Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 955582)

It looks like that is going to be a stream. There's no way to tell if there will be grass on the rest because it isn't finished yet. The job is still in progress.

There are companies out west who replace grass with artificial grass due to their severe water shortage problems. It's pricey but looks immaculate, and you can't tell it isn't grass till you walk on it. It's not the old artificial turf stuff from our youth.

I would love to have it, esp. since it says the dog pee wouldn't stain it yellow!
This is one company in FL: Residential Lawns | Just Like Grass

Originally Posted by xcaligirl (Post 955539)

Are we allowed to have synthetic grass in a courtyard villa? I don't want the hassle of mowing, etc, either however I do like the look of green instead of the look of desert. Just my opinion!! We just moved in to a CYV, rock in the front with a ton of weeds. I realize the expense of synthetic grass but I think it will be cheaper in the long run.

Originally Posted by blueash (Post 925462)

First post, welcome Cummingswendy. Everyone play nice for a while

Originally Posted by rubicon (Post 955954)

I would believe that in neighborhoods where there is continuity most will be lost if people begin innovations of their own. I believe this was the intent of the ARC rulings. It seems with the growing population that abiding by the rules agreed to by all buyers is beginning to unravel and if the people at ARC acquiesce this place is going to lose its beauty. A trip around The Villages already is beginning to show signs of this.

Perhaps some may view these comments as "not playing nice" but in my view they comprise what most villagers view as the reality if ARC loses its backbone.

Originally Posted by jblum315 (Post 955956)

I saw a "lawn" yesterday that was completely totally brown. Don't know what they're planning but it sure is ugly now.

Originally Posted by JoMar (Post 956130)

Agree.....part of the attraction here was the pride residents take in their properties and I also have noticed that changing......we came here knowing ARC was the guide in keeping this place consistent......let's hope they don't compromise their positions

Originally Posted by Barefoot (Post 925429)

You can rock your lawn if you're in a courtyard villa.

Originally Posted by Uptown Girl (Post 955665)

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/...4abcb6004d.jpg


Ground cover is Dwarf Asiatic Jasmine- low growing, stays green all year, but does need pruning to stay in bounds. I do that myself.
We incorporated a flagstone platform to allow for raising and lowering our flagpole.
Landscaping gravel (red) is called 'Seminole rock'- we also used river rock-type pea gravel between the flagstones.
This photo was taken after it was a year old.
I co-designed it with Wendy- owner of Village Palms- they did the install.

The back courtyard is grass free as well- with a pond, waterfall and babbling brook encompassing the entire space. Very tropical, easy peasy with lots of lush, green plants. Lovely.