
Spring Has Sprung: Your Easy Guide To Changing Seasons
Spring is here, and we’re ready.
When you spend as much time outside as we do (thanks to our incredible proximity to nature), you can’t help but stay attuned to the seasons. Even Central Florida’s delightfully mild winters – which sometimes feel like spring – can’t match our community’s genuine excitement for the real thing.
Instead of the usual “spring is in the air” chatter, this month’s blog is an ode to making the most of the season: taking the blahs of spring cleaning, planting native species that’ll thrive into summer and more.
Spring Cleaning, Gamified
We get it. Your home’s already tidy, and the idea of deep cleaning might not spark joy. But as Mary Poppins wisely said, “cleaning up” can be fun – especially when you make it a game.
Challenge yourself to clean as green as possible. How much of your home can you freshen up with simple, non-toxic ingredients? Here are some simple swaps to get you started:
- Glass Cleaner → Vinegar and water
- Bathroom Scrub → Baking soda and castile soap
- Floor Cleaner → Warm water, vinegar and essential oils
- Wood Polish → Olive oil and lemon juice mix
- Laundry Detergent → Soap nuts (also called soap berries) or a DIY mix of washing soda and borax
Decluttering? Turn it into a team sport. Who can find the most random forgotten item? Who can clear the most space the fastest? Assign tasks, set a timer and reward the most efficient cleaner.
Oh, and don’t forget: Spring is also a great time to do some digital decluttering as well! Remember that app you signed up for to get a holiday discount? It might be time to hit unsubscribe.
Spring Tune Up
Think of this as a seasonal tune-up for your home that’ll leave you feeling refreshed and breathing easier.
- Open the windows and let in the fresh air.
- Swap out HVAC filters and dust ceiling fans before they kick into high gear for the hotter months ahead.
- If you’ve got lights on timers, adjust their settings as the days get longer.
Setting aside a weekend (or even just an afternoon) for a spring reset isn’t just good for your homebase – it’s also good for your mind. And, wrangling those dust bunnies on your ceiling fan? You’ll be low-key impressed by how fresh and clean everything feels!
Spring Planting Guide & Resources
Nothing says spring has sprung like digging up a little dirt. If you’re looking to add some greenery to your yard, we highly recommend going native. These Florida-friendly varieties thrive in Central Florida’s unique climate, meaning less maintenance, less water, and more support for local pollinators. And they help support Sunbridge’s commitment to natural, sustainable landscaping.
Here are some suggestions:
- Firebush: Not as foreboding as its name sounds, this shrub attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, and is perfect for Florida’s heat.
- Beach Sunflower: Brighten up your garden with this cheerful bloom! True to its name, the Beach Sunflower loves sandy soil and thrives in our region, aptly adding waves of color wherever it grows.
- Coontie: Drought-tough and one of the oldest plant species, and the only species of its kind in North America, is native to the Sunshine State.
- Milkweed: There are 21 native milkweed species in Florida. These plants are staples for butterfly waystations, especially monarchs.
Coming soon! We’re teaming up with our friends at Cherrylake to bring Sunbridge residents exclusive discounts on native plants, natural landscaping and more. With nearly 40 years of expertise in creating sustainable, eco-friendly outdoor spaces, Cherrylake is the perfect partner to help our community stay committed to environmental stewardship, one yard at a time.
Spring Fling
Mark your calendars for our annual Spring Fling festival on Saturday, April 2619, from 11-33-8 p.m. at Basecamp!
Kick off the season with live music, cool kids’ crafts, a mini farmers market, photo ops and some of the best* food trucks around.
While you’re enjoying the festivities, don’t forget to swing by the information center for exciting updates on upcoming events and developments and check out the Florida Headwaters Foundation’s Nature Center.
* The Barranquidog from El Barranquitruck is life changing.
Spring into your next chapter at Sunbridge. Your dream home is here, see available homes now.