considered to be an essential part of day-to-day life for humans, but overuse threatens the oceans we rely on for survival. It’s called the Blue Paradox. It has grown into a movement to address the global ocean plastic crisis and preserve the environment before it’s too late. “As plastic waste finds its way to the ocean, it impacts all of us and the vast majority of species on our planet,” said Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO of Conservation International, a nonprofit dedicated to improving people’s lives by protecting the oceans, forests and other living ecosystems. “The Blue Paradox brings the ubiquitousness and usefulness of plastic and the permanence and scale of its pollution front-and-center, encouraging individuals and businesses alike to take meaningful action.”
38 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
Sign the pledge. The Blue Paradox website also has a pledge you can take to commit to reducing your plastic footprint. Our actions today can help impact tomorrow. When you sign the pledge, you’ll be kept in the know with information about Blue Paradox’s efforts, and how you’re making a difference. Take the quiz. Wondering about your own plastic footprint? Here’s a quiz (blueparadox.com/en/plastic-waste-crisis) to let you know for sure. Be honest with your answers, and the quiz will calculate the number of pounds per year you contribute to the plastic landscape. Reduce your use of single-use plastic where you can. This is easier than you might think. Small, tangible actions such as avoiding single-use plastics like utensils and coffee cups, and swapping out your single-use plastic water bottles for a reusable one, can make a huge difference. Recycle your plastic. Pop it in the bin! It has never been easier to recycle plastic. Most rigid plastics today are recyclable. One tip: Give yours a quick rinse before tossing it into your recycling bin. Buy products made from recycled plastic. Industry can do well by doing good ... if there’s a market for it. When you’re buying plastic products, look for ones made from recycled plastic. Windex bottles, for example, have been made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic since 2015. Windex also has the industry’s first bottle made with 100% recovered coastal plastic from a major home cleaning brand. Let’s all work together to create a huge market for products made from recycled plastic and watch how quickly we clean up this problem. If everyone - including industry - does their part, we can reduce the amount of plastics in our oceans. A little effort today can ensure a more beautiful tomorrow. For more information, visit the Blue Paradox website at https://www.blueparadox.com/. BPT
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ADVERTISER DIRECTORY 2025 A Tool Shed 3700 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 831.477.7133 www.atoolshed.com Amber Melenudo 627 Capitola Ave, Capitola, CA 95010 831.566.2263 ambermelenudo@gmail.com www.ambermelenudo.com American Leisure Patio 944 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA 95123 408.446.9350 1118 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831.423.2425 www.americanleisurepatio.com Aptos Landscape Supply 5035 Freedom Blvd., Aptos, CA 95003 831.688.6211 erik@aptoslandscapesupply.com www.aptoslandscapesupply.com Atlantis Properties 94 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CA 95003 831.688.1871 info@atlantisproperties.net www.atlantisproperties.net California Custom Sheds 728-I El Camino Real North, Salinas, CA 93907 831.443.6163 www.californiacustomsheds.com Central Home Supply 180 El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831.201.6178 services@centralhomesupply.com www.centralhomesupply.com Coastal Evergreen 4615 Scotts Valley Drive, Suite C, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831.438.4747 info@coastalevergreen.com www.coastalevergreen.com Cypress Coast Fence 836 Walker Street, Watsonville, CA 95076 831.783.1500 office@cypresscoastfence.com www.cypresscoastfence.com
40 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
Decks by DeCamp Watsonville, California 831.888.7353 sales@decksbydecamp.com www.decksbydecamp.com Dominican Hospital Foundation 1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 831.462.7700 givingtodominican@dignityhealth.org www.supportdominican.org Dynamic House Cleaning 5736 Soquel Drive, Soquel, CA 95073 831.662.0656 www.dynamichousecleaning.com Graniterock Supply 303 Coral Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831.471.3400 540 West Beach Street, Watsonville, CA 95076 831.768.2500 www.graniterock.com Interlite Skylights & Windows 3085 Carriker Lane Suite B Soquel, CA 95073 831.462.1700 estimates@interliteinc.net www.interliteskylight.com Interior Vision Flooring & Design 2800 Daubenbiss Ave., Soquel, CA 95703 831.476.8780 www.interiorvision.biz Jay Welty Landscaping Aptos, CA 95003 831.684.0433 www.facebook.com/p/Jay-WeltyLandscaping-100068364585786/ Juenemann Painting 831.345.7252 www.juenemannpainting.net Kathleen Manning – Sotheby’s 627 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010 831.566.3127 Kathleen.manning@sothebys.realty www.kathleenmanning.com www.rochellemanning.com
Knox Garden Box & Roofing 46 El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831.226.7441 www.knoxgardenbox.com Lenz Arts 142 River Street, Santa Cruz, California 95060-2749 831.291.9428 staff@lenzarts.com www.lenzarts.com Mr. Sandless 5736 Soquel Drive, Soquel, CA 95073 831.747.7476 gmb@mrsandless.com www.mrsandless.com Right Way Garage Doors Pleasant Hill Showroom 102 2nd Ave. S, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925.276.5850 Local 831.218.5272 www.rwgaragedoors.com Soquel Creek Water District 5180 Soquel Drive, Soquel, CA 95073 831.475.8500 www.soquelcreekwater.org
Stark Leak Detection, Inc. 831.334.5944 starkwes@aol.com www.starkleak.com The Pied Piper Exterminators, Inc. 100 Enterprise Way, Suite C105 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 800.834.4034 info@thepiedpiper.com www.thepiedpiper.com Western Property Management, Inc. 300 State Park Drive Suite 1, Aptos, CA 95003 831.688.0238 info@westernpropertymanagement.net www.westernpropertymangement.net Woodstove & Sun 510 Soquel Avenue Santa Cruz, A 95062 831.425.5123 www.woodstoveandsun.com
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Steak Kebabs with Orzo & Cucumber Salad Ingredients 1 lb. sirloin steak, cut into 1 1/2" cubes 1/2 tsp. dried oregano 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 8 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, divided 4 tsp. grated garlic, divided Kosher salt 1/4 cup smooth tahini 1 tsp. honey Freshly ground black pepper 1 ¼ cup uncooked orzo
2 ½ - 3 cups chicken broth 5 tbsp. Olive Oil Neutral oil, for grilling 1 red onion, cut into 1 1/2" pieces 1 large yellow or orange bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, cut into 1 1/2" pieces 2 cups grape tomatoes 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced into quarter-moons 6 oz. baby spinach ½ cup roasted pine nuts 1 small bunch fresh chives, finely sliced
1. In a large bowl, combine steak, oregano, red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 1/2 teaspoons garlic, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and let marinate at room temperature at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. Or you can refrigerate up to 4 hours. 2. For dressing, combine remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 ½ teaspoon garlic; season with a large pinch of salt. Let sit about 20 minutes. Athen add tahini, honey, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and 3 tablespoons water to dressing. Vigorously whisk, adding more water as needed, until smooth and easily pourable; season with salt and black pepper. Set aside. 3. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add orzo and cook, stirring, until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Add broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally and adding more broth 1/4 cup at a time if needed, until broth is absorbed and orzo is tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Cover to keep warm. 4. Prepare a grill for high heat; preheat 5 minutes. Brush grates with neutral oil. Thread 8 skewers with steak, onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes, alternating with 3 to 4 steak cubes per skewer. Drizzle kebabs with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and black pepper. 5. Grill skewers, turning occasionally, until vegetables are tender and meat is cooked to desired degree of doneness, 8 to 15 minutes total (grills can vary). Transfer kebabs to a plate. 6. In a large bowl, toss cucumbers, spinach, and pine nuts with half of reserved dressing. Stir chives into orzo mixture. Divide salad and orzo among bowls; top with kebabs. Drizzle remaining dressing over bowls.
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Shroud Mountain 2022 (x2) The Black Stump 2022 (x2)
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Order now at GetOSWine.com/Sip255 or call 1.844.781.0363 and mention code AGJF002 Offer available to first-time members only and limited to one case per household. Wines and offer may vary by state. 100% money back guarantee applies to each wine. Offer subject to availability and club enrollment. All orders fulfilled by licensed retailers/wineries and applicable taxes are paid. You must be at least 21 years old to order. Offer valid in U.S. only (excluding AR, DE, MS, RI, UT). See online for full details on state-specific shipping, delivery and other charges. Omaha Steaks Wine is operated independently from Omaha Steaks, LLC. Full terms and conditions online. Void where prohibited by law.
Spring/Summer 2025 Coastal Home & Garden 43
INSIDE THE HOME
Learn to Love Your Laundry Smart Solutions for Small Spaces
If you’re currently living in a smaller home, apartment or condo, you may be looking for smart, space-saving laundry solutions that can make your life easier - and actually turn doing your laundry into a pleasure. The good news is, there are new options available that can maximize your small space, improve energy efficiency and still deliver the great results you want, so you can enjoy caring for your clothes even better than before.
Discover the Convenience of the All-in-one Washer-dryer Unit Did you know you could have one machine that both washes and dries your clothes? LG is the only brand that offers a portfolio of single-unit laundry solutions like the WashCombo‚Ñ¢ All-In-One. This space-saving 2-in-1 configuration offers a ventless design and standard 120v plug - which means it can be installed virtually anywhere. The WashCombo runs a complete wash and dry cycle in as little as two hours.*
Here are a couple of choices that deliver an enhanced laundry experience from LG, ranked the number one appliance brand in the U.S. and one of America’s “most reliable lines of home appliances” by Consumer Reports.
Even better, you won’t have to transfer clothes from the washer to the dryer.
Consider a Space-saving Stackable Solution When your footprint (space on the floor) is limited, one easy option is to go vertical. With the Single Unit Front Load LG WashTower‚Ñ¢ you’ll have the ideal vertical laundry solution that looks great and fits beautifully in more spaces. With the space saving from this model, you can reinvent how you do your laundry with room to add a sink, folding table or organized storage - all with a sleek, streamlined look in half the floor space, plus easy-to-reach controls, with no step stool needed. This is why Forbes recently chose LG’s WashTower as its top pick for its sleek style, central control panel and generous capacity, saving on floorspace without sacrificing cleaning strength. Forbes cited its easily reachable and intuitive mid-level control panel, conveniently placed between the washer and dryer, as well as its quiet operation. This unit offers an Ultra Large Capacity Washer and Dryer to let you clean larger loads, and uses built-in intelligence to take out the guesswork - with AI technology to select the optimal wash and dry settings. You’ll also enjoy advanced washing performance with its Allergiene‚Ñ¢ Wash Cycle, and you can use the ThinQ¬Æ app to access smart functions and ThinQ Care‚Ñ¢ alerts.
44 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
You can also forget about the endless sorting or toggling through various cycles, because its built-in sensors use AI technology to detect fabric texture, soil level and load size, then automatically selects the right wash/dry motions, temperatures and more for advanced fabric care. You’ll also enjoy the energy savings with LG’s Inverter HeatPump‚Ñ¢ technology, which means you’ll use up to 60% less energy compared to similarly-sized vented LG dryers.** Hamper Alternatives An additional aspect of laundry that’s often problematic for small living spaces is the room you need in your bathroom or bedroom for a bulky clothes hamper. To save on valuable floor space, consider getting a hamper bag or basket that’s designed to simply hang over a door. Most varieties are easily collapsible and require little to no installation, depending on the type of hangable hamper you choose and where you want to hang it. Hamper bags are also easy to carry from your bedroom or bathroom to the laundry room, making laundry day a breeze. With these options to help streamline and simplify your laundry, you’ll need a lot less time and space to get it done - and you’ll enjoy the process of taking care of your clothes and linens more than ever. BPT
Your Journey in Wellness Our commitment to community health. Dominican Hospital is proud to offer a variety of resources and programs to support your wellness journey. Thanks to the generous support of our philanthropic partners, we provide wellness education, support groups, and off-site services through our Wellness Center. We are truly grateful for the countless individuals, local organizations, and patients who collaborate with us to promote a healthier tomorrow. Thank you for your partnership.
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IN THE GARDEN
Top 10 Mosquito-Repelling Plants
1. Citronella Grass: Natural mosquito repellent with strong lemony scent. 2. Lavender: Fragrant barrier against mosquitoes, also attracts pollinators. 3. Marigolds: Bright blooms with pest-repelling properties, contain pyrethrum. 4. Basil: Culinary herb with mosquito-repelling oils, great for kitchen gardens. 5. Chives: A member of the Allium family (think leeks, onions and shallots) chives are a perennial and are excellent at helping keep mosquitos at bay. 6. Rosemary: Aromatic herb that repels mosquitoes, thrives in sunny conditions. 7. Mint: Refreshing scent that mosquitoes dislike, plant in containers to control spread. 8. Catnip: This feline favorite repels mosquitoes and other insects as well. When rubbed on your skin, Catnip is a alternative to store-bought sprays. 9. Sage: Versatile herb with mosquito-repelling qualities, great for cooking. 10. Geraniums: Beautiful blooms with protective properties, repel mosquitoes.
46 Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2025
Tips for Effective Mosquito Control 1. Plant multiple species to create a diverse, prosperous and effective mosquito-repelling garden. 2. Strategically place plants around seating areas, patios, walkways, and entry points. 3. Ensure proper spacing for air circulation and consider companion planting multiple varieties. 4. Regularly prune and deadhead plants to maintain their longevity, health and effectiveness. By using these plants in your garden or outdoor space, you can create a natural and effective mosquito-repelling environment. Enjoy your summers outside barbecueing, gardening and enjoying your yard free of these pests.
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