Winter landscape updates: a BellaVista town hall recap

On December 16, BellaVista Landscape hosted two Town Hall sessions, bringing Villagers together to share updates and ongoing plans to maintain the The Villages beautiful surroundings. These sessions covered key topics such as operations, irrigation and fertilization, while also introducing this winter’s hard pruning strategy. An event highlight included a live hard pruning demonstration, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and offering residents a firsthand look at the process. Attendees learned:

Hard Pruning: What It Is and Why It’s Important

Horticultural techniques rejuvenate plants, controls size, and promote healthier, more vigorous growth by removing 50 to 75% of branches, stems, and foliage. While the immediate results might appear dramatic, hard pruning is vital to ensure vibrant, thriving greenery year-round. For those who love to garden, BellaVista explained that hard pruning offers the following benefits: Rejuvenation, Shape and Size Control, Enhanced Blooms and Fruits, Disease and Pest Management, as well as preventing obstructions to paths  and structures.

Hard pruning will take place in The Villages between January and March, focusing on plants such as bush and carpet roses, salvia species, society garlic, and seasonal grasses. Residents can look forward to new, lush growth starting this spring. BellaVista has created detailed pruning maps to ensure you stay informed throughout the process.

Irrigation and Fertilization Updates

BellaVista shared its efforts to recalibrate the irrigation system during the winter months. The team is reprogramming controllers, uploading them into an advanced irrigation management portal, and marking repairs with blue flags. Please don’t remove them! Weekly water meter monitoring is ongoing to ensure efficient water use. Regarding fertilization, BellaVista completed a custom turf fertilizer application in December and plans to fertilize planter beds in late winter or early spring based on weather conditions.

Creative Workshops and Community Fun

BellaVista also brought creativity to the community with two Villages Workshops this fall—an October pumpkin succulent planter event and a December terrarium ornament workshop. Look for upcoming workshops. These popular events fill up quickly!

Your Voice Matters

Villagers are encouraged to submit work orders with any questions or concerns. BellaVista’s team remains committed to fostering a thriving and beautiful environment for everyone.

Thank you to everyone who joined December’s Town Halls. We look forward to seeing you at BellaVista’s next Town Hall in the spring!