Haggard Hedge Be Gone

Yesterday, was a banner day for the Horticulture department.  The hedge bordering the 18th hole was removed with the help from Dan, Kevin and Jason.  I couldn't be more happy with the results.  It's open, clean and has allowed room to reinvent that space.  I know, I know....the west side of the parking lot is starting to look like my personal playpen these days but these tasks will be completed for Spring and I'm optimistic everyone will be pleased with the results.  Design aesthetics aside, the hedge had unfortunately become overgrown and anemic over the years and had also received injury from passing carts so the removal was imminent. I'm working on some strategies to make that area more attractive right now.

As for the progress of the other visible projects, we are experiencing some logistical weather issues. The river rock bed has been put on hold because the ground is frozen and it's making it pretty difficult for excavation.  When the weather warms up we can return to that project.   As for the pond, the temporary plan is quite simple at the moment. It will be turf right up to the edge of the pond until the budget expands for that area in the future.  I've also purchased some Iris and ornamental grass plugs to border the pond once they mature in size.   Unfortunately, the current situation is the ground has become wet, soft and frosty surrounding the pond making it senseless to cart the turf soil there until the weather changes to avoid any potential damage to the turf.  (Side note: Jason checked the weather forecast today and it is currently freezing fog.  I don't think I've ever heard that description before but we've decided that Freezing Fog would make an excellent band name).  I've also purchased three juvenile creamy yellow blooming magnolia trees to berm and plant strategically around the pond.  The future goal is inspired by the French impressionist painter Monet.  Magnolia trees reflecting on the water's edge with mass plantings of purple blooming iris's and flowering water lilies throughout the pond.  Currently, the swan and her mallard friends seem to be enjoying wading in the flooded pools.