new flowers in the roundabouts

[travelguy]

I am sure that most of us love the seasonal flowers that are planted at least 4 times a year in the public areas of TV, especiallyl in the roundabouts. What I am concerned about is that perhaps the flowers are changed too often. Today many of them were removed and replaced. The plants that were taken out were just coming into their prime. The Foxgloves were not even at their peak, and had just been coming into bloom in the last 5 weeks. The purple Kale were not past their period, and the Marigolds were looking so fine. I do not know how expensive it is to replace them, but a lot of money could be saved if one planting were eliminated. Afterall, you and I are paying for this service, so I think that we should have a say in how our fees are spent.:spoken:

[graciegirl]

I like things just the way they are. I say the LAST thing we need is to have everybody saying how things should be run. They change the flowers to fit the season, the temperatures etc. I think they do a wonderful job. My middle name is thrifty. Some call me tight. I am the poster old girl for fiscal conservation. BUT...


The flowers are one of my very favorite things.

[perrjojo]

I am sure that most of us love the seasonal flowers that are planted at least 4 times a year in the public areas of TV, especiallyl in the roundabouts. What I am concerned about is that perhaps the flowers are changed too often. Today many of them were removed and replaced. The plants that were taken out were just coming into their prime. The Foxgloves were not even at their peak, and had just been coming into bloom in the last 5 weeks. The purple Kale were not past their period, and the Marigolds were looking so fine. I do not know how expensive it is to replace them, but a lot of money could be saved if one planting were eliminated. Afterall, you and I are paying for this service, so I think that we should have a say in how our fees are spent.:spoken:
I agree! Not just because of the savings but because many plantings never reach their full potential and beauty. Three planting said year is certainly enough!

[dgammon6]

Ditto Graciegirl.

[KathieI]

I was just remarking today that I love the fact that they change the flowers when they do,,, they are so beautiful. Whoever decides all this is brilliant, look at the beautiful azalea bushes on Buena Vista between Old Camp Road and Stillwater,, you can't get better than that.

After living in warm climate for years and having beautiful flowers around me 12 months a year, I really appreciate seeing the beauty that TV is offering.

I respectfully disagree also, I love the way things are!!

[Didiwinbob]

I would like the opportunity to take some of the plants home when they are changed. What happens to the ones being dig up?

[Bogie Shooter]

If you see the contractor digging up the old plants, if you asked they might give you a few.


VCDD Our Place Archives (http://www.districtgov.org/cic-questions.aspx)

Entry Gate Landscaping

The entry gate to each Village is designed to be different and have their own personality. The flowers at each entry gate are changed four times per year. The actual maintenance is managed by a contracted service with each individual district.

[wendyquat]

Thank you for naming the flower I have been racking my brain about for weeks, Foxglove! Everyone I have asked were sure they were Snap Dragons and even though there were many of those also I knew the Foxglove was different. I'd even gone to Lowes and Home Depot in hopes of finding the answer to no avail!

I think it's a waste of beautiful plants but I, for one, would not brave the roundabouts to claim the old ones!

[Nlnicholson]

I would like the opportunity to take some of the plants home when they are changed. What happens to the ones being dig up?

Just ask. They'll be happy to give you some

[Cobh521]

TV does a great job in maintaining the landscapes. One reason we loved this area. I try to save anywhere I can, but I must confess, I like changing my flowers like TV

[rockyisle]

As a gardener, I fully agree that it is awful to see them pulling up beautifully mature plants. While I wouldn't brave the roundabouts, I wish there was a way to leave them in the ground a little longer. I think you can all hear the collective sad sigh from those of us with green thumbs....

[Happinow]

I also think that the flowers placed at the various spots here in TV are beautiful. I like driving around just to see what they have planted. However, I do agree that they could get more time out of the ones that are planted. They seem to thriving at the time of replacement. Maybe a few weeks or even another month would be appropriate to let them stay on the ground a bit longer.

[keithwand]

I heard a rumor that the flower beds will be paved over or the flowers will be replaced by plastic flowers saving on replacement, watering etc.
It's up to the residents to vote on the surveys they were given so vote often.

[Bonny]

A big reason we moved to the Villages was the beauty everywhere !!
It was like this when we moved here & I like it just as it is !
A big thank you to everyone involved for making sure we have a beautiful place to live !! :bigbow:

[Lynn222]

Several companies have contracts to change the flowers 4 times a year.

[KYMary]

I am sure that most of us love the seasonal flowers that are planted at least 4 times a year in the public areas of TV, especiallyl in the roundabouts. What I am concerned about is that perhaps the flowers are changed too often. Today many of them were removed and replaced. The plants that were taken out were just coming into their prime. The Foxgloves were not even at their peak, and had just been coming into bloom in the last 5 weeks. The purple Kale were not past their period, and the Marigolds were looking so fine. I do not know how expensive it is to replace them, but a lot of money could be saved if one planting were eliminated. Afterall, you and I are paying for this service, so I think that we should have a say in how our fees are spent.:spoken:


I agree that it seems the flowers are replaced too often. I would like to see some of the money spent on flowers to be used to clean the dead palm leaves.

[Chi-Town]

I like the fact the flowers are changed seasonally. I am sure a lot of people look forward to the new view. It's definitely one of the perks of The Villages lifestyle.

[perrjojo]

I love to see the flowers changed too but I agree with rockyisle. The flowers are often pulled up just as they are reaching their full beauty. 3 times a year would give us more mature beautiful beds but that's just the opinion of a master gardener.

[rubicon]

As a resident I would like to know what it is costing us for this service per annum. Is there a website that provides a detail of the village financials?

[Bogie Shooter]

As a resident I would like to know what it is costing us for this service per annum. Is there a website that provides a detail of the village financials?

Should be on each district's budget, as they are contracted individually.

[Bogie Shooter]

I agree that it seems the flowers are replaced too often. I would like to see some of the money spent on flowers to be used to clean the dead palm leaves.

That is the correct way those palms to grow with the frond skirt.

[travelguy]

am so glad that you all love the flowers. replace with plastic???? perish the thought.

[perrjojo]

am so glad that you all love the flowers. replace with plastic???? perish the thought.
I think the suggestion of plastic flowers was a joke. Also the palms are as they should be. I am a neat nik and the hula skirts bug me too, but that is how they should grow to be healthy.

[Villages Kahuna]

I think they're doing a terrific job. I doubt that there's a community anywhere that's anywhere near as beautiful as The Villages. Our taxes keep going down and our amenity fees are the bargain of the century. Some people will complain, even when there's nothing to complain about.

[perrjojo]

I think they're doing a terrific job. I doubt that there's a community anywhere that's anywhere near as beautiful as The Villages. Our taxes keep going down and our amenity fees are the bargain of the century. Some people will complain, even when there's nothing to complain about.

I think TV is beautiful and that is why we are here but the 4 plantings a year are over zealous. I guess I would rather they be over zealous than the alternative. However, there is always room for improvement. I think 3 plantings would be cosmetically and environmentally preferable...it has nothing to do with cost in my way of thinking. It has to do with good gardening sense. But what do I know? BTW, I don't think anyone is really complaining, some experienced gardeners just hate seeing beautiful, healthy plants that are just coming into their prime ripped out and replaced by smaller immature plants that will also be ripped out of the ground before they can reach full maturity. I would also like to compliment the landscapers on the use of Foxglove this year. These plants are beautiful and very showy. I love them.

[Bogie Shooter]

More like whining than complaining..................

[golf2140]

I like things just the way they are. I say the LAST thing we need is to have everybody saying how things should be run. They change the flowers to fit the season, the temperatures etc. I think they do a wonderful job. My middle name is thrifty. Some call me tight. I am the poster old girl for fiscal conservation. BUT...


The flowers are one of my very favorite things.

:bigbow::bigbow:

[NJblue]

I think TV is beautiful and that is why we are here but the 4 plantings a year are over zealous. I guess I would rather they be over zealous than the alternative. However, there is always room for improvement. I think 3 plantings would be cosmetically and environmentally preferable...it has nothing to do with cost in my way of thinking. It has to do with good gardening sense. But what do I know? BTW, I don't think anyone is really complaining, some experienced gardeners just hate seeing beautiful, healthy plants that are just coming into their prime ripped out and replaced by smaller immature plants that will also be ripped out of the ground before they can reach full maturity. I would also like to compliment the landscapers on the use of Foxglove this year. These plants are beautiful and very showy. I love them.

I agree. I love the flowers and think that it is what makes TV great. However, when they put the new stuff in, the beauty takes a hit for a few weeks to a month before they start to come into their own. By prematurely taking the flowers at their peak out, we are just creating more weeks in the year where The Villages is just a tad less great.

[mickey100]

I love to see the flowers changed too but I agree with rockyisle. The flowers are often pulled up just as they are reaching their full beauty. 3 times a year would give us more mature beautiful beds but that's just the opinion of a master gardener.

I agree with the Master Gardeners. Changing flowers 3 times a year vs. 4 times per year would give us greater beauty, and potential cost savings. Sometimes change is good.

[Bonanza]

That is the correct way those palms to grow with the frond skirt.

You are correct about the palms.
The ones you are speaking about are Washingtonia palms and the "skirt" is what makes them unique.
The skirt should not be taken off; the old fronds drop off when it's their time.

However, I've noticed that other palms that line our common areas
are pruned terribly wrong and threaten the integrity of the tree.
If you think of the fronds as a clock, the palms should not be pruned any higher
than 3:45 (as if your arms were straight out at your side).

Take note: What you will see are fronds that are pruned too high at 10:10.
As the tree grows, there will be an indention at that point, which weakens the tree in heavy winds.

[Bonanza]

Lawn care and in our case, that and the flowers beds planted all over the Villages, is what eats up the majority of any community's budget. The expense is almost astronomical.

New plantings three times a year is absolutely sufficient. I have heard that Morse contributes to this cost because the grounds are a big part of what sells the Villages to potential buyers. If that be the case, we ultimately will be hit with a big whammy down the road when there is no more new construction.

Yes, three times a year gets my vote.

[perrjojo]

Lawn care and in our case, that and the flowers beds planted all over the Villages, is what eats up the majority of any community's budget. The expense is almost astronomical.

New plantings three times a year is absolutely sufficient. I have heard that Morse contributes to this cost because the grounds are a big part of what sells the Villages to potential buyers. If that be the case, we ultimately will be hit with a big whammy down the road when there is no more new construction.

Yes, three times a year gets my vote.

Three times a year would save money and would in no way compromise the beauty of TV. It would actually be more beautiful by allowing plants to reach their full potential.

[graciegirl]

Three times a year would save money and would in no way compromise the beauty of TV. It would actually be more beautiful by allowing plants to reach their full potential.





ALRIGHT....but I'll pout. ;)

[perrjojo]

ALRIGHT....but I'll pout. ;)

No you won't cuz you'll never notice a difference. :-)

[Carl in Tampa]

Lawn care and in our case, that and the flowers beds planted all over the Villages, is what eats up the majority of any community's budget. The expense is almost astronomical.

New plantings three times a year is absolutely sufficient. I have heard that Morse contributes to this cost because the grounds are a big part of what sells the Villages to potential buyers. If that be the case, we ultimately will be hit with a big whammy down the road when there is no more new construction.

Yes, three times a year gets my vote.

I took a look at a CDD budget (District 4) and was astounded at what a large chunk of the total goes towards Landscaping.

I would be interested in what the savings would be if we went to three plantings a year. It appears to be a worthwhile idea.

.

[graciegirl]

I took a look at a CDD budget (District 4) and was astounded at what a large chunk of the total goes towards Landscaping.

I would be interested in what the savings would be if we went to three plantings a year. It appears to be a worthwhile idea.

.
This is the very reason I moved here. THE LAST thing I want are a lot of folks with big hair brained ideas running things. I have seen how that works. Self important people who like to stand in front of the room and talk.


If it AIN'T broke, don't fix it.


ANYWAY....no can change things. This is a CDD form of government and I am glad.

[Bonny]

Did anyone think about this when we all moved here ? I don't think so. I loved it when I moved here 14 years ago and I still love it. It was one of the reasons I moved here. It's beautiful and keeps my house value up !!!!

[Carl in Tampa]

This is the very reason I moved here. THE LAST thing I want are a lot of folks with big hair brained ideas running things. I have seen how that works. Self important people who like to stand in front of the room and talk.


If it AIN'T broke, don't fix it.


ANYWAY....no can change things. This is a CDD form of government and I am glad.

I'm confused. Two posts before this one you said, "Alright."

In the budget that I looked at $688,077.00 of a $1,793,987.00 budget was for Landscape Maintenance. That's pretty significant for one item.

And I just wondered what the savings would be...........

:shrug:

[Bogie Shooter]

Lawn care and in our case, that and the flowers beds planted all over the Villages, is what eats up the majority of any community's budget. The expense is almost astronomical.

New plantings three times a year is absolutely sufficient. I have heard that Morse contributes to this cost because the grounds are a big part of what sells the Villages to potential buyers. If that be the case, we ultimately will be hit with a big whammy down the road when there is no more new construction.

Yes, three times a year gets my vote.

Where did you hear that?
Just how much does it cost for the flower beds, for it to be astronomical?

[Bogie Shooter]

I'm confused. Two posts before this one you said, "Alright."

In the budget that I looked at $688,077.00 of a $1,793,987.00 budget was for Landscape Maintenance. That's pretty significant for one item.

And I just wondered what the savings would be...........

:shrug:

Carl you will not get that answer on TOTV. I suggest you contact your District Rep and ask them the question.

[graciegirl]

I'm confused. Two posts before this one you said, "Alright."

In the budget that I looked at $688,077.00 of a $1,793,987.00 budget was for Landscape Maintenance. That's pretty significant for one item.

And I just wondered what the savings would be...........

:shrug:



My rant wasn't directed at you Carl. I think you are one smart fella.


I was trying to hold back but I have been hanging out with those who just let it loose sometimes...and you know what it felt good. I LOVE this place JUST the way it is. Carl, I should not have put it in answer to your post directly, because it was NOT directed at you at all.. I think when you evaluate things more you will see that there is no need to worry about changing things.


People move here because they think this place is great and right away want to change it. I think that like most of us, they have served on a LOT of committees and are really smart. I say...LEAVE this alone and retire now from running things. If it is fine, then just enjoy it. If there comes a time we need to change things....then we will. IF we can.

[mickey100]

Three times a year would save money and would in no way compromise the beauty of TV. It would actually be more beautiful by allowing plants to reach their full potential.

I agree. If, as others have said, the Morses are contributing to the flowers now, and that funding disappears in the future, it would certainly be worth looking at reducing the changes to three times a year. And the bonus is, as master gardeners (the real experts, IMHO, not a bunch of bureaucrats or administrators) say, it would actually be more beautiful since plants would be allowed to grow until they've reached full potential. We don't always have to be afraid of change - sometimes it can be good. The Morses are not omnipotent - every single decision that has been made in The Villages is not always the best one. Its OKAY to think out of the box a little, and that's what this forum is for, is for people to voice their thoughts. We have a lot of very intelligent, qualified individuals living in The Villages, and I for one, like to see the great ideas that come out here. If it ever was possible in the future, I'd love to see the Master Gardeners have direction over the plantings. A committee could be in charge of researching the best flower types, when to change them, etc. You might be surprised at how much nicer the plantings would be, and how much $$ it would save the homeowners. I've never been a proponent of the "if it isn't broke, don't fix it" mentality. That is akin to saying "let's wait for things to break until we fix them". A healthier, more proactive attitude, in my opinion, is not "why do we have to?" but rather "why not try?" We should be looking at all big ticket items in our budget and find ways to tweak and cut costs, with a thought to improving services whenever possible.

[perrjojo]

My comments were not made to "change" anything nor to save money. My comments were to say that it hurts me to see beautiful, mature planting stripped out of the ground. It would be aesthetically pleasing to let the plants live longer and as a side benefit there would be savings. Yes, TV is beautiful just as it is, but maybe it could be just as beautiful with three plantings.

[graciegirl]

I wrote it. I feel better. I have taken it down.

[Carl in Tampa]

I wrote it. I feel better. I have taken it down.

I never visit Topix. After the previous episode I doubt that I will ever visit it again.

They are a bunch of :jester::jester::jester::jester::jester::jester:

[Bogie Shooter]

I never visit Topix. After the previous episode I doubt that I will ever visit it again.

They are a bunch of :jester::jester::jester::jester::jester::jester:

You are being too generous, calling them jesters...............................

[Carl in Tampa]

My rant wasn't directed at you Carl. I think you are one smart fella.


I was trying to hold back but I have been hanging out with those who just let it loose sometimes...and you know what it felt good. I LOVE this place JUST the way it is. Carl, I should not have put it in answer to your post directly, because it was NOT directed at you at all.. I think when you evaluate things more you will see that there is no need to worry about changing things.


People move here because they think this place is great and right away want to change it. I think that like most of us, they have served on a LOT of committees and are really smart. I say...LEAVE this alone and retire now from running things. If it is fine, then just enjoy it. If there comes a time we need to change things....then we will. IF we can.


I'm sure that I was less than clear in my discussion of the budget. The amount listed for Landscaping and Landscaping Maintenance would seem to me to include not only rotating the flowers but also all of the lawn mowing, tree trimming, shrubbery pruning, mulching, weeding and who knows what else.

Another poster had said the cost for flower rotation was "astronomical." It seemed to me that he thought the entire Landscaping budget was devoted to flowers. I was wondering what portion of the entire budget involved the flowers. If we had that figure I would think it would be less than astronomical.

Like some other posters, I like the four plantings a year. I'm sure changing to three a year would not reduce the amenity fees.

----------------------------------

Barbara was getting her hair done the other day and another patron was fretting about how this place was going to deteriorate when the area is built out and the Morses leave. I don't believe we will be abandoned by the Morses for a variety of reasons, one being that I'm sure this has been a labor of love for multiple generations of the family. You don't abandon your baby.

The patron also felt the amenity fees would skyrocket when the Morses left. I wonder how many residents of The Villages are unaware that the amenity fees cannot increase each year more the CPI.

------------------------------------

Personally, I think the Morse family has built the most amenity filled, diverse, enjoyable community for active seniors to be found anywhere. In Walt Disney's original plan for EPCOT this is what he had in mind. It was to be a community. EPCOT stands for Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow. The only difference in what we have and in what Walt intended is that the residents of EPCOT were not to be retirees, but working people.

After the Disney Board changed EPCOT into a theme park, a weak shadow of Walt's original plan was built in an area that Disney called Celebration, FL.

Having rambled much too long, I'll close with I LOVE IT HERE!

:gc:

[Bogie Shooter]

Well said!

[Carl in Tampa]

You are being too generous, calling them jesters...............................

My bad. I thought of the symbol as " clowns."

Accepting that meaning for the moment, let's make it:

:0000000000luvmyhors:jester: