[KYMary]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by KYMary

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]

Originally Posted by travelguy

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

[NJblue]

Originally Posted by perrjojo

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

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.