May Newsletter          2025

With spring in the air and summer on its way, the promise of sunshine and outdoorsy activities is all but realized. To enjoy the short but sweet seasons in Canada, you’ll want to take advantage of everything they have to offer, like spending more time enjoying your property outdoors while warding off the not-so-great aspects like living with the symptoms of environmental allergies.  

If hosting is in your future, you’ll want to ensure that you know how to throw a backyard BBQ for the May long weekend that your guests will be talking about well into the summer season. 

If throwing parties aren’t for you, you could always enter the RE/MAX On The House A Great Escape Contest, contest link is here, running from May 5-25. You’ll have a chance to win a $1,000 gift card to Marriott to give yourself a mini vacation full of rest and relaxation.

The great thing is that if you set up your space and property just right, you can relax in your backyard without having to deal with pollen counts, throw the best spring and summer parties, and have all the best fresh produce you could ever ask for.

How to Create a Backyard Oasis on a Budget

Turning your backyard into a relaxing oasis is going to cost you some money, but you don’t have to wipe your savings clean to do it. You just have to tackle the project budget-friendly so you can set yourself up for some outdoor relaxation without spending too much of your hard-earned cash.

Ambient Lighting Is Your Best Friend

Setting up some string lights or getting solar-powered patio lights can make all the difference when it comes to feeling the vibe of serenity at home. These things cost very little, with some options even found at the dollar store, and will give you the ambience you need to enjoy your outdoor space even after the sun goes down.  

Refresh Small Pieces

Instead of going overboard and buying a whole new patio furniture set, why not just clean up your old ones (paint them if needed!) and get yourself some new cushions? Changing up the colour scheme can make your space feel brand new for a fraction of the cost.

Keep Things Natural

If you love relaxing among plants, instead of buying all new planters, potters, and hanging pots, you can invest in one good tree, plant it near your fence, and train it to grow in a specific pattern. It’ll cover your fence in fresh greenery, giving it a whole new look with texture and visual interest, and it won’t force you to go all out with plants, potters, and hanging pots.

It's not always easy to find ways to save money, especially in today’s economy, but when trying to create a backyard oasis, there’s always a budget-friendly solution that will make your space feel new, serene, and, most importantly, yours.

Throwing the Ultimate May Long Weekend Barbeque

If you’re ready to start socializing again after a long winter of hibernation, there’s no better way to do that than turning your backyard into a party zone. But if you don’t know where to start, getting all the aspects of a perfect BBQ right can be challenging. The good news is that, with a few easy tips, you’ll be ready to wow your friends with a May long weekend BBQ they’ll never forget.

Go Easy on the Décor

You want your backyard to look great, but too much can make it feel busy and uncomfortable. Stick to the basics—ambient lighting, soft music, comfortable seating, and a few fresh plants. That way, your guests will have room to move around while also admiring all the work you put into making your backyard party-friendly.

Keep The Menu Simple

Cooking for a large group is never easy, so don’t go overboard. You can be more creative than your typical burgers and hotdogs if you want to branch out, but pick a few good food items and make them in batches. This way, everyone will be fed and satisfied, and you won’t feel overwhelmed by having to whip up too many options in your kitchen or grilling outdoors.

Prepare the Day Before

The day of the party will be busy, and you’ll want to be able to enjoy it, so you should always prepare everything the day before. From food to the decorations to what music you’re going to play, having it all laid out the day before will give you the freedom to get things done the day of while still having time to mingle with your guests.

A good spring party is a great way to kick off the nice weather in Canada, so if you’re ready to play host, preparing and keeping things simple is the best way to do it.

What to Plant in May to Liven Up Your Garden and Save Money on Produce

You may have already started your garden, but May is a great time to add a few more plants to the mix. This way, you’ll have more fresh produce to choose from over the course of the summer and into the fall, giving your wallet a break and your stomach a nice treat.

Herbs

Herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint are all great additions to meals, so having them fresh in the garden will help you increase your culinary prowess. These herbs can be sown outdoors beginning in the month of May, so you won’t have to deal with bringing them up inside first.

Legumes

Various legumes, such as bush beans, pole beans, and peas, can all be planted outdoors in May. You’ll want to wait until the soil has warmed up a bit, so mid-month is a great time to start planning where you’ll put them in your garden.

Leafy Greens

Getting leafy greens into your diet is vital because of how nutrient-dense they are, and the fresher the produce, the more nutritional benefits they have to offer. Various leafy greens can be added to your garden in May, including spinach, Swiss chard, kale, and arugula.

Giving your garden a good variety is a great way to enjoy your outdoor space in a way that provides you with something in return. It’ll also keep you from spending too much money on produce this year.

Kicking Allergy Season: How to Prep Your Property to Be Allergen-Free

When you have allergies, it can be challenging to enjoy the spring season. With high pollen counts and allergens everywhere you turn, it can feel like you’re constantly stuck inside beside an air purifier. But there are ways to keep your allergies at bay this season, even if you want to spend most of your time outdoors.

Keep Your Lawn Short

To ensure that grass pollen doesn’t put a wrench in your plan to enjoy the outdoor area of your property, you’ll want to mow your lawn regularly. Keeping your grass well-trimmed and short throughout the season will prevent grass pollen from spreading around, giving you a break from allergy symptoms.

Avoid Allergen-Heavy Plants

When creating a backyard you want to spend time in, getting every plant you like may be tempting. However, some plants are more prone to give off allergens than others. Stick to flowers such as daffodils, hydrangeas, orchids, roses, and snake plants in your garden to avoid unwanted issues.

Keep Shrubs and Trees Trimmed

If there are any overhanging branches or large shrubs that can drive pollen dispersal, you’ll want to nip that in the bud. Keep your trees and shrubs well-groomed and unable to spread pollen. Your allergies will thank you for it.

Allergy season isn’t easy to deal with, but if you love being outdoors and don’t want to make matters worse, sticking to the right plants and maintaining your property to protect you from allergens is a great way to do it.

May is a wonderful month because you’re offered the best of spring and the promise of summer all at the same time. So, if you want to make the most of it with your property, getting the right backyard décor, hosting the best party ever, and keeping allergies at bay are ways to enjoy your property when the weather is nice.