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With the many visitors that come to Pentagon Row on a daily basis, the care and ever-evolving visual interest of this landscape is paramount. The high-profile, high-traffic nature of this site dictates total weed control, well maintained shrubs, trees, ornamentals, perennials and annuals at all times.
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Colorful pots and planting beds incorporate a mixture of interesting texture and bright colors for visitors to enjoy. In this photo, red knockout roses and Nepeta surround an oak tree, while in the foreground a statuesque pot incorporates Angelonia, Vinca and Dusty Miller.
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Enticing visitors to enjoy all the retail shops and restaurants throughout these several urban blocks is accomplished through strategic placement and constant reorganization of containers and the plant material they contain.
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With over 230 pots on site 1,500 sq/ft of bed space, crews spend nearly 60 percent of their time each week pruning and deadheading material to encourage growth and keep perennials and annuals vibrant.
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It is not unusual for the landscape contractor to receive a call at 9 p.m. at night that requires quick turnaround on a request for special material or reorganization of plant material first thing the next morning in preparation for an event.
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Preparation for and clean up after special events is of paramount importance on this site. The landscape contractor works closely with site’s marketing director on the many special events on site including movie nights, restaurant and store openings, fashion shows and charitable events.
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With 120 trees on site abutting walkways and roadways, crews must limb them up to keep awnings, buildings and signage clear. In the fall, a truck mounted leaf vacuum is used to efficiently and quickly remove the large volume of leaves that are created.
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A signature trimming of this urban space is its street baskets which flow from 35 lamposts throughout the site. A combination of Lantana, Angelonia, Begonias, Petunias, Verbena and Licorice add a nice combination of color and texture. Crews spend about 40% of their time hand watering all plant material.
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Due to the visitor and vehicular traffic in this urban environment, crews spend a lot of time cleaning up unwanted trash and debris in beds and streetscapes. This necessitates a lot of mulch touchups and new mulch being added to keep beds looking sharp.
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Mixed-use urban spaces are most successful when they feel authentic and no single use dominates the experience. In the winter months, the turf area is converted to an ice rink for visitors to enjoy.
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Pentagon Row is defined by memorable streets, open space, and ground level activity that are neatly drawn together by unique brightly colored displays, containers and plant material. Over three times the contract amount is performed in enhancements on this site yearly.
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Crews spend at least 10-15 hours each week hours each week preemptively monitoring conditions to mitigate the issues that can arise when plant material becomes stressed.
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Providing a consistently high standard of maintenance is of paramount importance in this urban, mixed-use site. With strong communication between all parties and an eye to detail, the landscape contractor seems to be helping the property’s management’s team accomplish their goals of promoting Pentagon Row as a great urban destination.