From expansive vines to koi ponds, this property in the Utah Valley receives meticulous care to retain its charm. But it wasn’t always that way. For years, the landscape had suffered from overgrown plants and a dysfunctional irrigation system. In 2022, the owner called Sunline Landscapes, based in Bluffdale, Utah, to address the neglect and restore a consistent look to the property, earning them a 2024 Gold Award of Excellence.
“It was our first time submitting for the Awards of Excellence, so receiving the Gold Award is a huge achievement for us,” says Taylor Anderson, systems development and growth manager at Sunline. “We’re thrilled that our team’s hard work and dedication are being recognized. From the crew members in the field to our property care managers and the head of maintenance, everyone shares a commitment to high standards and delivering a fantastic client experience. To have that recognized by others outside of our company is truly an honor.”
When Sunline took on this project, the landscape needed a change.
“The irrigation system was very disorganized, and there wasn’t much thought behind what the garden needed to run efficiently,” Anderson says. “The roses and boxwood hedges weren’t cared for and maintained properly.”
Over the next few years, the team formed a routine to keep the plants trimmed. As the season begins, the boxwood is trimmed with a hedge trimmer, then hand pruned for the rest of the season.
Along the home’s outer walls, climbing roses are hand-pruned each week to keep them tidy and maximize their bloom. Drifts of lavender and other roses are scattered around the property, with all of them being trimmed to maintain an even height and shape.
Another priority was fixing the neglected irrigation system.
“It was a gradual process, not an overnight fix,” Anderson says. “There was trial and error in deciding the duration, timing, and irrigation type. Many drip lines were scattered across the property, and we gradually replaced or eliminated them with different types of irrigation. This approach has improved water usage and efficiency.”
With Utah’s hot and dry climate, running the system during the day can lead to problems, so the system runs at night. Additionally, this keeps the system compliant with the city and HOA code. The property has several microclimates, including sun and shade areas, so the team has focused on dialing in the zones with multiple timers.
The unique nature of this property includes three koi ponds. One is the focal point of a secret garden, where columnar trees, perennials, and walking paths surround the circular pond. A second pond is surrounded by turf, while the final pond is part of a water feature imported from Italy over 100 years ago. Around this pond is a massive carpet of stonecrop, which is hand-pruned to prevent clippings from falling into the pond. When it comes to chemicals, only organic products are used on the lawns to minimize impacts on the fish.
From topiaries to a tricolored beech tree, this landscape has many layers of texture and color. To keep the small details in order, a team of 3-6 staff monitors the site during weekly visits, along with property and irrigation managers. The homeowner also takes an active role in improving his property.
“This client is particular and passionate!” Anderson says. “He cares deeply about his garden, which makes working with him even more enjoyable. And he values the attention to detail we put into the basics, like mowing, along with the other tasks, like pruning trees, caring for roses, and maintaining annual color. That level of care means a lot to him.”
Interested in participating in the Awards of Excellence? Enter your projects by July 31, 2025.
