John and Kathy McIlvaine
8217 Bay Tree Lane
In keeping with our focus on Florida Friendly Landscaping (FFL), the home of John and Kathy McIlvaine has been selected. FFL features include extensive use of Asiatic Jasmine as a groundcover, replacing the turf (turfgrass) and minimizing the need for fertilizer, water and maintenance. The jasmine not only provides a more formal look, but also under most conditions looks good all year and can manage in sun or shade. The homeowner reports that a quick edging by the lawn service, and a quick trim with the string trimmer a time or two a year is all it takes once the jasmine is established. Finally, the mixed plantings provide a lovely natural area between the McIlvaine property to the left, and the neighbor’s property to the right.
Asiatic jasmine is a monoculture that works, but variety provides more interest. As shown, on the right side of the home is a large triangular shaped planting bed. This bed reduces the amount of turf and provides a natural break between this home and the next. This large planting bed features a variety of plants (trees, shrubs and grasses), most of which look good year-round. The few which do not stay green through the winter provide shelter and food for the wildlife. Most of these will return from their roots, only requiring a quick trim after it starts to warm up.
The entire left side of the property (not shown) also includes a variety of plants ( calathea, plumbago, loropetalum, blue daze, muhly grass, bottlebrush) and is set off by a lovely boxwood hedge. Unfortunately, all of these took a hit given our most recent unprecedented cold snap. Because this area is well established, we believe that most of the plants will come back from the roots, and will look as good as new by the summer.
John and Kathy moved to Deercreek from Stamford CT in 2003. While both residents enjoy gardening, due to busy schedules they recently hired a landscape company to keep up with the maintenance. Several years ago, they added a paver driveway and a screened-in pool. They enjoy living in a well-managed, quiet community in a good and convenient location.
