Landscaping Updates

Cul de Sac 6 Restoration Launched - February 15, 2024

Good news! At yesterday’s meeting, the Board approved moving forward with the restoration of common gardens in Cul de Sac 6 following the designs posted on the website. CdS 6 is a large cul de sacs, and as a result was divided into four sub-projects for cost control and oversight. Despite its scope, it is still projected to come in well below the annual restoration budget.

Approved today for implementation in March were two of the four sub-projects with work at addresses 3224 through 3234. The third sub-project may be added to the March program as it is in flight and would include addresses 3236 through 3242. The balance of the restoration program for Cul de Sac 6 will be completed in November.

We continue to remain true to the objectives of the program. Our goals of creating a colourful contemporary look for Papillon and one based on hardy, low-maintenance and drought resistant species are being achieved. I’m certain we will all be very proud of the finished product. With Cul de Sac 6 complete in November, we will have finished 4 out of 7 of the Landscape Renewal Phases.

TruScapes Performance Review - Nov 8, 2023

Our primary landscape vendor, TruScapes (TS), next only to insurance, is our largest vendor relationship in terms of spend. As well, their work is critical to our enjoyment of our environment and to the market value of our homes. This company is the largest provider of landscaping services in The Meadows. That in itself comes with benefits, and to a smaller extent, detriments.

While we are in weekly contact with TS, we meet with them for a full on-site inspection at least twice per year. The most recent such meeting took place last week and was attended by the TruScape owner and his senior managers along with two members of your Board and the two Landscape Committee Co-Chairs. The agenda for this session was full and followed-up on a similar meeting last summer led by Co-Chair Debbie Ruppert. Debbie worked tirelessly over the summer with TS in the challenging conditions of the drought, our complicating irrigation issues, and a heavy project load. None of the five concerns we raised with TS were new to them. What follows is a summary of these five areas.

Proactive Turf Management: TS prides themselves as a superior lawn care company. We shared serious concerns about the quality of our turf. Given the sheer acreage of Papillon, our lawns can’t help but be our central landscape asset. Our turf is not where we want it to be. While there are many pockets of magnificent grass on the site, there are several areas that are in decline. Most notably, in Cul de Sac 1, particularly from 3002 - 3012, the turf is not in good shape. Irrigation played a role in this caused by a mainline pipe break in the area and a broken valve behind 3010. However, the presence of pests and turf disease has made the issue worse. As for CdS 1, we are pouring the water to these areas and will re-evaluate their condition early in the new year. On the broader subject, we expect TruScapes to provide ‘proactive turf management’. We expect them to signal potential problems before this type of damage occurs. We also expect regular visits by members of their management team to assess the condition of the site. TS acknowledged and agreed to this.
Weed Control: Almost a subset of turf management, weed control extends beyond the lawns into the gardens. 2023 has been a very challenging year on this front. Weeds seem to flourish regardless of drought or deluge. To keep gardens weed free, nothing helps better than a layer of coco brown mulch. Nevertheless, TS is contracted to keep the site reasonably weed free. They did not meet that standard. They advised us that they had a very large batch of bad weed killer this summer that was ineffective. They also indicated that they are now caught up with the application of a new organic herbicide that was applied here about 10 days ago. We will monitor the weed situation over the next several weeks. The Papillon team present also asked TS to use more care in the application of fertilizers and other products to avoid plant burn and product staining on hard surfaces such as pavers and asphalt, and to provide greater oversight to the third party that provides these products at Papillon.
Trimming & Edging: A bucket of concerns fall into this area. We shared the issue of damage caused by edgers and trimmers to irrigation and other equipment. TS has agreed to replace any material damaged at their cost. We also asked that more care be directed toward unintentional garden expansion and the gaps along sidewalks created by power edgers. These can quickly become tripping hazards. We reasserted the importance of Papillon’s Red Ribbon Program. Interestingly, Papillon is their only client where TS provides services in courtyards (Limited Common Use Areas). It is important for the many gardeners among us to understand that TS uses mechanical trimmers, i.e. the dreaded hedge trimmer, to shape plants. Except for Crotons and a few other examples, the hedge trimmer is it for your favourite species. The one exception to this is the annual spring hard cut where hand trimmers are employed. The cost to go to a fully handcut program across the year is prohibitive. Residents should keep this in mind when selecting plants from the approved list included on our website or should elect to move to the Red Ribbon Program. Communication is a critical issue here. With at least six trims per year, we will try to give residents a week’s notice on the dates of the service.
Grass Clippings & Natural Debris: By contract, TS blows grass clippings into the lawns as a natural mulch. This is beginning to be problematic as our turf is becoming quite elevated, but that is for another day. We have asked that greater care is shown to not blow clippings into gardens. Also, TS has agreed to rake and remove pine needles as required seasonally with the same consideration given to Oak leaves and acorns.
Irrigation: This could be the subject of a book, not a paragraph. Suffice to say, we have invested very heavily in our old system this year. We have a little more to do on the central system early in the new year, but telegraphed clearly that we expect our monthly maintenance costs to drop based on these investments. We will be monitoring our spend with TS here very closely.

All in all, it was a productive meeting with TruScapes. They certainly have the expertise and the resources to successfully provide the services we have contracted to them, and they repeated their commitment to doing just that. As noted at the beginning, our landscaping is very central to the Papillon brand and the value of our asset. We will continue to monitor this supplier’s performance, as we do all others, closely over the weeks and months ahead and are committed to working as partners with them.

Community Landscaping Update - November 23, 2023

It’s a busy few weeks at Papillon on the landscaping front. The final 2023 projects are largely underway and should be wrapped up in time for the holidays. Here’s what is going on.

Cul de Sac 1 Turf: We have a bit of a five-alarm fire with some of the turf in this cul de sac, particularly on one side of the street. TruScapes last week repaired a major mainline break caused by the roots of a Black Olive tree behind 3026. As well, an irrigation control in-ground box behind unit 3012 was broken and was preventing irrigation in front of about six homes. That repair is also complete. We will monitor the turf’s recovery.
Gate Planting: This project is now finished with the plants that had expired due to the drought having been replaced. Under the stewardship of our Project Lead, Donna Chapman, a team of volunteers including Jim Chapman, MaryAnne Tamburro, Lee Graham and Lorraine Scrimshaw installed the new bushes over the Thanksgiving weekend. These new young plants will required extra watering over the first three weeks. Thank you to Don Kirby in Cul de Sac 2 and our Landscape Committee Co-Chair, Debbie Ruppert in Cul de Sac 4 for offering to water at their gates and to the Chapman’s who have been watering across the site. We are seeking additional volunteers to help out. If you have a little time and bucket, please reach out to Donna Chapman at [email protected]
Cul de Sac 3 Restoration: A larger project, work is underway to upgrade landscaping in the common gardens at the building ends at 3106, 3108 and 3116 and at the rear of these units. At the time of writing, the contractor has finished removing the dead, tired and overgrown plants in these locations, including some of those with roots threatening the foundations. Planting, sodding and the application of brown mulch will take place over the days ahead. The designs for cul de sac 3 are available on our website. To avoid over-planting and unnecessary expense, the gardens are designed to a three-year maturity schedule. Again, residents in the cul de sac will be asked to assist in daily watering as the new plants take hold.
Cul de Sac 2 Drainage Remediation: Work will also soon commence work in this cul de sac to repair the scar from last spring’s drainage work. This will take place behind homes 3048 to 3054 and will include the application of new sod over the scar, the installation of two refurbished gardens and the provision of mulch. Additionally, as a result of storm damage and disease, two palms will be planted in the cul de sac, one in front of 3042/44 and the other at 3048. Same as above, residents in the cul de sac will be canvased to help in daily watering.
Tree Work: Quotes are being sought for the removal of a dead tree behind cul de sac 6 at the water’s edge and the removal of one dead palm behind 3038 in cul de sac 2. The arborist will also be examining the large Oaks for safety concerns.
On the Climate File: The current issue of The Meadoword carried a story on the change to our climate in Sarasota this year. Quite alarming, it spoke to an increase in the average high temperature for October of 97 degrees, a full five degrees higher the norm and with 22 above normal temperature days. This has become an all-too familiar story. This coupled with rainfall of 0.2 inches versus a 23yr average of 2.4 inches for the month is cause for concern. As we plan forward, we will continually have to adapt for these changing conditions in the selection of our plants and in our turf maintenance program. We will share ideas regularly on how you may wish to adjust your own gardens to what is becoming our new reality.

Managing Through A Dry Spell - Posted March 1, 2023

In discussion with our partners at TruScapes, they have advised that we are experiencing drought-like conditions, causing them to delay a few projects. Not unusual for this part of Florida at this time of year, we must nevertheless be vigilant of any potential impact to our turf, trees and shrubs. By careful choice, the plantings in the common gardens are drought-resistant. Our irrigation schedule supports watering twice per week which should be sufficient for established plants and the turf. As well, the air has been quite humid, this supporting a heavy dew. Nevertheless, new plantings, that have yet to build hardy root systems, may need an extra hand watering every so often. We encourage home owners to routinely check their courtyard gardens looking for any signs of plant stress. We must also be careful not to over-water as this too can stress or kill plants. The Landscape Committee, working with TruScapes, will also monitor the turf conditions and will adjust irrigation if required.

Hard Cut Scheduled for March 7th - Posted February 28, 2023

It’s that time again! For the health of our shrubs and trees, a hard cut is conducted annually in the Spring. For some, it can be tough watching their favourite plants cut back by one third or more. But, this hard cut re-shapes the plants and sets them up for optimum growth. The hard trim has been scheduled for March 7th and will include most plants in common beds throughout the site, including the common gardens at the end of each building.

TruScapes is also charged with trimming plant materials in Limited Common Use Areas (LCUA’s), specifically the court yards and garage side beds. Two years ago, we introduced the Red Ribbon Program. This initiative allows owners to tag specific plants or the entire garden to be excluded from this hard cut or the other bi-monthly trimming events. The applies to the LCUA’s only. As a reminder, the following are the key elements of the program. Just prior to March 7th, residents may:

Attach a 12” to 18” red ribbon to specific plants that you wish not to be cut by TruScapes, or;
Install a green 4’ thin landscape pole (available at Lowes or Home Depot) with a red ribbon affixed to it at the front of the courtyard and/or prominently in the garage side garden. This will indicate to the TruScapes crew that the entire garden is to be excluded from the hard cut.
Residents taking advantage of the program are obligated to ensure that the plant material in the LCUA is cut and maintained and that tree limbs are kept well away from the buildings and roof line and shrubs back from the garden and building walls.
The Red Ribbon markers should be removed promptly after TruScapes has completed their cut.

Plants that have been hard cut are generally full and robust again by early May.

If you have any questions at all about the hard cut or the Red Ribbon Program, please reply to this email or ask your Cul de Sac Captain.

Landscape Renewal Update - November 27, 2022

The Landscape Committee is actively planning for 2023 and will soon submit its final plan to the Board for approval. Several key projects are central to the plan including the careful renewal of landscaping in the common gardens in cul de sac 3, a volunteer-driven rework of some of the plantings at the entrance gates, a mulching program, and select replacement of a several weak or dying bushes across the site.

The renewal program itself is a multi-year venture. At the outset, we had hoped to be able to tackle two cul de sacs per year. In this highly inflationary global environment, the reality is we are able to tackle one. As communicated in 2020, the order in which we address renewal was determined by need. The cul de sacs with landscaping in the worst condition are addressed first. As we approach each cul de sac, the designs posted on the website will likely be modified slightly as we incorporate learnings on plant selection from earlier work. Also, we are striving to save as many of the existing plants as possible, this while still respecting the goals of the renewal program. At present, the conservative timetable is projected as follows:

2022 - Cul de Sac 4
2023 - Cul de Sac 3
2024 - Cul de Sac 6
2025 - Cul de Sac 5
2026 - Cul de Sac 1
2027 - Cul de Sac 2

We remain hopeful that we can accelerate that schedule. In fact, this year we hope to begin work in cul de sac 6 as well if resources allow. For now though, the schedule above is a reasonable forecast of the work ahead.

Hurricane Ian Emergency Plan - Group B Scope of Work - October 29, 2022T

The following work will be undertaken by TruScapes as part of the Hurricane Ian Emergency Plan under Group B. The material will be re-staked, re-planted or replaced based on the severity of damage. Every effort has been made to minimize costs in this undertaking.

Group B Damage: Material will be repaired or replaced

32 Hibiscus Shrubs
10 Mammy Crotons
6 Large Jatropha Trees
8 Texas Sage
6 Copper Leaf Shrubs
Replace 3 Silver Buttonwood Trees/ Repair and re-stake balance
Repair and re-stake two Hibiscus Trees
Remove and replace downed Ligustrum tree
Supply of 40 bags of mulch to be placed around landscape repair

All services to be supplied by TruScapes.

Hurricane Ian Recovery Plan - Scope of Work - Oct 3, 2022

Further to the email notification to all residents of today’s date, the Group A Schedule (Major Trees) and Group B Schedule - New Plantings have been uploaded below for your review. Please note, these documents are likely to change depending on what TruScapes is able to achieve in their routine recovery work and from input from residents.

TruScapes Trimming Scheduled for Next Week! - August 23, 2022

The crews from TruScapes will be on-site next week to complete their bi-monthly trimming of plants and trees. This will include both Common Areas and Limited Common Use Areas (LCUA).

The Red Ribbon Program will be in effect. As a reminder, this program works as follows:

- Residents who do not wish to have TruScapes trim specific plant materials in the Limited Common Use Areas adjacent to their home (garage walls and courtyards) may place red ribbons on the plants they do not want cut.

- In the event that a resident wishes the entire LCUA left uncut, residents are asked to place a red ribbon on a green pole at the front of the courtyard and another along the front of the garage wall.

- Excepting seasonal residents, these markings are to be removed after TruScapes completes their work.

- Please note that residents who take advantage of this program are responsible for maintaining the LCUA adjacent to their home in a neat and tidy manner and in accordance with the rules posted on this website. In the event of significant overgrowth, TruScapes may be authorized to trim back plants.

- Attention should be afforded to trees and large bushes in the LCUA to ensure that they do not interfere with the buildings. Plantings should be kept away from the roofline to avoid pests jumping from the tree to the roof. Plant materials should also be kept well back from the building and courtyard walls to allow proper airflow to prevent mold, to facilitate access for maintenance, and to avoid root penetration of the foundations

Of note, in limited circumstances, members of the Landscape Committee may also pace red ribbons on plantings in Common Areas where it has be determined that trimming would negatively impact the health of the plant or the tree.

May Landscaping Committee Update - May 26, 2022

While May has been a quieter month on the landscaping front at Papillon, at least compared to the last four frenetic months as we rolled out our major projects, work has continued to improve the appearance and the health of our landscape assets across our fourteen acres. This update highlights a few of the activities underway.

Tree Canopy Work: **The green space between cul de sacs five and six was addressed in late April as the tree canopy had become overgrown, presenting a risk to our buildings and providing a degree of shade that was inhibiting the healthy growth of plants below. As part of that work, Brown’s Tree Services detected a large infiltration of termites in two Hong Kong Orchid Trees, one behind 3216 and other at the rear of 3228. It was determined that the only practical action is to remove the two trees. This action was approved by MCA. After a competitive bidding process, that contract has been awarded and the work will take place over the next few weeks. At the same time, the experts at Carr’s Pest Control were called to determine if the two trees require treatment prior to removal, or the ground area afterwards. We expect a response from Fred Carr on this matter early next week, although his initial perspective is that the termites are likely of the Dampwood variety and not a threat to homes. However, we will move forward with caution to ensure that any risk is mitigated and will keep the home owners in the area fully apprised.

Dry Weather & Irrigation: Overall, May has been a dryer month than usual. Our committee co-chair, Paul Nigro, noted the browning of turf in some areas across the site. As such, the irrigation schedule was elevated last week from 2x weekly to 3x. This will be adjusted once the rains come in earnest.

Plant Replacement: As with any major landscaping project, not every shrub or tree flourishes. Phase 1b, the Ringwood Meadows Facing Renewal, is no exception. The plants are still in their warranty period and those that are failing will be replaced by TruScapes. The company has agreed to replace the Pygmy Palm adjacent to 3254 and up to three Silver Buttonwoods along the gardens spanning Ringwood Meadow, one that is certainly beyond saving and two that are showing signs of distress. You can expect this replacement to occur as the weather becomes more favourable.

**Gate Plantings: ** There has been an abundance of discussion about the plantings at the gates, notably the size of the lantana planted at the front of each. They have become a problem, particularly with the lower profile gates at cul de sacs 1 & 2, but nevertheless to some degree at all the gates as our signs become partially obscured. The remedy to-date has been to continually trim these shrubs. That over-trimming is threatening the health of the plants and is not presenting the look we had sought. Several solutions are under consideration, the current favourite being the relocation of these larger lantanas to the rear of the gates, where they can grow and flower, to be replaced with smaller hybrids at the front. This is not a major project by any means. We will keep the community apprised as we move forward.

Major Trimming: With very few exceptions, the red ribbon plan worked quite well during the first major trimming since the launch of the program. We will update the community in advance of the next planned cut. Please keep in mind, ribbons are only to be placed in the Limited Common Use Area (LCUA)adjacent to your home. As a reminder, the LCUA includes the area next to your garage and the courtyard. It does not include the side gardens adjacent to end units. Additionally, committee members may place ribbons on select trees and shrubs elsewhere on the site, only where it is deemed to support the best health of the plants. An example of this is the new ligustrums near the gates. These will be marked and trimmed to encourage their development as trees.

Looking Forward: Cul de Sac 3 is next on the dance card for a much needed landscape refresh. That is currently in the phasing plan for early 2023, subject to available budgets. The existing plans, as posted on the website, will be subject to some modification as we balance our desires with resources available. Updates will be provided as the plans mature. The mulching program initiated this year will also be part of the plan put forward to the Board.

On The Subject of Mulch: Owners are reminded that two mulch products are approved for use in Limited Common Use Areas. This includes the brown cocoa mulch that the Association has been using in the new beds, and as an alternative, brown MINI bark chips.

The White Stone: Some owners have enquired about the fate of the white garden stone behind the units, along the edge of the lanais. In a perfect world, we would remove the stone as there has been some damage caused to glass and screens from the bad mix of stones and lawnmowers. However, many residents have asked that the stone remains to lessen splash-up into their lanais. Additionally, the cost of removing and disposing of the stone is hefty to say the least. For now, the stone is remaining, but it is still not ideal and should not be added to. For those residents wishing to add a mulch product behind their lanai, we would ask that they rake the existing stone tight to the lanai, within 8” to a foot, and then apply mulch overtop of the stone or adjacent to it, but not to exceed 18” from the edge of the lanai.

Common Areas - Garden Sponsorship Program - April 4, 2022

At last week's meeting, the Board reaffirmed the existing rule prohibiting owners/ residents from planting in common areas. Specifically, common areas are any space outside the unit courtyards and garage side gardens, planting in those spaces governed by the Limited Common Use Area protocols. This rule for common space areas was put in place to ensure that Papillon's landscape palette is presented in a coordinated and consistent manner across our fourteen acres. It is a common policy across most condominium associations.

At the same time, the Board recognized that some owners are anxious to accelerate the landscape renewal program currently underway at Papillon, as scheduled to roll-out over five years. In fact, three owners had come forward with requests to plant in common areas and had submitted detailed plans for consideration. The Board recognizes the added value of owner investment and agreed to a process that would allow owners to sponsor certain spaces should they wish to accelerate the renewal program in an area likely adjacent to their home. As such, the Board approved a recommendation submitted from the Landscape Committee that introduces a defined and limited Garden Sponsorship Program .

The new program protects the overall visual presentation of Papillon by establishing the approved landscape designs as posted on the website as the Master Landscape Plan. Full details of the sponsorship program will be posted shortly. In the interim, the primary headlines are:

*Where an approved plan exists for a space, the sponsor applicant must plant to that plan. In other spaces, the submitted plan must be fully compatible with Papillon's landscape palette as confirmed by the Landscape Committee and the external designer. All costs from design through review, the purchase of planting material and installation are the responsibility of the owner applicant.

Plants to be installed must be of a quality and size consistent with the Association's own renewal practices.
Generally, the owner sponsor must contract planting to a commercial contractor acceptable to the Board. Direct planting by owners will be considered in limited circumstances.
The owner sponsor assumes responsibility for any damage or changes required to the irrigation system at the time of installation.
Planting plans cannot negatively impact another owner's view
Once planted and established, ownership of the planting and any decision related to the maintenance or removal of the plantings rest with the Association.

It is a novel program, likely the first of its type in The Meadows. While the Board does not anticipate a groundswell of applications, those that do come forward will be reviewed and considered quickly. Approved applications will be posted quarterly as part of the Landscape and Architectural Change notices. For interest, the first approved sponsored project, applied to an existing but bare garden bed, was completed quickly and is now in place between cul de sacs four and five.

Major Trimming Next Week! - March 28, 2022

Our new Plant & Tree Marking Program goes into in effect next week. So, its time to haul out those red ribbons!

TruScapes is planning to be on-site the first week of April to conduct a full trimming in both the Common Areas and the Limited Common Use Areas. As it is the spring trim, some bushes may receive a hard cut back.

A quick referesher on the program:

TruScapes will provide us at least one weeks notice prior to a major trim, that notice to be communicated to all owners by email and on the Papillon website. This is that notice.

Limited Common Use Areas (LCUA):

These areas are the only spaces residents can plant and trim. Residents who have a plant or plants that they do not want trimmed by TruScapes, will be able to affix red or orange surveyors’ ribbon to the plant where it can be prominently seen. The surveyors ribbon is readily available at Home Depot, Lowes, or even through Amazon. It is quite inexpensive.
Residents who would rather take responsibility for trimming their entire courtyard and/or the plantings along the garage should place a thin green landscape stake, also readily available at Home Depot or Lowes, near the front of the courtyard bed and the front of the garage bed with a foot or so of red surveyors ribbon attached to that.
The ribbons and stakes should be removed immediately after the TruScapes trimming is complete.

Common Use Areas (CUA):

In limited circumstances, the Landscape Committee will mark some plants in common areas that are to be left untrimmed. The basis for determining whether plants should or should not be cut will be exclusively determined on what is best for the health of the plant.

All Residents:

All residents taking advantage of the marking program must ensure that their LCUA remains neat and trimmed, as unruly overgrowth will necessitate the association asking TruScapes to complete a trimming regardless of the placement of ribbons. It is important that trees in the LCUA be trimmed away from the walls and roofs of the building.

Seasonal Residents:

For residents residing elsewhere in the summer/ fall months, the surveyors ribbon and small landscape stakes may stay in place for the period of their absence, provided they are placed tastefully. These residents must ensure that they have alternative trimming arrangements in place throughout the period of their absence.

Plant & Tree Trimming Marking Program - March 8, 2022

Our landscape partner, TruScapes, trims our plants and trees eight times per year. This includes bushes and low trees in both the common and limited common use areas. The spring trim is usually a hard cut as some of our plantings require much more than a gentle trim at least once a year to keep them healthy and full.

We think we have a solution for a concern raised by some of our owners. Each time TruScapes trim, many residents scurry around after the trimmers with instructions on what not to cut in their courtyards or along their garage walls. This is tough on our owners and tough on the TruScapes' crew trying to do their job. Invariably, a few residents are disappointed after the cut is complete. While TruScapes brings a clear expertise to this work, the courtyard and garage gardens are the pride and joy of many of our owners as they invest their time, money and green thumbs. Some owners would rather be responsible for trimming themselves.

The Marking Program:

TruScapes have agreed to a system that will allow residents to define what plants, or the entire space, that they wish to trim themselves. It will work like this:

TruScapes will provide us at least one weeks notice prior to a major trim, that notice to be communicated to all owners by email and on the Papillon website.

Limited Common Use Areas (LCUA):

These areas are the only spaces residents can plant and trim. Residents who have a plant or plants that they do not want trimmed by TruScapes, will be able to affix red or orange surveyors’ ribbon to the plant where it can be prominently seen. The surveyors ribbon is readily available at Home Depot, Lowes, or even through Amazon. It is quite inexpensive.
Residents who would rather take responsibility for trimming their entire courtyard and/or the plantings along the garage should place a green landscape stake, also readily available at Home Depot or Lowes, at the front of the courtyard bed and the front of the garage bed with a foot or so of red surveyors ribbon attached to that.
The ribbons and stakes should be removed immediately after the TruScapes trimming is complete.
Image samples of affixed ribbons are included with this email.

Common Use Areas (CUA):

In limited circumstances, the Landscape Committee may identify plantings in common areas for the marking program. An example of this is the new Ligustrums near the front gates that are currently being pruned as shrubs, but that we want to allow to grow and flourish as trees. The basis for determining whether plants should or should not be cut will be exclusively determined on what is best for the health of the plant.
Committee members representing the cul de sacs will be responsible for this task.

All Residents:

All residents taking advantage of the marking program must ensure that their LCUA remains neat and trimmed, as unruly overgrowth will necessitate the association asking TruScapes to complete a trimming regardless of the placement of ribbons.
The maximum tree height in courtyards has long been established at 5 feet. This is a rule that is being diligently applied to new plantings. Where the marking program is used for courtyard trees, residents must ensure that tree limbs are kept well away from the walls and roofs.

Seasonal Residents:

For residents residing elsewhere in the summer/ fall months, the surveyors ribbon and small landscape stakes may stay in place for the period of their absence, provided they are placed tastefully. These residents must ensure that they have alternative trimming arrangements in place throughout the period of their absence.

No system is perfect, and there will be mistakes made, but hopefully, this is a move in the right direction giving those residents who wish, more control over their garden jewel.

Landscape Update - February 17, 2022

It’s been a while since we posted. Lots of news on the landscaping front today.

Landscape Renewal – Phase 1b is moving ahead well. The heaviest slugging is done with the old plant material removed and the new installed. Light, breezy, contemporary, and colorful, we have received good feedback on the plant varieties, particularly the Silver Buttonwood, the Hibiscus, and the Texas Sage. We do expect some of the plants will experience early shock from transplanting, but they were certainly healthy and well-sized when they arrived, which bodes well for their success. The irrigation schedule has been adjusted for the next two weeks to ensure that they are well watered. All plants are guaranteed.

More is to be done before the project can be considered complete. The application of sod and mulch are the final two steps. New sod will be added to better define the gardens. The final shape of the gardens will be marked next week. Access to high quality sod is limited right now because of the recent frost as the sod farms were hit hard. We expect it to be available in about three weeks. Mulch is in good supply and will be blown in on February 28th, following the new garden contours. These two final steps will certainly give the gardens the polish we are striving for at the ‘front door of Papillon’.

Annual Tree Replacement - Five dead or dying trees were replaced this week including a Holly and a Ligustrum in cul de sac 1, a Pygmy Palm and Ligustrum in cul de sac 3 and a Ligustrum between cul de sacs 4 and 5. We engaged a new vendor, Brown’s Tree Service, and are very pleased with their performance. Browns also trimmed one large oak that was interfering with a roof in #3 and that provided a pathway for those nasty little rodents none of us want in our attics. This is a good reminder for those with trees in the limited common use areas, aka ‘courtyards’, that they need to be tightly trimmed, away from the walls, and with branches well away from the roof line. TruScapes is also charged with keeping small courtyard trees trimmed as part of their pruning program.

Florida Frost – As noted above, this part of Florida experienced am unusual event. We were hit with cold temperatures and two nights of frost this month. It took a toll on some of our plants at Papillon. A few of our gate plantings are showing frost damage. That noted, Angela Maraj of Botanica Fine Gardens was on-site last week and stated that the plants will rebound. A hard cut is planned for March. All new plantings are covered by a guarantee.

‘A Path (Too) Well-Trodden’ – Papillon is known for its wide-open spaces. One of the larger acreages in The Meadows, we enjoy plenty of green space. Thus, it may come as a surprise that we are asking pool goers and other wanderers to explore different routes to our pool, at least occasionally. The turf between cul de sacs 2 & 3, 4 & 5, and 5 & 6 are all narrow. The heavy foot traffic is wearing the grass quite noticeably. We are hoping to avoid an expensive sod replacement. Your consideration is certainly appreciated.

Irrigation Survey – The irrigation team from TruScapes will be on-site next Tuesday to complete a full survey of the system. It is an old system that has been modified many times. The association is responsible for replacing broken heads from age or damage from lawn equipment, and for repairing broken lines in the common areas. Our annual budget for maintaining the system is quite limited. The association will replace heads in limited common use areas (courtyards and garage sides) that are not functioning because of age and general wear and tear. It cannot be responsible for damage from shovel strikes or requests for repositioning or elevating of heads. We will readily arrange for TruScapes to make the requested changes, but costs will be the responsibility of the owner. Generally, the costs are quite reasonable.

Landscape Renewal to Begin Next Week - February 4, 2022

Papillon's Landscape Renewal Program kicks off 2022 in a big way. Two projects are in the Plan for this year including the streetscape along Ringwood Meadow and a general updating in Cul de sac 4, subject to an acceptable bid on the latter. Both projects focus on the common gardens at the end of each building, and in the case of the cul de sac work, gardens at the rear of the buildings as well. As common gardens, these are designed, planted and maintained for the benefit of all. The work does not include the Limited Common Use Areas, specifically the court yards and garage-side gardens.

The first project that will see shovels in the ground is the Ringwood Meadow Streetscapes, that include the common gardens on the twelve homes adjacent to the street. Currently, these garden beds have a good number of very old plantings that are in various stages of decline. The project team has gone out of its way to maintain as many of the trees and shrubs as possible, where it was determined they still had a reasonable life span ahead of them and where they were complimentary to the new design. For your interest, ribbons will be affixed to the plants designated for removal.

The approved designs, as posted on our website, were created to add color and to present a more contemporary and cared for look for Papillon, those needs identified by many residents. Moreover, the plant selection focused on those species that are drought resistance and low maintenance. Of course, budget was also a primary driver, as we have created as cost-efficient a program as we could.

The designs are based on a three-year maturity plan. This is important as the plants will be of a size and at a spacing to allow them to reach their optimal size over 36 months. This will avoid needless and expensive culling after the first few years. In some cases, particularly where the large and old philodendrons are removed, gardens will be necessarily reduced in size with sod added.

This phase has been awarded to TruScapes. You can expect to see them on-site next week. In advance of that, the garden walls facing these bed have already been power washed. Additionally, utility lines will be marked in advance of digging, and as noted ribbons will be added to plants to be removed and replaced.

Progress reports will be issued along the way. We may also seek the help of watering teams if necessary. As well, we will also keep you updated on developments for cul de sac 4, once the bids have been reviewed.

Updating the landscaping across the site is a large project and will be phased over four to five years. The phasing plan has been previously communicated. It is being carefully planned and executed with strict cost controls in place. We are confident the work will result in more enjoyment of our environment by our residents and optimized real estate values.

Landscape Update - TruScapes Site Visit - December 3, 2021

Those of you out and about Papillon on Tuesday may have noticed a group touring the site with clipboards in hand and pointing at everything green, and in some cases not so green. TruScapes’ senior leaders were here for a comprehensive walk through to identify areas of concern. It was a good session. The following are the highlights:

From this writer’s perspective, the TruScapes/Papillon relationship has moved into a good rhythm. There is no question we experienced growing pains as we kicked off the new contract, but this vendor has shown considerable energy and commitment to our property over the last number of months. Like any good relationship, performance on both sides will need to be continually monitored.

We plan to meet quarterly for the same type of review. We will be engaging TruScapes in conversations that include performance against their contractual deliverables, but will also mine their expertise on the ways and means to improve our landscape. Without question, they are subject matter experts. We also benefit from having Botanica Fine Gardens as a neutral, proficient and affordable resource.

TruScapes has been asked to advise us of any major activities well in advance, such as major trimming, fertilizing, or planting. This will allow us to communicate the same to our residents.

With regards to specific concerns on this tour, we visited a few problem areas. This is not meant to be a comprehensive fix-all list as we will be continually maintaining and upgrading the site as required, and within the resources available. These are the perhaps the most urgent from this review:

Turf Quality: The quality of the turf behind cul de sac 6, and to a lesser extent, cul de sac 5 is a problem. Incorrectly self-diagnosed as a weed problem, we have learned that there are actually three types of grasses growing in these places. Short of tearing out all the turf, which is not a practical option, we will need to encourage the preferred St.Augustine grass keeping it well fed, watered, and treated for weeds and pests. Several browning areas were noted in cul de sac 1. This has been determined to be an irrigation problem and will be remedied.

Stumps & Self-Seeded Trees: We visited a number of locations will large above ground stumps, and in one case a self-sown ‘Jack-in-the-bean stalk’ type tree close to a residence. We have asked for a quote to remove these stumps and rogue tree near addresses 3024, 3208 and 3238.

Drainage: With the rains of the past summer, 2021 was the year of drainage remediation. A focus of the Buildings & Roads Committee, TruScapes has recommended the installation of dry wells in several locations. An interesting solution, a dry well is simply a three foot wide and four foot deep hole that is filled with gravel and than sodded over. Potentially a cost effective solution, but still not inexpensive, it is been explored for waterside residences in cul de sac 3 and in one area behind cul de sac 2. This one is over to Buildings & Roads for evaluation in next year’s plan.

Mulch: Mulch as a ground treatment is a beautiful thing. It all but eliminates weeds, significantly reduces watering needs and looks really good. We now have two approved mulches including brown coco mulch and brown mini pine nuggets. We are hoping our owners jump on board with mulch for the ‘limited common use areas. We are investigating the application of mulch to the common beds at the building ends, the gardens between cul de sacs, and the tree rings. This is a future consideration.

Gate Plantings: We checked on the health of the new plants at our entrances. All is good except two Jatrophas. One at gate 3 is on the mend. The other at gate 4 is not and will be replaced under warranty.

Tree Replacement: While the Landscape Renewal Project will identify and replace aged and dying trees as it moves across the site over the next four or five years, under our general maintenance program there are a number of trees will need to be replaced each year outside of the project. This is a initiative that will focus on the most urgent - the near dead. The ligustrums are particularly showing their signs of age. We have applied to MCA to remove and replace trees near residences 3034, 3116, 3028, and in the common garden between cul de sacs four and five.

In closing, this was time well spent with TruScapes. They are certainly capable of providing the services we require. Of course, everything comes at a cost and our budgets are clear and well-defined. Operating with agreed-to priorities and with clear and consistent communications will ensure that both parties meet their objectives through this contract.

Planning to exercise your green thumb? - November 23, 2021

There is a lot of great chatter going on between home owners planning to renew their landscaping in the ‘limited common use area’ adjacent to their homes. That is awesome and supports the association’s overall goal of upgrading our landscaping across the site.

As a reminder, the limited common use area is the planting space next to the garage along the walkway and the courtyard space defined by the garden wall. To assist home owners we have provided two sample designs and lists of recommended and prohibited plants. There is a wide selection of plants available to you to support your creativity!

As Papillon’s new landscape design plans have been carefully architected to present a complimentary look across all six cul de sacs, home owners are asked to secure the Board’s approval of their design before installation. The process is clearly detailed on the website under the Application Forms tab. For certainty, the approval process will take no more than ten days from the date of receipt.

Happy gardening!

Cul de Sac 1 & 2 Landscape Renewal - November 19, 2021

Today we are posting the landscape designs for cul de sacs 1 & 2. This completes this part of the design phase for all six cul de sacs and our Ringwood Meadow Streetscape. We certainly thank Angela Maraj and Botanica Fine Gardens for their excellent work to this point and look forward to a continued relationship with them as we move through implementation over the next several years.

What's next? Over the coming few weeks we will seek final pricing for Phase 1b - the Ringwood Meadow Streetscape and for Cul de Sac 4. If the pricing is as expected, we hope to have shovels in the ground early in the new year.

Cul de Sac 5 & 6 Landscape Renewal - November 15, 2021

We are pleased to present the landscape renewal designs for cul de sacs 5 and 6. Consistent with Botanica's earlier work, these designs focus exclusively on common areas, specifically, those spaces created for the visual enjoyment for all. Principally, these include the gardens at the end of each building, landscape treatments at the rear of the units, and will involve green spaces between cul de sacs. Our goals of creating a more contemporary and colorful look for our community are at the core of the work as is the need to provide low maintenance and drought resistant plantings. While the plants selected will provide a common flow through our fourteen acres, the different arrangements will still provide uniqueness and interest.

Prior to today, we have posted the following designs and supporting documents:
- Phase 1a: Entry Gate Designs & New Papillon Wordmark
- Phase 1b & Phase 1b Revised - Ringwood Meadow Streetscape
- Cul de Sac 4 Design
- Cul de Sac 3 Design
- Design options for Limited Common Use Areas
- Listings for approved and prohibited plant stock
- Approved ground treatments (mulch)

Later this week, design plans for cul de sacs 1 & 2 will be posted here

This landscape renewal project, when completed, will present a new look for Papillon and will contribute to optimizing our property values and containing maintenance costs.

Phase 1b Updated - November 14, 2021

The second part of the first phase of our Landscape Renewal Project, more simply known as the Ringwood Meadow Streetscape design has been updated. The projects goals remain as originally established. It is our objective to create a more contemporary look for Papillon and to introduce more color to our landscape palette by replacing plantings that are at end of life. The modified design maintains a number more of the existing healthy plants that have been deemed to be compatible with the new look. The updated plan will result in lower costs for the association. The modified design is posted below.

Second Approved Mulch Added - November 14, 2021

As noted in a previous communication, brown coco mulch is being applied in common areas under development across our site and is approved for application in the Limited Common Areas. On the recommendation of one of our active gardeners in cul de sac 1, brown mini bark chips are now included as an approved ground treatment. It was noted that the the mini bark chips appear to last longer. Brown Coco mulch or brown mini bark chips may be applied to the limited common areas (garage sides and courtyards) and common areas including tree rings and the common gardens at the end of each building.

Watering Volunteers Needed!

As of today, volunteers have added new plants to the rear of the gates at cul de sacs 4, 5, and 6 and expect to complete 1,2 and 3 by the end of the week. These plantings include hybrid lantanas and super blue liriope’s. Once they are established additional brown coco mulch will be added to complete the work, again by volunteers.

While the irrigation is on and working, the young new plants require additional hand watering, once every two days for the first three weeks. This consists of applying two or three buckets or water at each gate, gently applied to the base of each plant. We need volunteers to help out with this. Right now, we have volunteers in place for cul de sacs 5, and 6. If you are willing and able to assist, please drop a note along to Brent Scrimshaw at [email protected].

Thank you to Marilyn Reed who was the first to jump on board to help in cul de sac 6!

Landscape Committee Update to the Community – November 2, 2021

The Landscape Renewal Project is currently in the final stages of design. Phase 1a, the entry gate work, is largely complete, with several additional plants to be added behind each wall later this fall wrapping up that piece of the project. Phase 1b, the renewal of the side gardens along Ringwood Meadow, is ready for implementation subject to Board approval.

The balance of the designs are in their final stages. Today we are posting the designs for Cul de sacs 4 and 3. They are typical of what you will see for the rest of the cul de sacs, those designs to be posted here over the coming few weeks. These plans reflect our goals of creating a more contemporary and colorful look for Papillon. At the same time, we are preserving those plant materials that still have useful life and that are compatible with the broader palette, reducing the overall cost of the project. Importantly, these designs focus on gardens at the end of each building, planting spaces between cul de sacs, and tree replacement where necessary. This project does not address renewal in the limited common use areas. Regarding those areas, we have posted two sample designs and plant rosters for owners that wish to proceed with renewal in those spaces.

As a reminder, the multi-year phasing plan for installation is as follows:

• Entry Gates
• Ringwood Meadow Unit End Gardens
• Cul de Sac 4
• Cul de Sac 3
• Cul de Sac 6
• Cul de Sac 5
• Cul de Sac 1
• Cul de Sac 2

The plans will be posted on the Papillon website for your future reference.

July 30, 2021 – Landscape Update #3:

Hello Papillon,
Landscaping renewal is pushing on through the hot summer months. What follows is the status of the special Landscape Renewal Plan.

Signage:

As those resident at Papillon this summer will have seen, we have freshly repaired and repainted entrance gates and installed brand new signage featuring our new logo. The community has responded positively to the new look. An interesting project it was. As we got into it, we discovered that the walls were varied sizes, and in some cases had uneven walls. . Nevertheless, the signage is in place and the landscaping will be adjusted as required based on the height of the signage.

Phase 1a:

To remind you, Phase 1a involves the replacement of landscaping at the gates. It also involves the removal of the curbs, many of which are broken, and the white garden stones. That work will begin on August 2^nd by TruScapes. The final designs will be posted to the website.

Phase 1b:

The renewal of the gardens on those properties facing Ringwood Meadow will be subject to Board approval in the early fall and is dependent on available budget. It remains the goal to complete this phase in 2021. The one change to the posted plans is the removal of all white stone to be replaced by mulch. The second half of this phase will cost slightly less than $20,000.00 and will complete our work at Papillon’s ‘Front Door’

Limited Common Use Areas:

The new rules regarding the use of Limited Common Use Areas were posted earlier this year. As noted, these areas directly adjacent to our homes are an important part of Papillon’s appearance. However, given the demands on our budgets and the breadth of our renewal project, it is unlikely that we will be able to broadly address these areas as an Association soon. Some residents want to proceed independently, and the Board supports that. To that end, the process of approval has been refined, a list of recommended and prohibited plants has been provided, and in August, residents that wish to advance their own landscape renewal will be provided with two designs as a guide. We will also reach out to one or more landscapers to seek hopefully discounted costs removal and planting.

The Use of White Landscape Stone:

The Board has determined that the use of landscape stone will no longer be permissible at Papillon. Three reasons for this decision:

- The stone has been picked up and propelled by lawn equipment causing considerable damage.
- It is not environmentally friendly and will be replaced by mulch.
- It is not consistent with the natural look our contemporary designs.

We ask residents not to place any additional stone. Over time, the existing stone will be removed and covered in mulch.

Phasing Plan:

The Board approved the Landscape Renewal Phasing Plan. Creating a fair and equitable plan would always be a challenge as we all view what needs to be done through the lens of the cul de sac on which we live and the routes we follow in walking the community.
The approach taken was absolutely clinical and simply prioritized cul de sacs by those most in need of remedial work.Generally, the shaded cul de sacs are the most stressed. Please keep in mind that all cul de sacs will be fully subject to the renewal program. Ideally, we will address two cul de sacs per year, that fully dependent on available budget. Essentially in four groups, the phasing program is as follows:

- Phase 1: Entry Gates & Properties abutting Ringwood Meadow
- Phase 2: Cul de sacs 4 and 3
- Phase 3: Cul de sacs 6 and 5
- Phase 4: Cul de sacs 1 and 2

The project’s focus is on common use areas, notably the side gardens at the end of the buildings, stand-alone beds between cul de sacs, the rear plantings behind the buildings, and the tree stock across the site. Again, we are approaching the project in the most cost-efficient method possible. Our plan is to maintain the healthy plantings across the site where we can, while still creating a new colorful, and contemporary look with the addition of new plants and bed treatments.

Please note that all routine maintenance and other urgent landscaping needs will continue across the site quite separate from the Landscape Renewal Project.

Further updates will be posted as the project proceeds.

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