My Landscaping Project in The Villages Part 1 | The Villages Florida

[@TheVillagesChief]

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[@christinemowbray6116]

So yeah, that’s the love-hate relationship. I’m having with the northern part of the villages and the southern part !! although I Fenney I see that a lot of the houses are right on top of each other and there’s no trees .. and I like the trees. Your yard is beautiful you really lucked out with the foliage in the back and the side is beautiful as well with the islands.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks Christine!

[@noreenn6976]

Love the bricks, I vote to keep them.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Yeah a few have said that, I probably will, thanks!

[@BethInstaNow]

Beautiful! It’s so nice to have that size property! I really like the look of the bricks on the island.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks!!

[@mickeyblue4731]

The queen palm is the back just needs fertilizer and tell who ever is trimming them to trim no more than 3 and 9. Personally I would take all the Queen Palms out as they are a messy cheap palm and replace with self cleaning palms. The cordyline in the front planter is alive, just pull off the dead leaves and cut it back. You can propagate the cordyline by cutting off a branch and just sticking it in the ground (5-6" down) where you would like it to grow. I would also rake up all the pebble gravel and all those pots and get rid of them before it hits your windows in a hurricane. Put down some nice pavers for your BBQ. Move the agave in the back to the cactus island near the front and add some red yucca. Buy some orchids and hang them in your bottlebrush tree. The thing is the front is philodendron selloum. Remove the tree that is growing sideways near your foundation. Bushes that you feel are too tall near the front walk can usually be trimmed by a 1/3 by hand (be sure and stagger your cuts inside and out) and gradually brought down in size.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks!

[@josea5949]

Mickey, I'm digging your ideas and your knowledge of the plants. I too am a plant Connoisseur. As for the self sheding palm frond palms. They were great down in South Fla where we used to live, but not so much here. I have seen many dead ones from past winter. I too lost several of them. Happy planting

[@mickeyblue4731]

@@josea5949 There are lots of self cleaning semi-cold hardy self cleaning palms. You need to go to a specialized palm nursery and not big box stores. They may cost a bit more but are worth it. Queen and Washingtonia's are havens for rats. Additionally Washingtonias get too tall for residential use and can snap in high winds. Even if someone doesn't want to spend the $$$ for good palms, I would take those 2 out.

[@PietrinaBravata]

My suggestions: I would take down or closely trim anything too close to the house or hanging over the house. I love the rocks in the back near the birdcage but I would remove some of the pots and plants and plant a few small, colorful bushes that are low maintenance. A nursery could advise you about color. Keeping it simple is so much better in the long run and adding a few splashes of color goes a long way. I agree with you about removing the large bushes in the front. I would rip out most of the overgrown bushes, then step back and take a look at everything. Maybe look at some photos of landscaping online that match your taste and then I would make a plan to plant a few new, small, colorful bushes or plants. Keep it simple. Overall you picked a nice spot with a decent amount of property. Your lawn looks good and I love the palm trees. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. I'm excited to see the progress even though it looks pretty good already!

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks Pietrina! I agree with everything you’re saying, thanks so much for the advice!

[@Liz-gc6gn]

I love your house. That’s exactly what I hope to find in 3-5 years.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Awesome, there are more like it, you’ll find one :)

[@trishshaughnessy5476]

That tree is a bottle brush one of my favorites ❤️

[@TheVillagesChief]

Yeah they are very cool trees!

[@topaz3468]

You have a weeping bottlebrush tree. It attracts hummingbirds as you probably know.😊

[@TheVillagesChief]

I found out today, it’s a very cool tree, I haven’t been here long enough to see the hummingbirds but I bet I will at spring. Thanks so much Topaz!

[@karendumont9435]

I have almost 10 acres in MA, mostly woods & so beautiful; your yard is great! Is that a bottlebrush bush? I agree that the front shrubs should go. Your palms are gorgeous though!!

[@TheVillagesChief]

Yup bottle brush!

[@sueshoe364]

KEEP the blocks‼️💥It’s stunning and statement piece, different from the neighbors…..

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks so much Susan!

[@weareallamericans7358]

Thank you for not poisoning your yard with the "D" or "M" company services. Year round GREEN Grass is artifical. Our water supply and native critters thank you 😊👍

[@TheVillagesChief]

Interesting view, thanks for sharing!

[@trudyyurina5473]

Your landscaping is beautiful. I wouldn't take out the flowering bushes in front. I love the pavers around the landscaping too.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks Trudy!

[@geocape7060]

What a talented guy. You have a good eye for this stuff.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks Geo!

[@lauralampe1664]

The bush in the front with the pink blooms, could you relocate it to somewhere else in your yard? Good sized yard for The Villages. Nice privacy landscaping in the back.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Yup someone else mentioned relocating it, which is what I plan on doing now I didn’t think it was possible but now I know I can! Thanks so much!

[@laurarahz12]

Your yard is just beautiful!! I personally like the edges of the “islands” but I’m no expert I just think it’s pretty!! Your birdcage and Florida room are a dream! Enjoy!!

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks Laura!!

[@eloiseparker6160]

Just make sure you get ARC approval before doing anything outside. Our neighbor just had to replace his whole yard because he did not get approval.

[@TheVillagesChief]

That’s a great point I forgot to mention that in the video. Technically I believe my bushes exceeded the height, but before adding anything new I’ll be going thru the ARC, I’ll be mentioning that in my part 2 video. Thanks!!

[@tjlarson6519]

Wow that's a huge lot. I hear a pool calling your name.!

[@TheVillagesChief]

Yeah I could easily fit one

[@alicethomas6472]

Your lot & landscape is beautiful. I would keep the azalea bush & maybe put it somewhere else. I would also keep the pavers . It's a clean look to your landscape. I was worried you didn't have any privacy because the way I see your neighbors are right on top of you. I don't see that at all. Very nice. Could you design me a 1963 Corvette shirt? I'm a Corvette gal. You are very informative about everything you do. Thanks so much for sharing. Take care & God bless

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks Alice! I’ll add the 63 corvette cartoon to my to do list :)

[@alicethomas6472]

@@TheVillagesChiefNo rush. I'm sure you stay busy with that especially with summer coming up. Thank you

[@Mike-108_v_]

Chief - My sister and brother in law moved to the Villages summer 2022- both 20 year retired Air Force veterans (Master Sgt., Special Forces respectively) ... My suggestion is this: (based on energy) The front entrance of your home is the first thing people see when they arrive and is an important area for the flow of energy. Keep it clear of clutter and make sure the space is well-lit and welcoming. Those big bushes seem like "clutter"...energy doesn't flow, make it a curved path....instead of "L" shaped ..... incorporate lights.....also, If it were my house, probably would take down the rail next to the front door (also clutterish) to incorporate that double bench seat that seems difficult to get to....walking stones? and paint the shutters. My sister is busy with swimming exercise classes, taking golf lessons, or meeting up with her many friends.... the bro- in law took up golf, and belongs to a RC boating club...and they seem to enjoy the entertainment with the Live music ALOT. Salute Mike in Pennsylvania

[@TheVillagesChief]

That’s awesome about your sis and brother-in-law, taking advantage of all this place has to offer I hope to take up golf and Pickleball this year. Great suggestions on the front entry, you read my mind on de-cluttering the front although I don’t think I can remove the rail without the architecture committee approval, but I like the idea, I’ll run it by then, the rails look a little outdated, great idea!

[@daaroeric]

Your landscape is beautiful. I am new subscriber. I like this channel. Sending love from Cambodia

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks!

[@gailprimus5232]

Keep the blocks, lovely

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks Gail!

[@cynthiaamitrano8915]

Just cut the top of that frost bitten plant down to the ground. The roots are probably okay. Wait until May to see if it starts to grow new foliage. If not then rip it out. Hate to toss a good established bush out. Your palm is probably as old as your house. Maybe consult a landscaper to see if it’s ok before you remove it. It does have some dead fronds that need to be removed as well, but it looks ok to me. It may not get as full as other varieties. I, personally, like the shorter varieties like the triple robellini, but not sure it will fit. I think some other bushes have overgrown, but not being there, not sure what they are. One almost resembles a cedar, but I don’t think it is. I think if someone came in and shaped things for you, you could just keep it trimmed yourself after that. You have a terrific outdoor space. Something like this just won’t happen with a new build. Your place is nice inside. I like the blocks. Cactus is great. Save the azalea, just move it. Your neighbors might want some of your discards. Personally, I’m not a shrub girl. Too much work. I’ve had them at my home on Lake Superior many years ago. Lots of work keeping the shrubs manicured. Take a drive around and look at what others have done, snap some pictures and go from there. I don’t like the bushes in front either.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Great advice Cynthia, I didn’t even think about moving the azalea bush, that’s a great idea, sounds like you know your landscaping, really appreciate it!

[@GracejoyTV]

Thanks for the yard tour, Chief! I have a few house tours on my channel but nothing to show on the yard since we have 'zero scape' outside our humble courtyard villa. Lol. Super low maintenance for us since the yard at our previous house in Lady Lake took so much time and care. I like the Azalea bush you have. Their bloomin' all over our Spanish Springs area! Keep up the good work!

[@TheVillagesChief]

Yeah the votes are in I’m probably keeping the azalea bush! Thanks for watching, keep up the good work on your channel!!

[@genxx2724]

It’s called xeriscape.

[@vanessaschaefer3593]

Hey Jeff, I'm not a fan of the river rock because they can get caught in the soles of your shoes/sneakers and scratch your flooring, although it's maintenance free. Yes, I agree, Sedona, is one of the prettiest places in Arizona!

[@TheVillagesChief]

I know what ya mean, but these are pretty big stones and they came with the house, I imagine its a fortune to replace 'em with something else. Thanks for watching Vanessa :)

[@kathykulba4320]

I am terrible with plants! I look at them and they die! LOL. Great yard. I think you have enough room if you wanted to, in the rocky backyard to drop a fiberglass pool right in! Bigger birdcage all around the pool and your lani. I would think most of the backyard bushes could stay, but, like I said, not a plant expert. Glad Gridly sp??has a yard to run it!!

[@TheVillagesChief]

If I stay in this house I would love to put a pool in, plenty of room for it, thanks Kathy!

[@trishshaughnessy5476]

Would love to see it when it’s done❤️

[@TheVillagesChief]

Here’s part two, I got a little more to do, thanks for watching!

[@trishshaughnessy5476]

@@TheVillagesChief Merry Christmas to ya❤️🎄

[@brianmcguire3814]

I'm new to your channel. Really enjoying your vids. I'm retired Air Force and hope to be moving to the Villages.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks Brian!

[@toddbramer5864]

How about Crape Myrtle or Magnolia for tree variety? Just a couple of my favorites that I can't grow in Colorado Springs.

[@TheVillagesChief]

I have a young Crape Myrtle out front but don’t think I showed in the video, I love magnolia trees

[@galechicago325]

Keep the azaleas! Gorgeous flowers and color.

[@TheVillagesChief]

I might relocate them they are really huge, but very pretty, thanks Gale!

[@angiejohnson4159]

Put a couple handfuls of epsom salt on your palm at the base. They need alot magnesium. Every time it looks wilty or yellow add some and water it. Every 3 months or so. Its a big tree so it needs a couple handfuls each time.

[@TheVillagesChief]

I had no idea, will do!! Thanks Angie!

[@renethompson9744]

Love your shirt! I know a Colonel and his wife from the Marine unit from Willow Grove. When the unit moved to JB MaGuire/Dix he headed the unit here in NJ. My mouth dropped open when you showed the size of your property, that is fabulous. I like the paver Island and perhaps instead of ripping everything out and dumping, move them to other places to open the front and fill in on the front right corner and side? It may not be worth it but just hate the thought of a beautiful shrub going to waste. Listening to a few other videos they too were taking about damage from frost and said if you wait until March, this month, if they start to come back they will be okay? Thanks for showing us around!

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks Rene, great advice. Also small world, Willow Grove was a great place to be stationed loved it there! Thanks for sharing!

[@rickbartley9255]

There are some great suggestions already listed. Now that the chance of frost is over, any overgrown shrubs that you like the location, just not the size, you can prune back hard to just wood. They have an established root system should leaf-out and can be reshaped as they fill in. Watch out for lichens and moss on your mature trees and shrubs which will eventually lead to their demise. You can contol them with a inexpensive gallon sprayer and periodic applications of liquid copper sulfate spray (considered organic compliant). Also keep a lookout for aphids on new growth and asian scale on the woody stems. Malathion is a good inexpensive insecticide that won't harm your plants or stay in the environment. Wish you the best (FTM 74-77)

[@TheVillagesChief]

Wow thanks Rick all great suggestions!

[@beckyforbis4858]

Thanks for sharing this, I really appreciate the close up. In looking at the really sick looking plant on the corner of the house, I think that’s probably a real cool plant that could be saved. Try cutting it back all the way to the ground & water it daily. It obviously got frost bit pretty bad, but it’s very possible that it’ll come back from the root. If it doesn’t then you haven’t lost a thing, but rewarded if it does. Worth a shot I think 😊

[@TheVillagesChief]

I’ll give it a try, it’s a great color when it was healthy, thanks so much!

[@anitahahn9665]

For inspiration, check out Jack Barnwell. He does major landscaping in the summer on Mackinac Island and then in the winter, landscaping in Florida. His designs are gorgeous. If you are replacing some of the pots, try aqua pots. You fill them like once a week with water and the plants water themselves. I love to garden but live in Ohio so a short growing season. My yard is always changing. Agreed that some bushes have to go.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Hi Anita, thanks I’ll check him out. By the way I was born and raised in Ohio :)

[@G17-911]

The red flowering tree on the side is a Bottle Brush.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Yup I found out thanks!

[@G17-911]

@@TheVillagesChief I grew up in South Florida and we had a few Bottle Brushes around the house. In the Spring and Summer, the trees would have these caterpillars on them that stung horribly, if they got on you, so be careful.

[@lisasindoniliberio426]

I like the stacked stone around the landscape in front. Other than that?.... You have a lot of smarter gardeners on here than anything I can suggest. But the size of your yard is great!!

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks Lisa!

[@lindamunroe6996]

Wow that is big yard. I will be looking in the north end. Get a kick out of you mentioning homes that are 20 yrs old. I come from Rhode Island where house are 200 yrs old. de

[@TheVillagesChief]

Haha you got me there Linda!

[@barbaraham2789]

Hi Chief! I'm planning on moving to The Villages this summer. Can't wait. The plants at the back corner are Hawaiian Ti plants. Try cutting them down to the ground and they will probably come back. They are a nice pop of color - long fuschia leaves. Easy to transplant too. The plant that grows so fast (everything grows fast in Florida though) is called a philodendron selloum. You can tell that is a very old speciman plant because it is so tall. (The one you cut way back in the front that I think you described as kind of rubbery.) I would suggest that you decide what style you prefer for your landscape project, so you can get a cohesive look. Do you like tropicals (palms), formal with the trimmed hedges (azaleas), desert/arid (cactus), etc. There is a lot of variety going on in your yard, as if the previous owners wanted a little bit of everything. You have a cohesive look to the interior of your house. Maybe the same thinking would be best for outside. You also might want to group the types of plants. Maybe cactus in back with the rocks, and tropical in front. Also, there is are apps for plant identification, such as PlantNet. You can take a pic with your phone. Good luck with your design. Can't wait to see how it comes out. Just thought of another low, flowering bush. Look at ixoras for bed by front porch. They come in yellow or orange.

[@TheVillagesChief]

The ixoras sounds like something I was thinking! It is very eclectic for sure I like your ideas, thanks so much for the advice!!

[@genxx2724]

The palm might need to be fed. The Villages must have arborists and tree doctors who can advise you,

[@TheVillagesChief]

I had someone look at it, it’s dying a slow death, it’s 25 years old, but I am looking further into it, thanks GenX X!

[@Clutter73]

Great video! That is a really nice landscaped yard with privacy. That’s what I find the hardest about moving down there as I live on 40 acres of woods and the new lots have no privacy unless you get a Villa. I definitely need to check out Spanish Springs next week when I get back down. Thanks for another great video.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Yeah it’s this is way different! Thanks for watching!

[@jeanniekey-sh1on]

Your yard is beautiful! I’ve only been filtering for houses with concrete and stucco but you have me rethinking that! What are your thoughts on the two? Thx.

[@TheVillagesChief]

The new poured concrete ones are interesting, the block ones have a good reputation of holding up in hurricanes better then stick built homes I think. I prefer the look of stucco but I think you have to repaint it like every 6 years or so but I could be wrong about that, if so that can be pricey I imagine. I would keep looking at all versions cause there are some beautiful homes in every variation. So I think stucco looks better but siding is easier to maintain. Just my opinion. Thanks so much for watching Jeannie!

[@patdennis2586]

Stucco needs repainting every 5-10 years depending on exposure. Siding needs powerwashing to deter the mold. Buying a resale home usually gives one established landscaping and hardscaping a new build won’t have.

[@michaeldecorrevont8474]

Another great video!! We are going back and forth between new and pre-owned. We will not be there until November but your insight is very appreciated. By the way, we saw you had a Willow Grove shit on, we are from Doylestown. So cool. Need to buy you a beverage once we get there.

[@michaeldecorrevont8474]

WOW, that should have been Willow Grove Shirt on. Sorry,

[@TheVillagesChief]

Heck yeah Micheal, I retired from the Navy when I was stationed at Willow Grove. Love that area, lived in Perkasie.

[@goingplaces1860]

That’s a bottlebrush tree, and a nice one. Your landscaping looks great, just needs some maintenance and selective clearing as you mentioned. That’s a nice big lot for the Villages. 😎👍🏻

[@TheVillagesChief]

Is the Bottle Brush tree the one in the front corner?

[@goingplaces1860]

@@TheVillagesChief The one with the red blooms right across from the tree growing sideways…

[@genxx2724]

@@TheVillagesChief 5:45 is bottle brush. I thought I saw one in the back, too. They attract a lot of bees.

[@TheNortheast207]

I don’t know exactly how you’d be able to paint the white on the birdcage frame without a drop of paint accidentally getting on the screens. That’s going to be tough. I love the yard, the mature trees really give it a tropical feeling. I DO believe that the beige stones are over powering in the back though, so here’s my suggestion : I’d buy very nice cedar( there are different grades) and build curving cedar walkways. They can be placed on pressure treated 2x4 s that would be placed on their sides. You’ll need to sink the 2x4s into the rocks about half an inch. Create a curving walkway. It will soften up the straight lines of the house and give you a place to put in a few small flower beds. Also , the walkway will give it a more secluded look , raising curiosity “ oh gee, what’s around this curve “ kind of feel. I sincerely hope my comment makes sense , and wish you best of luck in The Villages.

[@TheVillagesChief]

If i repaint the birdcage I would rip the screens out first paint then put new screen in. Thanks George I do like the cedar idea, ill look into that, im not big on the stones back there either.

[@discernthebible]

I think you should create a Gridley T-shirt.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thats a great idea! I may have to do that!

[@discernthebible]

@@TheVillagesChief Please do. You might even consider one of you both "toolin' around the Villages" in each of your vehicles (Jeep, golf cart & even the bike {motorcycle} - which I believe I saw him on with you as well). I think people would like those if they like your channel. BTW, I have the baby "sister" to your Jeep (silver with black trim) but it's right hand side drive as I used to work for the USPS. Love my Jeep so I kept it.

[@TheVillagesChief]

That’s so cool it’s right hand drive, I love unique vehicles very cool

[@discernthebible]

@@TheVillagesChief Thank you. Me too on the unique thing.

[@keithr5638]

Is that Willow Grove that I see on your shirt?

[@TheVillagesChief]

Sure is Keith I was stationed there from 1993 to 2002, retired from the Navy there.

[@salavea41]

Looks a lot cleaner. Did you do it yourself or hire someone?

[@TheVillagesChief]

Mostly my self I hired someone to haul the old stuff out, and pull a few more shrubs out. But 90% myself, good free workout 😂

[@tammyhutchinson2581]

I have 2 dogs. Are you allowed to fence in your backyard?

[@TheVillagesChief]

No, but there are some houses you can buy with fences.

[@Cwgrlup]

You’ve done a good job re-doing this house. That said, I just don’t see you staying in this house long term. You seem too young and energetic for this place.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks!

[@allenaitken1516]

How do you get rid of the old bushes you pulled out?

[@TheVillagesChief]

Hi Allen, I have to make some phone calls on Monday but I think I can get a bulk pickup from the sanitation folks for Sumter County. If not I’ll hire someone to haul it away.

[@fredhobbs3613]

In The Villages, your lawn is the equivalent of an acre of land anywhere else.

[@TheVillagesChief]

Haha your right Fred!

[@beckyforbis4858]

The crooked tree on the side of the house could potentially be a problem if the root structure grows under your foundation. Maybe do a little homework and find out more about that tree, might be okay, but … could be a potential disaster for you in the future. Just my two cents 😊. Thanks Chief, Go Navy! 😊

[@TheVillagesChief]

Yup I think you may be right, I got to get a good tree guy out to look at it, maybe when I take down the sick palm tree, thanks Becky!

[@beckyforbis4858]

@@TheVillagesChief You bet!! Happy to help. Hopefully in a year or so we can meet up in person. Can’t wait to move to the Villages 😊

[@beckyforbis4858]

@@TheVillagesChief I look forward to looking at all of the progress you make with your modifications 😊

[@TheVillagesChief]

You bet!

[@kleinster99]

Taking that wonderful landscaping out is the absolute dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. You have a built in easy lawn

[@TheVillagesChief]

Thanks!

[@debrahill2272]

I would remove all the boxy hedges it's a hodgepodge of greenery. When walking up to your house, eyes need time to rest..Replace with low ground cover plants.The pavers should be keepers they're expensive...I can confidently say whatever you choose will be a class act..Consult with an Arborist on the leaning and sickly trees..Don't want them falling without notice..🫨 🌲🪴☘️🌴🌳

[@TheVillagesChief]

Hi Debra watch part two and tell me what ya think: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWWsfXZra9JneNk