GSB Landscape Architecture

GSB Landscape Architecture Bonita Springs, FL - Landscape Architecture Firm

PRIVACY PLANTINGS - MISSED OPPORTUNITY? I want to talk about a different design scenario. There are many folks who liv...
11/09/2023

PRIVACY PLANTINGS - MISSED OPPORTUNITY? I want to talk about a different design scenario. There are many folks who live in a first floor unit and have a similar view of the parking lot or other 'not so nice' view. Although the upper units have the same view, the first floor is 'up close and personal' with cars, headlights, and people. Personally, I am fine with it....a nod or Hello to my neighbors, or I can just keep to myself.

There are some units which have a privacy screen or curtains, but what about another way to separate yourself a bit on the first floor? I heard the landscape crew fire up the equipment the other day, and I just waited to see what would happen next. They came by with their hedge trimmers on extension poles and swiped left and right cutting off some of the growth. As you can see from what is on the ground, it was very minor and you can also see where they had trimmed before-pretty much at the same 'elevation'. From what I saw, it was a waste of time. There is barely a difference in the appearance of the shrubs around the community, unless you know what to look for.

To me, this is a perfect opportunity for the community to lower maintenance, save money and create something a little different and unique for the first floor residents. Why not just let the Schefflera grow and reach more of their mature size? There are a number of variegated Schefflera cultivars out there, so knowing the 'exact' cultivar is key in the design process. This would create a more green/tropical privacy buffer to the first floor units and be more appealing overall. Of course, there would still need to be some trimming to keep the branches away from the screens since they are planted a bit too close to begin with.

This is what GSB Landscape Architecture does.....look at the 'what if' and give clients 'ideas and options' on how to approach their landscapes. Most landscapes are over designed with too many plants (per square foot) and the mature size of the plant is not taken into consideration. GSB takes a completely different approach resulting in lower construction/maintenance costs, less water usage, no shearing/hedges, and more environmentally friendly.

I woke up the other morning and the first two posts I saw in a FB gardening group were folks looking to plant something ...
11/02/2023

I woke up the other morning and the first two posts I saw in a FB gardening group were folks looking to plant something to create privacy. Most times, the folks have a small space to deal with, and unfortunately, Clusia/Pitch Apple seems to be the most common suggestion from group members. On occasion, there are some good suggestions. Cocoplum and Seagrape get thrown in there as well-neither are good choices. Why would we plant something that has a mature size of 25' high by 20' wide (Clusia) in a small bed? Yes, you can trim it, but at some point (yes it will take time), the trunks will get thicker, less leaves will be produced and it will become bare and die out. Then you are starting over (wasted money). I also see many Clusia planted right along neighbor's fences-a lot of them chain link. Typically, you are going to trim your side, but what about your neighbors' side? What if they don't want 10'+ of your Clusia growing into their property? When it's all said and done, Clusia is not the best answer to many screening issues.
GSB takes a different approach to planting design. We look at the mature size of a plant and space them appropriately in beds which are the correct size to allow plants to mature into their natural shape with minimal maintenance. Ironically, most of the screening situations I read about, should be addressed with something as simple as fence panels and not plants.
GSB Landscape Architecture (LA6667543) is based in Bonita Springs and serves the entire State of Florida.

Many plants don't actually need to be trimmed.....you are allowed to 'let them go' and they will be just fine. Of cours...
11/02/2023

Many plants don't actually need to be trimmed.....you are allowed to 'let them go' and they will be just fine. Of course, they must be designed correctly for this to happen. Yes, some trimming can promote more dense growth (best to do this when the plants are younger), but we have this thought process that if a plant starts to grow to the point where we can't reach it anymore, then we have to top it off or shear it back. I remember seeing a social media post recently where someone mentioned their HOA was going to start requiring all 'hedges' be kept at a 6' height. My reaction.....ignorance, probably a waste of their money on maintenance, and eventually, unsightly and dying shrubs (which will cost more money to replace and the cycle starts over again).

These Podocarpus are a good example of what I am talking about. These may or may not be Maki Podocarpus, but for this conversation, I am going to say they are Maki. Maki Podocarpus get a mature size of about 8'-10' high and 3'-5' in width (depending on what source you find online). So, for all your northerners, Maki would be similar to the columnar Eastern Arborvitae. In this situation, the Maki are being used to screen some AC units/meters. Ideally, the Maki should be planted halfway between the AC units and the parking lot and out farther from the meters. In their current location, they still need trimmed back from the AC units and meters on the interior, however, they do not need trimmed on the outside edges or the top. They can be allowed to grow and reach maturity. They would look much better, reduce maintenance, create a little more privacy and be more environmentally friendly.

GSB offers a service called 'Landscape Audits' which looks at scenarios like this and more.

Was a great morning for a beach cleanup on Keeywadin Island! Blue skies, calm water, good company and a decent amount o...
10/29/2023

Was a great morning for a beach cleanup on Keeywadin Island! Blue skies, calm water, good company and a decent amount of trash/debris cleaned up. I think there were 75+ folks who showed up between the three boats. Good to get some rusty nails and screws off the beach!

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34135

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