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April is our most challenging month for annual flowers. Our local weather station (http://www.wunderground.com/ personal-weather-station/dashboard?ID=KCABEAUM7) has documented this challenge over our first few years. On April 24, 2011, the wind was gusting at 24 mph on Plymouth Rock and on April 9, the morning weather dipped to 31 degrees. The following year on April 19, it peaked at 93 degrees. For our seasonal "color" the season is quixotic and short. Most of these flowers don't tolerate freezes or 90+ degree extremes. This year we were also hobbled by restrictive watering schedules that precluded winter planting and will add to the spring challenge. Pots in the two traffic circles on Four Seasons Circle east of Potrero Creek received their "color" early and will likely be replaced before summer. The remainder of the seasonal color plants will be in place before Easter. There are 12 areas that become homes for these blooms: both sides of the Lodge entrance, the flag pole, the pepper tree, Lodge traffic circle, Lodge bridge, Lodge sign, FSC bridge, Potrero gatehouse, gate pots, and both Potrero rock walls. The committee has also voted to plant flowers in the traffic circle pots near the Summit for spring and then decide on whether to continue with seasonal planting or perennials. The main flowers in the planter beds will be Petunias, using Easter colors, with some Primulas for the 4 Lodge entry pots, - 2 Large Calla Lillies for the front door Urn pots, and Lobelia with Alyssum for roadway Pots. Our landscaper visits the nurseries when it is time to do the planting. Each year the varieties are different and the best ones for our environment are selected for delivery within three days. Since the season is so short, plants arrive in 4" pots. A lengthy adolescence is out of the question. There are 16 plants per flat and the twelve plots require 125 flats. It takes 10 landscape workers one and a half days to dig 2,000 holes, plant the flowers and then fertilize them. For the first two weeks daily attention is required to make sure they all receive the proper amounts of water. ~ Leonard Tavernetti 18 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | APRIL 2015 Landscape Committee At our March meeting several issues were covered including the following: WiFi is installed at the Lodge. WiFi is in the works for Recreation Center North and Summit. The Fountain project is on schedule. We are compiling bids for venting of the water heater in the Bistro. Solar heating for the Summit is in the works. Pool renovation at the Lodge is on schedule. Court wind screening is to be coordinated, pending weather. Billiards Room blinds have been ordered. Under safety issues, we discussed there is a danger to people and vehicles when people walk on the roadway. The next Safety and Facilities Committee meeting is scheduled for April 7 at 9 am at the Lodge. ~ Dennis Gray Safety & Facilities Committee

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