Landscaping in neighborhoods

Well if you want rocks, just come to Nevada. But you are not suppose to just go out and pick up just any rock. You must have a permit. Utah also has beautiful rocks. I have a friend that has acreage and gave us as many boulders as we wanted. Some of the ones in the front landscape were brought in large flat bed and moved by crane. They are half buried in the landscape. If we ever sell and someone wants to get rid of the boulders, it will cost them a fortune. This the Koi pond in the back corner. The waterfall feature is competely made from natural rock.

This is some of the large boulders in the front landscape.

Your water feature is fantastic - I so wanted to have that, just can't justify the cost of all the rock and set up at the moment. We're definitely going to have one like that at some point - and perhaps a stream with a koi pond. Very nice set up you have there.

It's an interesting question, keonikale. I think the first big thing you have to tackle is deciding whether you view your home as an "investment", or as your "home". I've always viewed mine as both. If you watch any of the endless TV shows on selling your place, they always focus on bathrooms and kitchens and pay little attention to the landscaping outside (however, if it's really awful they'll buy some plants at Lowes, and stick them in the ground---really ugly!). They talk about "curb appeal" being important initially, but then head straight to the kitchen/bathrooms to fix up. I'm on my 5th home, and never had any trouble selling previous ones (in spite of 2 "down markets" like we're currently experiencing), and I attribute that (rightly or wrongly) to the fact that I landscaped the properties well. They had "curb appeal". Realtors told me they "showed well", whatever that means. I realize that my plantaholic zest in landscaping will clearly intimidate some buyers. That's fine. I can deal with that---I don't want them to buy my house, because they can't/won't take care of all my planning and hard work. But it's really easy to overcome this objection if you REALLY need to sell--you just tell them that "everything's automated"---on a computer-controlled system. These young people nowadays light up when you say "computer-controlled"...

This message was edited Jan 31, 2009 10:01 PM

I was so bad when we sold our last home, I ran out and purchased indoor plants and planted them under them eve by the front door. They looked great and looked like they had been there forever. the rest of the landscape was out of this world. That is what sold the property, the back yard landscape.. No promises were made. I told them I spent more than 10 hours per weekend on gardening. They stated that was no problem. Well we were invited to the property 4 years later for lunch. They wanted us to see what they had done with the landscape. The only thing still healthy was the indoor plants by the front door. The rest was a disaster but we did not indicate our disappointment. They were so proud at what they had kept alive that you just had to give them your support. Take care and enjoy your landscape when it is yours because no one else will have a clue.... This is the whole crew. Vern and myself on the left and then our son and his wife and family and then our daughter, husband and their family. Yes they have five. 17 to 5. This is at the great condominium in San Diego during the summer.

The one thing I would watch out for is over spending on features. I've seen people around here drop 50K- 100K on bascially rock hills with water features. It can be over done depending on what price range your house is in etc. As they say you don't want to be the most expensive house on the street or the least expensive.

On the other hand a well lanscaped yard will very much stand out in a planned development. I've been in some neighborhoods where every house had the developers landscape and nothing else or you could tell what was on sale at Home Depot the year the houses were built. I have a friend who lives in a place that had something like 8 models to choose from but you picked the colors. Been to the house 20 times or so and I still have to look at the mail boxes to make sure I'm at the right house. Every house has one tree and a few green bushes. LOL> That's what you would call lack of curb appeal. When someone can refer back to your house by something that stands out compared to other houses then you have curb appeal.

We did spend a fair amount of money on our landscape and Koi pond and Pool. . Especially my two gardens, one for Herbs and one for Vegetables. My husband is 76 on Sunday and I am 66 going on 40 as far as energy. We only plan on leaving feet first. I worked as a Mortgage Banker in Las Vegas for 35 years. Never went on vacation and only purchased a new car every 8 to ten years. I always packed my lunch, but ate like a Queen. Had four children in College at the same time. That was a nightmare. I, my husband was a mechanical engineer and did not like stocks, invested in the stock market at the right time and took the money out to build our custom home. I was not a genius, just in the market at the right time. Right after completed construction, 9/11 happened. This would have wiped out a large portion of our gain. I guess we were just blessed with good luck. But I do agree, I have seen many individuals over improve their property. Putting a pool in for $50,000 and then selling the home two years later and expecting to cover the whole expense. Not going to happen. Many times I would have a borrower's purchase price of $750,000 and another $500,000 added in upgrades. That is why Las Vegas is so upside down with the foreclosures. I retired three years ago and none of my borrowers went on an adjusted rate mortgage. Why take that when you could get 5% fixed. Sorry, I can never get to the point. Sorry, once a salesman, always a salesman. I forget I am retired. Picture is one of my gardens on the side of the house. This right after i cleaned the summer tomatoes and was getting ready for winter vegetables.

Well I'm starting to think either my HOA has it out for me, or I'm just on a string of bad luck lately. Got a letter saying, “It has also been noted that you have done an extreme amount of planting in the yard of your home. We do not show that you have received approval to make these changes.”

So apparently I now have to ask permission to plant anything in my own yard? Argh

So any suggestions on how to scale back? I've not heard back from them asking exactly what they want me to do. But I'm just trying to think ahead. Here's the house as of April 18th when I was finalizing all my planting.

Another... maybe I should remove some of the taller items - most of that bed is potted tropicals anyway. I guess I could move them behind the house, where they won't cause such a uproar with the HOA.

Thoughts?

Hi keonikale, we have HOA's all over in Texas to. :(

My last HOA would urge us to please fill out the request form, even after the deed, citing that if you didn't ask for permission, better to ask for forgiveness.

I highly doubt any HOA could keep up with or even have a list of approved/not approved plants. For our HOA now we just laid out where the beds would be and asked to "put plants" in them. Approved. :)

So perhaps just sketch out the design of your current beds and always always keep it vague. The folks approving these things aren't experts, just neighbors, and the more details you give them the more the hesitate to approve something.

Beautiful yard! Best of luck.

Thanks, I'll give that a shot. Right now our HOA is controlled by a third party agency hired by the builder. The neighborhood is new and the residents don't have any say yet - we actually tried to remove this HOA previously bc of problems. I think once my neighbors have control of the HOA we'll be OK, but that's probably some time off yet.

I'm definitely go the "ask forgiveness" route - or at least play innocent, lol. Thanks for your help.

Oh even better then! Our last HOA, the one I was telling said better to ask for forgiveness---yes, that was a 3rd party hired by the builder :). And honestly they actually care even less than your neighbors might because they don't LIVE in the neighborhood. Honestly by you putting so much time and money into your yard it looks great for the builder, so likely this HOA is just enforcing what they must by sending out the notice.

Pacify them with a simple request :)

(We tried to do away with ours to...at the first annual mtg they held with the lawyer and 3rd party officiating we sure hoped neighbors would do away with it but just even the common man likes power and there were plenty of neighbors wanting to know when they could hold board positions lol...so ending it was a no go.)

A problem with over planting???? HOA usually have some control over landscaping or lack of it but to much landscaping is new to me.

That's right. Actually under planting is preferred. I'm sure we've all seen the yard that looks like a jungle! Or, as in the subject of the thread, transfers owners---will the new owner keep it as nice? That must be the concern of an HOA hence they exsist to govern. It's not my ideal but I just tell myself if I don't like it I can move to the country. :)

I submitted a plan, sketch, and photo - it's been passed up to the board I've been told. I guess I'll see what they say. If they deny my "project" I hope I can at least attempt to change it and resubmit. Silliest part is that I had this same bed there last year and it wasn't an issue. Go figure.

plants are taller ;). sorry just trying to find humor in it. i know it can be frustrating.

LOL, actually you might be right. Some of the items are taller this year - especially the majesty palms which were in the back last year. If I removed a few things, it would thin it out - but that would sorta defeat the purpose. But I'm just keeping my fingers crossed. Thank you all for your help on this.

You should move to Las Vegas. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. I am on the Board of our HOA and we are all on the take. It would probably only require you weed my yard for a year to get approval....LOL. I think it looks great but if all your neighbors are grass and blow, you would stand out. Just keep a smiley face and be gentle. Sugar works better than vinegar. Now retired, as a VP with JP Morgan Chase for 30 plus years, I am also mind dead. LOL. Do you know how many VP"s JP Morgan Chase has? More than you can imagine. In other words, no big deal. A nickle and that may buy you a cup of coffee. But I was impressed at the time. Have a great day., Our high today was 97 and it was hot. I got up and started gardening at 6:30am but did not finish until after 3 pm and it was hot. I have three neighborhood projects going and could not get my gardening done because of them. My consultation is free but I ran out of time. But I do get great gift cards. My DH is growling at me. Do you think that means something???? I will forward you before and after pictures.

It's been almost a month and I still haven't heard back from them. I've been sorta on pins and needles waiting for their decision. In the meantime, the bed has grown up quite nicely. I still am fighting my grass something fierce though.

I can't seem to get out and do much weeding or gardening in general this year. My separation back in February drained me from doing much of anything; and apparently 2009 is just one of those years - my grandfather passed away yesterday (we learned his cancer was back two weeks after Natasha and I separated). I find myself trying to do anything today to get my mind off things - worrying about the HOA is better than dealing with everything else. It's gotten to hot to do much outside in the day time.

I'm about ready for 2009 to be over with. I'll update when/if I actually hear back from the HOA. I just hope it's good news.

John, You have my sincerest sympathy at this difficult time. I hope you and your family can take comfort in the warm memories you have of your grandfather. Surely the HOA will OK your lovely garden, how could they not. Your hard work serves as an example to the whole neighborhood.

Hold on and remember you have lots of DG buddies in your corner.

WOW!!
I am just SOO Very Glad I read this post!
I was just getting ready to sink $100 into shrubs for the front bed.
but already have a host of canas in the back along with elephant ears and a couple of other goodies. I can plant there instead!

we too plan/hope to move in a year or two - so why the bother?

Oh thank you so much for Saving me that money!!

keonikale - uggh 2009 was a bummer for me too.
Bad car crash, couldnt walk, had neurospine surgery.
just finished back and hip injection series to be able to better walk.
Im still not driving.
Sister had cancer surgery last week (in NY) and daughter moved out of the country (school).
But we cant let the madness get us down!

my back was/is such
- that now im seriously morphing to containers;
EZ Gro stackers theyre called with coir+20% perlite for soil.
tonite Im doing a vertical hanging growbag that holds 10 plants!

about our HOA. when our yard really looked horrific - for months on end
(Hons knee replacement - we heard nothing)
we finally got some help finished our gorgeous landscaping
- and got a letter to remove an item that had been present and visible from our move-in date.
go figure.
now we elected fellow homeowners to sit on the HOA board.
they hired new, SLIGHTLY cheaper landscapers
our lawns are a NIGHTMARE of weeds,
if they are injured in our yard they can sue us! what the ? ? ?
AND they use profanity - toward us!
I share this to say - dont worry about what they decide.
sometimes you may have to
change some plans and wait a while
but given time - determination wins out.

John, I hope you know that if you need a getaway you are still most welcome to come up next weekend for the round up....it would perhaps give you a break with other gardeners who share your passion.....just bring yourself....I know I've bugged all the local SC gardeners with my emails...but I just want folks to have a great day of BBQ, talk and plants....oh and yes I am going to put everyone to work in my yard for a few hours...just kidding....my thoughts are with you over the loss of your Grandpa....

D

p.s. on the HOA thing - their all just jealous because your yard looks so fab you are putting them to shame....perhaps they should hire you to beautify the rest of the neighborhood :)~

rednyr - re HOA: ditto!

Hey there John. just stumbled into this, and right after I viewed my former home (9 years ago) today after lunch, too.. it's on the market for the 3rd time. so I have some thoughts for you! when we moved in, there was just the front shrubs and grass.

I used to have such a glorious rose garden -44 bushes and climbers, right out front along that driveway! when we put up our for sale sign, I had no less than 20 teenaged boys stop by and thank me - they'd been snitching roses to take to their moms or sweethearts for nine years! Those roses were so robust, I gave way 8-to-12 1- dozen bouquets each Mother's day to family and local kids for their moms. When we sold, I gave the wife the website and phone # for Witherspoons roses, told her all she needed to know was on there for their care.

LOL we'd also planted: snowball bush, almost 100 azaleas, 5 gardenias, 4 crepe myrtles, 2 forsythia bushes, a fruit bearing Quince, butterfly bush, a huge hardy Colocasia, 12 acubas, 100 varieties of TB irises, a pink dogwood tree, several dozen perennial tulips and daffodils, perennial violas and aguja ground covers, and about 30 perennial herbs and flowering perennials, a species type Japanese iris (a gorgeous specimen), and a whole border of dayliles.

after about five years, what was left of the roses were scrawny and terrible. They'd torn out much of the borders out front, too. They were selling the house again.

We drove by today, we seldom get over that way anymore. All that's left is the 4 crepe myrtles....and grass. they've added 4 more crepes on the south property line, where the roses were. but it's all back to grass. They even removed the mature and healthy boxwood hedge along the front walk that the builder installed! guess trimming it was too much trouble.....

so - as a Realtor, I can tell you LANDSCAPING SELLS. gardens are beautiful and if they bloom - sell the home during bloom season! Folks really love that look, that someone cares and takes care of the property. it SELLS..

... but don't expect anyone to know what you know about gardening, and don't expect them to care. to each their own.

One gardener I know left an entire booklet with photos of the different plants, locations and their care, for the new owners - a very thoughtful gesture. I wish someone at this house had done that for my furnace, air conditioning unit, and well equipment!!!

Still nothing from the HOA - so I'm considering the issue dead unless they suddenly decide to bring it up again. I suspect it was a power play from the third party that serves on behalf of the HOA.

Funny thing is, all the landscaping really helped my recent appraisal for refinancing. The appraiser seemed impressed by the fact it gave me street appeal in such a new neighborhood. So that was a plus.

Sorry I couldn't make it up to the get-together this weekend; my family has still had a lot going on and I've been spending a lot of time with them lately. This has been a crazy year.

And I will make sure to never return to my house after I sell down the road. At the rate the bananas are spreading bc of all the rain, it's going to be a banana farm. My dad joked yesterday I'm going to need a machete to get through the back yard soon. I love it :)

Your first mistake, Keonikale, was buying into ANY community with an HOA! Those things are politically driven by the most small-minded control freaks I've ever encountered in my life! And I never want to experience it again! Only did that once (convenience factor), but I"LL NEVER do it again! EVER! I learned my lesson. They are small-minded people with absolutely no tolerance for "anything out of the ordinary". To wit: I had planted a hedgerow of some rose I was in love with at the time along the driveway...everyone in the neighborhood thought they were "beautiful", and would often knock on the door asking what they were, so they could plant some. I don't even remember what they were, but they were very attactive, and I was proud of them. (And they grew well!). This was in Texas! Texans don't normally tolerate being told what they can and can't plant, or where and when you can plant them, so this came as somewhat of a shock to me. So I flipped the HOA the bird. The thing started to snowball... and long story short they took me to court. Cost me $3,500 to defend my right as an individual to design my own landscape, but I won. I think that's still possible today. But maybe only in Texas... And REALLY P.O.'d the HOA...war lines were being drawn. Fortunately, I got a corporate dictum to move before the court date, so I did. But many neighbors e-mailed me after the fact that the HOA got blasted, but that may be just the Texas mentalilty...won't apply in the rest America. So beware!~

He won't have to worry about the HOA any longer...he's moving to paradise and I wish he and his beautiful new bride (it's been one year) much success in their new venture in HI....(not sure how much he gets on Dave's anymore - besides his 'regular' job he is writing a book/blog on the Islands and developing a tourism site based on his experiences there.... if you care to take a spin check out http://www.hawaii-guide.com/

John was a tremendous resource for us (as were his online guides) when we went to HI, he even shared some special hide away Inns that were fabulous. Now he won't have to worry about HOAs or having to bring plants into the garage for the winter. I am so happy for them both. Do you know which island he is lighting on?

I dont know which Island Ardesia - but did hear they won't leave until the end of this year - they are in the process of selling their home etc...one of his email addy's listed on facebook is jcderrick@hawaiianstyle.org if you want to email him :)

Hey everyone, I was talking with Deanna and realized how long it has been since I was here. I accidentally let my membership lapse back in September.

StonoRiver, I am sorry you had to deal with all that. I am glad that'll soon be an issue of the past, though we are going to be renting, so some of my landscaping could potentially still cause a conflict depending on how the renters "keep up" with the yard. I'm trying not to think about that, LOL - hopefully we'll have renters who like to garden. Else the yard might take over.

We're moving on December 28th (hopefully) to Kaua`i. We've been crossing hurdles left and right, insurance being the last big one (which is still daunting bc the cost is outrageous). But we're on our way, and we're really excited. We're planning to go for a year and then evaluate from there. Still not sure it's all sunk in just yet.

I look forward to catching back up with everyone. I've missed being here and talking with you all :)

This message was edited Apr 16, 2012 10:46 AM

Hey John, Aloha. Good to see you here again. I am envious of that upcoming move, it will be an exciting time for you. I have been following your blog and it always warms my heart when someone who works hard at following their dreams finally succeeds. Being an old career counselor at MTC, these were the kinds of examples I loved giving the students. My son spent 6 weeks on Kaua'i last summer and relied a lot on your online guides. Congratulations and WELL DONE!

Don't know if you remember rjuddharrison here on DG but he has an amazing garden in Houston including a huge, to die for, Tree Fern. He was transferred to Chicago this year and it was distressing to leave his tropical paradise but he was able to find a gardener to rent his home for the next few years, maybe you will be as fortunate.

For the sake of brevity, keonikale, I left out the most ironic thing... A month after the homeowner's association told me I had to rip out the roses (They were 57 Tropicana's...had to ask my wife!), that SAME HOA awarded us "Yard of the Month"---for 3 months in a row! I'll never understand politics...at least I hope I never do! Might mean I'm joining their Power-uber-alles mentality...