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| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | DECEMBER 2022 | 7 As we gather to celebrate the holidays with our loved ones, it's time to pause and be thankful for our beautiful home: Four Seasons. Much work goes on behind the scenes to keep the trees and shrubs looking their best. We can thank both the members of the Landscape committee and Artistic Landscaping for their hard work and dedication. Speaking of dedication, we are very sad to share the resignation of long-time Landscape Committee member Brenda Billson. Her experience, skills, and dry wit are sorely missed. We all send her best wishes for the new year. The new year also is a good time to review what is thriving in our gardens and what could use some "shovel-pruning." Last summer's heat scorched many plants beyond recovery. Some plants that had lived very successfully here for over a decade now show unmistakable signs of severe stress. As difficult as it is, we can no longer deny that the climate is getting warmer – especially in the summer – and that it's time to begin the transition to tougher, more drought-tolerant varieties. On the good side, change provides an opportunity to evolve. Currently, we are examining areas in Four Seasons where plantings have died and looking to try new plant varieties. Look for pilot programs in the Legends and Lodge areas as we test new plantings. Sadly, no conversation about plant replacement is complete without including the considerable damage done by gophers, rabbits, and other hungry critters who also call Four Seasons home. We continue to look at new methods of deterring critter damage – and looking at varieties of plants that might not be as tasty. With that in mind, we need to make allowances and realize that the reason why some plants are ailing is because they've become the top-of-menu item at a critter buffet. Questions or concerns about public landscaping? Residents are welcome to attend the Landscape Committee meetings. Please contact Maria Donti for more information on time and dates to attend. Landscape Committee