-
(Before) The landscape on this property was destroyed by the ravages of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
-
Since most of the property borders the water, the use of heavy equipment was limited to narrow corridors on either side of the house. Most of the renovation, including removal of storm debris, new excavation, new topsoil and plantings, was done by hand.
-
In 2013, one of the company’s horticulturists designed a new garden using salt tolerant plantings as a base to increase their odds of surviving future storm damage. Shown here are the new plants from spring 2013.
-
To begin the coastal restoration project, the company remediated the soil salinity by using Gypsum applications and irrigating heavily to wash out the salt present in the soil. Then new soil and compost was added.
-
A hybrid of Kentucky blue grass and fescue seed established 25,000 square feet of lawn. This space provided a strong backbone for the new planting beds. Sample plantings include Knockout Roses, Nepeta, Nikko blue hydrangeas and sedum as well as a variety of grasses planted for vivacity and interest throughout the seasons.
-
Every planting needed to be salt and wind tolerant as well as provide dazzling color, texture and variety.
-
Organic materials with a cedar oil base are sprayed to keep disease-spreading pests at bay so homeowners and their guests always feel comfortable outside.
-
Geese flying overhead use the yard as a way station between flights. Maintenance schedule includes discouraging geese from landing with an environmentally safe goose repellent applied to the lawn in the spring.
-
Once established the new plantings have had a very good record of thriving because they are in an environment they can tolerate.
-
Today, the company continues to maintain the homeowner’s flourishing planting beds and lush lawn in what’s considered a challenging seaside environment. The property is a tribute to perseverance and hard work in the throws of Mother Nature’s adversity.