[optv13sp]

I really haven't enjoyed the coleus plants that were planted throughout The Villages this year. It may just be me but it seems like they have left them in much longer than they have in the past. For quite a while now, they have faded in color and are dry and scraggly looking. The faded look is not a good look and doesn't add to, in fact detracts from, the beauty of The Villages. The colorful flowers they planted in the past have such a positive impact and adds to the enjoyment as one drives around. That's just one person's opinion.
Does anyone know who the person is who makes the decision of what is planted in the islands and common areas and how we could contact them to weigh in on our preference for flowers? Does The Villages even take into consideration what residents like or dislike?

[New Englander]

I really miss the flowers myself.

[bagboy]

Originally Posted by optv13sp

I really haven't enjoyed the coleus plants that were planted throughout The Villages this year. It may just be me but it seems like they have left them in much longer than they have in the past. For quite a while now, they have faded in color and are dry and scraggly looking. The faded look is not a good look and doesn't add to, in fact detracts from, the beauty of The Villages. The colorful flowers they planted in the past have such a positive impact and adds to the enjoyment as one drives around. That's just one person's opinion.
Does anyone know who the person is who makes the decision of what is planted in the islands and common areas and how we could contact them to weigh in on our preference for flowers? Does The Villages even take into consideration what residents like or dislike?

Try calling the VCDD office, they should be able to guide you to the information you want.

[graciegirl]

We have had Coleus before. It is challenging to find annuals that will withstand the heat of this time of the year. Can you imagine if the flowers were picked by the residents? We would have debate after debate. I LOVE the flowers and enjoy each change which I think happens about every six to eight weeks.

[Madelaine Amee]

I think the changes to the plantings in TV relates to cost. It is obviously more cost effective to find a plant that lasts through our heat without needing to be deadheaded regularly. Personally I like the many varieties of coleus that are planted this year. I actually have a beautiful coleus plant by my front door, started out as a baby and now it is huge and very impressive. There is a range of different coleus plants outside the front entrance of the Belvedere Library and I am tempted to help myself to a cutting, but I don't think so ..............

[optv13sp]

I fully understand the challenges of finding flowers that can withstand the heat. Based on the condition of the coleus, they clearly have not held up well. I am not suggesting that residents choose the flowers because I think the flower choice in the past was quite beautiful. In the 8 week Resident Academy we attended, they said the flowers were changed 4 times a year. My wish is that they would return to the previous plan of planting flowers in the islands and common areas. To me...that was much more pleasing and they seemed to hold up better than the coleus. A drive up and down Morse and Buena Vista, taking note of the faded, wilted coleus is not as attractive as the flowers were.
FYI, the Landscape Manager is out of the office until next week.

[juneroses]

The following is from the VCDD District Bulletin dated 10/3/2018:

Did You Know??
.
The annual landscape beds through the community are changed on a quarterly
basis. Due to the duration of above average temperatures, some annual plants
such as the Coleus have not lasted as long as they normally would.
Annual bed change outs are scheduled to take place in the next 2-4 weeks. When
you see landscape workers in the area, please use caution and pay attention to all
warning signs and safety cones.

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by juneroses

The following is from the VCDD District Bulletin dated 10/3/2018:

Did You Know??
.
The annual landscape beds through the community are changed on a quarterly
basis. Due to the duration of above average temperatures, some annual plants
such as the Coleus have not lasted as long as they normally would.
Annual bed change outs are scheduled to take place in the next 2-4 weeks. When
you see landscape workers in the area, please use caution and pay attention to all
warning signs and safety cones.

I knew..... because I got the bulletin as an email.

This is the site to sign up for all sorts of notices:

VCDD e-Notifications Sign Up

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by juneroses

The following is from the VCDD District Bulletin dated 10/3/2018:

Did You Know??
.
The annual landscape beds through the community are changed on a quarterly
basis. Due to the duration of above average temperatures, some annual plants
such as the Coleus have not lasted as long as they normally would.
Annual bed change outs are scheduled to take place in the next 2-4 weeks. When
you see landscape workers in the area, please use caution and pay attention to all
warning signs and safety cones.

OMG facts not opinions.

[skip0358]

Breaking News !

They have started the FALL planting. The new flowers have been dropped off at the parking lot of the Church at Morse Blvd & 466.

[perrjojo]

I did not care for the coleus either. While they were beautiful the colors were more conducive to Fall than summer. Has anyone seen what the new plants will be?

[aninjamom]

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

I think the changes to the plantings in TV relates to cost. It is obviously more cost effective to find a plant that lasts through our heat without needing to be deadheaded regularly. Personally I like the many varieties of coleus that are planted this year. I actually have a beautiful coleus plant by my front door, started out as a baby and now it is huge and very impressive. There is a range of different coleus plants outside the front entrance of the Belvedere Library and I am tempted to help myself to a cutting, but I don't think so ..............

Pinching the top off is good for the plant, helps it bush out nice.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by aninjamom

Pinching the top off is good for the plant, helps it bush out nice.

I agree. Just do it, Madeleine Ameeee.

[optv13sp]

Originally Posted by juneroses

The following is from the VCDD District Bulletin dated 10/3/2018:

Did You Know??
.
The annual landscape beds through the community are changed on a quarterly
basis. Due to the duration of above average temperatures, some annual plants
such as the Coleus have not lasted as long as they normally would.
Annual bed change outs are scheduled to take place in the next 2-4 weeks. When
you see landscape workers in the area, please use caution and pay attention to all
warning signs and safety cones.

Oh thank you so much for this information as well as how to sign up to get the bulletins. Had I been signed up, I would have found out from yesterday's bulletin that my observations were accurate and that they too were on it. The office indicated they had had quite a lot of calls about the Coleus. As usual, sounds like The Villages is on top of the problem. Such a great place to live.
Thanks again.

[Doro22]

Originally Posted by optv13sp

I really haven't enjoyed the coleus plants that were planted throughout The Villages this year. It may just be me but it seems like they have left them in much longer than they have in the past. For quite a while now, they have faded in color and are dry and scraggly looking. The faded look is not a good look and doesn't add to, in fact detracts from, the beauty of The Villages. The colorful flowers they planted in the past have such a positive impact and adds to the enjoyment as one drives around. That's just one person's opinion.
Does anyone know who the person is who makes the decision of what is planted in the islands and common areas and how we could contact them to weigh in on our preference for flowers? Does The Villages even take into consideration what residents like or dislike?

Totally agree. I was just commenting to hubby this am about how faded and leggy the coleus look right now. I have never seen the roundabouts looking so shabby. (I being born, raised & living in Florida most of my life understand the problems with the summer heat & the flowers.) But ... come on this is ridiculously ugly. The landscaping has never been this ugly the last seven and a half years that I have lived here.