New Landscaping Takes Root

Signs of progress—nine new drought-resistant Sabal (aka Cabbage) palms planted Friday at the beach pavilion.

What a change a couple of weeks makes. Just two weeks ago, flood water from Tropical Storm Debby was covering our beach area parking lot. Now, a new stand of palms and other non-invasive plants are sprouting from the sand, part of LSPOA's ongoing landscape revitalization project. Since the first of the year, beach committee members have been busy clearing weeds, poison ivy, pepper plants, roots, grinding stumps and hauling off debris in preparation for the Board approved planting plan.

Sea grapes are placed and planting begins.

A necessary component of the project was to revive a long neglected well to provide water for the new vegetation. Members Larry Reinebach and Kevin Berkebile installed a new solar panel, a new tank and some much needed parts, and voila, water is flowing again. (By the way, the 560-foot well was first drilled 12-years ago, in the summer of 2000, to provide water for what was then called the LSPOA Arboretum.)

Kevin added a nice touch with a new, stylish foot bath fountain complete with wood decking (click to see July 3rd blog post). And Committee Chairman Ken Abt coaxed Sarasota County to extend it's split rail fence separating us from North Lido Beach Park to provide a better boundary.

Debby moved our plans back a bit, but finally, on Friday July 6, a crew from Blue Sky Landscaping arrived to plant nine drought-resistant Sabal palms, along with sea grapes, sea oats, wild flowers and native grasses. Kent Williams supervised the operation and also pitched in to help rake and clear the way for planting. Kent ran soaker hoses from the water spigot to provide needed moisture for the first 60-90 days.

New grove of Sabal palms stand tall at the beach pavilion.

If all goes well, and feedback from members is positive, a second phase would include blue saw palmetto, beach elder and coco-plum shrubs.

Kudo's to Ken Abt for persistence in moving the landscape renovation project forward, and to Kent Williams for helping to make it happen. Other beach committee members include Carol Bowen, Phil Fuoco, Dan Mills, Ken McMillen and Bob Thill.  

Let us know what you think so far. Click on this link, Beachscape Feedback, and give us your input and ideas. ~ BT