Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/351887
16 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | AUGUST 2014 | COMMUNITy NEwS It is midsummer in the Pass. Any planting that has intentions of sprouting, leafing or blooming better be well on its way. Any gardener who wants to help them better be real acquainted with their progress. For our landscapers constant vigilance is mandatory. Primary emphasis is on irrigation. Just having the system established is not enough. Weather, critters and plant growth can alter the best watering scheme designed in early spring. Emitters (drip and sprinkle) can become clogged or their pattern altered or blocked by marauding animals, wind damage and other plants. Rather than waiting for dying plants to highlight problems, it is necessary to watch the irrigation in motion and the soil moisture when it is complete. A second priority is feeding voracious appetites. Turf, large plants and flowers like a steady supply of food in a usable form. With heat and dry winds it is easy to burn tender roots while feeding and a shot of moisture to help dissolve chemicals is often recommended. Plants not only need food, but also provide it. Insects (good, bad and ugly) have banquet intentions for our green thumb efforts. Like any police force, it is necessary to distinguish who are helpful and who are harmful and then how to approach the problem. Hand-picking is always a preferred method for non-stinging/biting insects for the quick and careful gardener. Non-toxic (to human and some good guys) sprays and soapy washes can also be used. For some diners there is no recourse but selective last meal treatment. We do this sparingly. As the days shorten and blossoms turn to seed pods, our feathered friends are busy harvesting and scattering our labors. It becomes a dilemma as to whether to remove the deadwood or leave it to Mother Nature's annual cycle of mulch and rebirth. For homeowners in the Front Yard Cost Center who plant annual color, removal is the only answer, but do enjoy the beauty of your landscape as long as you can. And, when you are in the Lodge parking lot, stop and enjoy the beauty of the desert plants that flourish there. ~ Leonard Tavernetti Landscape Committee We review all plans for improvements to the homeowners' property. For homeowner's new to Beaumont, the city has an Outdoor Lighting Ordinance. The regulation is designed to reduce light pollution, glare, light trespass, and reduce energy use. All outdoor lighting must comply with the city code. See the city of Beaumont website for complete details or visit City Hall to obtain a copy of the ordinance and see Exhibit G, Outdoor lighting fact sheet in the ARC guidelines and standards. When planning your outdoor lighting remember to follow the city of Beaumont lighting regulations. The city does enforce this regulation. Another item to be aware of when redesigning the front yard area of your property is the one-third requirement, living plant material and/or approved artificial turf shall cover no less than one- third of the total property area (includes original driveway and walkways). This applies to all homeowners that maintain their own front yards. To have your plans reviewed in a timely manner please submit them by noon on the Monday prior to the Wednesday meeting or sooner, please remember to submit pictures of your property to help with the review process. ARC meets on the first and third Wednesday each month starting at 9:30 am in the Conference Room. All are welcome. ~ Richard Wurtz Architectural Review Above: Agave by the Spa building. Below: Yucca by original Sales Office.