Noisy yard became a peaceful haven |
Written by Lyn Dean |
Tuesday, February 09, 2021 03:00 AM |
Rocky Mountain Custom Landscapes, Inc. (RMCL) has been working on a clients’ Vail property for eight years. The homeowners originally contracted RMCL’s construction division to build water features on this high-elevation, mountainous site and subsequently hired RMCL to plant and maintain gardens on the property. “The clients’ goal was to have thick, vibrant gardens full of color to soften the hardscapes of cascading water,” says Lauren Crary, maintenance & gardening account manager at RMCL, who has been managing this site for the past three years. “They also wanted the gardens to blend into the surrounding wildflower areas and have some ornamentals closer to the home.” RMCL uses annuals, perennials and shrubs to create the color and naturalized effect the clients wanted. The homeowners also wanted to harvest organic produce from their yard by growing climate-appropriate edibles. It took time for the plants to mature to their current fullness. After seven years of growth and careful maintenance, the gardens were awarded the 2020 ELITE Award for Use of Color – Judges’ Choice. By 2019 “the plants were full and vibrant, Crary says “That’s why we submitted for the ELITE.” Terrain challenges Crary and her team also had to adapt maintenance practices for the growing plants. “As plants mature, things change and maintenance requirements change. Irrigation may have to be adjusted. Or a large plant may have to be moved if it grew too big for its location,” she says. “The climate varies year to year, but overall, plant selection for this rugged terrain has been good. Plant selection is the key to this garden’s success—they are hardy, drought-tolerant and animal resistant. Overall, the plants have thrived and become mature and vibrant.” Deer don’t listen well Client satisfaction In early 2020, as COVID-19 came on the scene, the client cut the maintenance budget, but the RMCL team increased their efforts and maintained the same level of care in the 2020 season. The client was pleased saying “the gardens are looking the best he’s seen them.” This article originally appeared in the January/February 2021 issue of Colorado Green. Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW: |