Freeze Damage

Do some of your plants look like this?  

 
Temperatures in the low country registered in the teens on the morning January 10th.  Several of the landscape plants we use are only cold hardy into the upper 20's.  Now we must figure out what to do with the mess that was left behind.  

Most of the plants' roots were insulated somewhat from the freeze because there was sufficient moisture available to them.  The worst damage from freezing temperatures occurs because the plant tissue desiccates from lack of moisture.  However, there are several tropical that probably did not survive the frigid temperatures.  In general, it is best to allow the damaged leaves on the plants.  That tissue will insulate the plant from further freezes in the future.  However, the dead leaves on the plants can be quite unsightly.  

Semi-tropical plants, such as Philodendrons, Shell Ginger, Fig Ivy, and Viburnums will make a good comeback.  More tropical plants such as Bird of Paradise, Stromanthe, Cassia, and Hibiscus may not recover.  These plants will need to have foliage removed fairly quickly to prevent the damage from penetrating into the roots.  

The semi-tropicals that were mentioned earlier can be left alone until the threat of another heavy freeze has passed.  However, if the frozen plants prove to be too unsightly, selective pruning can occur.  With Philodendrons, you should not cut the main stalk.  Only cut the leaves back to where they are attached to the stalk.  Shell Ginger should be selectively cut back to insure rapid recovery.  When pruning back Fig Ivy, try to get all the damage cut out.  The base of the plant should be okay, but removing the dead vines that are attached to a wall will provide a challenge.  Depending on the exposure, Viburnums may or may not have been affected.  Again, if the freeze damaged foliage can be left on the plants, it will aid against another freeze.  

Winter annuals such as Snapdragons, Calendulas, and Petunias should have the dead foliage removed to allow the plant to regrow quickly.  If you had tropical in urns or pots, those plants most likely will not recover.  Since their roots were above the ground and more exposed to the cold, it is less likely they survived.

New Landscaping around the Tennis Courts

Traveling along Colleton River Drive toward the Nicklaus Clubhouse, the landscape near the tennis courts has taken on a much improved look.  With the addition of the Grandstands at Court 3, our Community Grounds department has improved the quality of the plant materials along the fence of Courts 3, 4 and 5, to soften the look.  Additional drainage was added to aid in these enhancements.  Additional landscaping is scheduled to be completed around the tennis and pool complex in the months to come.

Community Grounds Spruces up Foot Pointe Drive

The Community Grounds Department has been working diligently to improve the thoroughfares throughout the Plantation.  Major Cart Path work was completed along Foot Pointe Drive and Oak Tree Road.  Landscaping in these areas has begun, with more additions to be added over time.  Following the advise of our Landscape Architect, the intersection of Foot Pointe Drive and Oak Tree Road has been enhanced to make it a more attractive intersection.  Work is still on-going with more to be done, however we are pleased at how this is turning out.

Cart Path Safety Modifications on Foot Pointe Road

Work recommended by the recent traffic and safety study on the cart paths on Foot Pointe Road and Oak Tree Road has begun.  The path has been straightened to remove some of the sharp turns, making it easier to navigate.  A wooden guard rail system will be installed where necessary to give added protection for the cart path.   Plans are underway to landscape along Foot Pointe Road to the corner of the intersection of Oak Tree Road with native and drought tolerant materials.  Please take advantage of using the cart path where they are available to prevent accidents and injury.

Foot Pointe Road Cart Path Work

As we move forward with recommendations contained in last fall's traffic and safety study, cart path work along Foot Pointe Road will begin July 16th and is expected to last two weeks.  This work will repair portions of the path and address excessive curves, making the path safer for carts, much easier to drive and incent its usage.  During the construction, heavy equipment will be used which may limit sight lines.  Golf carts will need to use Foot Pointe Road in the areas of  construction and everyone is asked to exercise caution when traveling in the work zone.

Island Improvements at the Nicklaus Clubhouse

As part of the landscape improvements for key areas of Colleton River Plantation, the Community Grounds department has made significant improvements to the island between the Tennis and Conference Center and the Nicklaus Clubhouse.  Working from the design of our resident landscape architect, the crew worked diligently to replace the turf that had existed there.  A good deal of preparation and soil amendments had to be incorporated.  Now the island is landscaped with some of our state trees (Sabal Palmetto), hardy shrubs, and colorful perennials to enhance its look.  With the new ‘Zeon Zoysia’ sod being put in place, it will be necessary to keep the turf and soil moist until it roots well.  Therefore, expect twice daily watering for the next several weeks.

Have You Even Seen Agave Flowers?

Have you ever seen Agave flowers?  These two specimens can be viewed at the end of Hawthorne Road at the residence of Don and Suzie Drobny.  The flower of the plant actually is the entire spike, which produces florets all the way up the nearly 15 ft. spike.  The florets open from the bottom first, and continue to open in sequence up the spike.  Florets of Agave differ in shapes and colors but are mostly yellow and white.  

One big drawback is that most Agave die shortly after they flower.  They produce "pups" around the base before passing on, thus continuing their genetics in nature.  It has been proven that if the flower talks are removed from the parents plant before blooming is completed, there is a good likelihood that the plant's life will be spared.  In most cases, Agave are arid plants indigenous to the southwest United States and Mexico.  

They thrive in arid conditions, and are easily propagated.  They grown rapidly under ideal conditions.  Our area is great for them in that the temperatures do not usually get cold enough for damage to occur.

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Drobny for allowing us to share your plants!

New Look Just Inside Front Gate!

As part of the “First Impressions” program, Community Grounds crews have been diligently working to enhance the front entrance of Colleton River Plantation.  Irrigation has been upgraded, drainage installed, and new plantings and mulch have been installed.  The changes are quite noticeable.  Since the program is ongoing, the crews will begin re-vamping some of the landscaping outside the walls to give a better “curb” appeal.  Most of the front entrance landscaping is over twelve years old, and a new appearance will help reduce the “tired” look that often occurs with mature landscapes.

Other areas within the club will be addressed in the near future, also.  Our landscape architect has produced designs for fresh looks at the Nicklaus Clubhouse, Conference and Tennis Center, and the “Crest Wall” areas.

Street Light Repairs

Beginning Monday, January 21, 2013,  Palmetto Electric Cooperative will have crews around Colleton River preparing areas for the repair of a series of lights that are not working.  In order to repair these lights, they must bore, or dig holes to prepare to re-wire these lights.  This light repair project may take up to 6 weeks to complete.  During this time, we ask that you stay away from any flagged or roped off areas for your safety.  They will do everything in their power to keep damage to landscaped areas to a minimum during this time.