A residence in Beaver Creek, Colorado, desired a mix of perennials and annuals that would provide vibrant color all summer long.
Rocky Mountain Custom Landscapes, based in Eagle, Colorado, was hired for a complete landscape renovation of this property through a relationship with a local landscape architect. It took two years to complete the renovation and no original plant material was used aside from the mature trees on site.
“We worked closely with the homeowner to incorporate all her favorite plants into the gardens,” says Billie Askins, Eagle County Maintenance Division Manager for Rocky Mountain Custom Landscapes. “We selected a combination of annuals and perennials that would display a large amount of color throughout the entire season.”
When the project was completed in July 2020, Rocky Mountain Custom Landscapes took on the landscape maintenance of the property. Their work maintaining the site earned the company a Gold Award in the 2021 Awards of Excellence.
“Winning awards of excellence are very important to us,” Askins says. “Our employees take great pride in their work and receiving a reward is the best gratification for work well done.”
Rocky Mountain Custom Landscapes faced challenges throughout the project such as deer and chipmunks feeding on the plants, a short mountain growing season and maintaining adequate moisture.
“These gardens were maintained under severe drought conditions,” Askins says. “Diligent irrigation management was required to get the plants established. Consistent deadheading and fertilization were paramount to keep the perennials and annuals blooming to their utmost potential.”
Animal repellent was applied to plant material on each maintenance visit, to combat the deer and chipmunks.
Rocky Mountain Custom Landscapes worked to identify areas where the perennials did not return early in the season and were replaced with annuals, so plants had time to fill in. The company used soil amendment and fertilizers to help these gardens mature in one year and meet the owner’s desire for constant color and an immediately mature garden.
Optimal irrigation management was needed for these gardens to flourish because the installation took place during severe drought conditions.
Interested in participating in the Awards of Excellence? Be sure to enter your project when entries open in February 2022.
