Page 9 - Chicago Cooperator Spring EXPO 2019

CHICAGOCOOPERATOR.COM THE CHICAGOLAND COOPERATOR — SPRING EXPO 2019 9 landscaper who delighted our communi- ty with holiday plantings, and wowed us with plants that flourished in the shade and flowered despite pedestrian traffic. On our rooftop, there was little room for containers, so we had seating constructed to include planter beds and planted orna- mental grasses to beautify the roof deck.” Boxes and planters are indeed a po- tential fix for associations that want to add some plant life but don’t have much in the way of available fertile soil. “When we’ve had space is- sues, we’d have a landscaper add flow- ers and planters to add color where you could not otherwise grow anything,” says Steele. “Rooftop gar- dens and plantings are also great, as they get lots of sun – but they do need to be watered frequently, which can be dif- ficult if there’s no ready roof water ac- cess. But I find that plants and flowers in urban settings add a lot of value and curb appeal among the otherwise brick-and-concrete jungle.” Plant-Based Lifestyle Having a project to rally behind – or even just a shared aesthetic delight – can help bring a community together and strengthen its bonds. “Gardens are visually appealing and relaxing,” says Steele. “They add mon- etary value to a property, and most im- portantly, they can smell great and con- tribute oxygen and fresh air.” “Neighbors congregate over landscap- ing, over flowers, and over seasonal dis- plays,” adds Avery. “Communities com- pete to be the best-looking property, and it feels good to live in a community that makes an effort to promote its curb ap- peal. During events such as weddings, graduations, and parties, you often see folks gather in front of planters or flow- ers to pose for photographs, which to me means that they want to capture the beauty of the garden at that moment.” Whenever homeowners get to own – or at least steer – a project, they tend to feel more in touch with, and even in- tegral, to the greater community, notes Fries. “Working on a garden should en- able a committee to oversee other impor- tant communal issues, including: • Monitoring the work of the land- scape contractor to ensure that the du- ties under contract for landscaping of common areas and private homes are performed as scheduled and in a manner consistent with the quality for which the association has contracted. • Becoming familiar with the opera- tion of the irrigation system, drainage basins and aerators. • Determining need for additional ser- vices as resident population increases or other needs arise, and make recom- mendations to the board. • Advising the Architectural Re- view Board on landscape issues related to ARB applications, if requested by the ARB.” A Warning Of course, when it comes to planting gardens – or any common area improve- ment project, really – an asso- ciation should be mindful never bite off more than it can chew. “As the manager, we see to it that noth- ing falls to ill-repair,” says Avery, “but I can understand how a property might al- low its gardening to become overgrown. These are often budget-challenged com- munities with few funds to spare for beautification. Negligence here would be a mistake, however, as buyers are at- tracted by curb appeal, and might never even enter a property to see the units if the exterior is unsightly. If there are few funds available to accommodate garden- ing, the community should consider con- tainers in strategic places, or simply plant ground cover.” A sound landscaping or gardening plan, developed with the right level of professional input and carried out either purely by hired pros, a crack team of resi- dent green thumbs, or a combination of professional and amateur talent can add more than just curb appeal to your as- sociation; it can encourage community engagement, boost morale, and even im- prove property values. And that’s worth getting your hands a little dirty. n Mike Odenthal is a staff writer/reporter with The Chicagoland Cooperator. “Landscaping is often left to the managers. Some- times there are committees or board members who chime in and help with some decisions, but that interest can wane, leaving the manager with the re- sponsibility.” — Janice Avery TENANT STORAGE SOLUTIONS Serving The Chicago Land Area For Over 20 Years. WireCrafters.com | 800-808-1860 | info@WireCrafters.com Welded Wire Lockers Single or double tier Industrial grade construction Installation service available Solid 16 GA sheet metal lockers also available The Bike Stacker ® Staggered, formed bike trays hold any style bike upright Tear drop tire slot (pat. pending) Made of 1/8” steel angle and 14 GA steel formed channel. The Wall Rider ® Heavy-duty 11 GA steel Vinyl sleeve protects wheel rim Installs easily…with two 1/2” round holes for wall mounting Includes security cable CONTACT YOUR CHICAGO LAND OFFICE 800-808-1860