12 September 3 - 16, 2011 Lush landscapes from Page 1
the desert. They want to be surrounded by something lush and tropical.”
Keeping things green in the harsh Valley climate can be diffi cult and expensive. Consulting a professional can save time and money in the long run.
“It’s important to consider budget when designing your outdoor space, not just for
installation and plantings, but for upkeep,” notes Alexander. “We sit down with clients and use auto-cad to produce computerized renderings of how everything will look. We don’t overdesign or underdesign, then we go over what the monthly maintenance costs will be once it’s complete.”
Matching materials to the specifi cs of the landscape design is vital, since it can mean the difference between a hardy garden or a yard full of dead plants. Inadequate or over-stressed systems can also result in a pile of hefty bills with nothing but brown fl owerbeds to show for them.
“You have to have the right water system with the proper timer and the right pipe size for pressure,” Alexander advises. “That saves on monthly watering costs and reduces the chance the system will require expensive repairs in the future.”
Changing times, changing needs Alexander and many of his employees worked as subcontractors with the Valley’s major homebuilders during the boom years, when opulence and luxury
were in high demand. Now, he sees a shift towards more practical outdoor designs that emphasize enjoyment value over conspicuous excess. “People are more careful with their money these days, and we’re seeing a completely different kind of customer,” says Alexander. “They’re more practical, more conservative.”
In addition to plants, Blooming Vista does water features, putting greens, fi replaces and stonework. “These days, we’re doing a lot more basics like decorative gravel, trees and plantings, and we get fewer requests for elaborate gazebos and barbecues.” In the current sour economy, Alexander also fi nds he is increasingly being called in to fi x work done by unlicensed contractors who promise incredible deals on landscaping but leave a mess instead. He warns against going for the bargain that can end up being incredibly costly.
“There are lots of guys out there with a truck trying to make a quick buck however they can,” Alexander reports. “The problem is, they don’t know what they’re doing, and it can be really, really, expensive to repair.” Blooming Vista Landscape Design & Installation is located at 22439 S. Cooper Rd. in Southern Chandler. For information, call 480-802-4777 or visit
www.BloomingVista.com.
Miriam Van Scott is a former Kerby Estates resident who can be reached at
Miriam@SanTanSun.com.
Community
www.SanTanSun.com County conflict
results in relocation After an intense battle with Maricopa County over zoning restrictions, Blooming Vista Landscape Design and Installation is preparing to move to another location in the SanTan Sun area. According to Alexander, the dispute involves disagreements over regulations governing use of his property that have escalated as the area has become more heavily populated. Alexander, who also resides at his Cooper Road business location, believes the county is trying to eliminate mixed-use sites like his in residential neighborhoods.
“When we bought this place, we were the only ones out here,” explains Alexander. “Now it seems like the county just wants 100 percent housing with major commercial at the corners. In the last month, they succeeded in pushing San Tan Nursery off of Chandler Heights, which is only a block away from my company, and they also forced Landcraft to take down their business sign.”
Alexander says the county recently levied a daily fine against Blooming Vista and has given him two months to cease business operations at the Cooper Road site. “They gave us a date of Nov. 5 to be out of here and into a new location, and are fining us $100 each day that goes by,” says Alexander. “We have been here for about 10 years and never had a complaint from any neighbors. Since our business does not fall within the zoning ordinances which are required for our type of business, they have the right to start collecting additional funds.”
Though he is still reviewing his options, Alexander says he plans to move his nursery to keep peace and continue serving his clients. He has already changed Blooming Vista’s business address to a post office box ahead of the actual relocation and hopes to announce details about the new site soon.
“We’re planning to relocate further in the East Valley,” Alexander notes. “We’ve been around for almost 10 years and we’ll make it through this, too. I’m very proud of the fact that even after we’ve just been through the worst recession since the Great Depression, we’re still in business, still employing people and still serving the community. We couldn’t do that without our loyal customers and we thank them for their continued support.”
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