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Tips for Winter Landscaping HOA Common Areas

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Posted by Duane McPherson, CMCA, PCAM® on Nov 28, 2018 8:09:00 AM

Winter_BloomsWinter landscaping is a great way to enhance the natural beauty of the season. From adding shrubs that produce a pop of color to focusing on hardscapes—like benches and garden structures—you can make your HOA common areas beautiful and inviting this winter. Use the following tips to get started:

1. Winter Planting Ideas
You don't have to go all-out when it comes to winter landscaping and the common areas of your HOA. A few evergreens and several shrubs with berries can go a long way to improving the dreary days of winter for your members.

  • If you live in an area that experiences snow, plant shrubs with substantial height so they remain visible. 
  • Shrubs with colorful berries brighten the landscape and attract birds, creating fun for bird-watchers.
  • Trees with colorful and textured bark add a certain vibe to a landscape, especially those with interesting branching patterns.
  • Consider evergreens for their variety of colors, such as Gold Thread false cypress and dwarf blue spruce. Evergreens also make a beautiful focal point when placed among other winter plants. 

For year-round foliage and bright berries that attract a number of bird species, look for China holly or inkberry holly. Both kinds represent a hardier variety of an evergreen holly.  Use the branches to create beautiful displays inside common areas, such as event spaces, foyers, hallways, and even doorways. 

2. Rethink Existing Hardscapes
Perhaps there are existing benches in the playground area or an arbor in a community garden. While cold temperatures may keep members inside, a fresh coat of paint in a new color can help to brighten the landscape. 

Add a garden statue for extra ambiance and highlight it with a spotlight in the evenings. In fact, winter is a good time to reevaluate outdoor lighting in all the common areas. Not only does lighting create a warm winter glow but it is also an important safety measure for lighting walkways.

3. Generate Community Engagement
The winter months are often full of gray skies and cold weather. This doesn't mean members have to hibernate. Plan a few events to keep the community engaged and interacting with one another. Invite members to:

4. A Night of Board Games
No smartphones allowed! Have families bring their favorite board games, along with a snack to share, and set up tables throughout your event center. Encourage members to switch teams and games, to create even greater engagement.

5. Cabin Fever Chili Challenge
Who has the best chili in the association? A chili challenge is a great cure for cabin fever and hungry members. Encourage members to sign up by emailing a volunteer on the event committee. Have other types of foods in case someone doesn't like chili.

6. Birdhouse Workshop
Now that your HOA has planted berry plants that attract a variety of birds, consider hosting a bird house workshop. Participants can bring their own supplies or pay a small fee to participate. Contact a local library or community college to inquire about a speaker who is knowledgeable about birds. A hands-on birdhouse workshop is fun for all ages of your association. 

About GrandManors
Our professional staff understands what it takes to create a thriving community, no matter what the season. GrandManors provides on-site community management services and specializes in managing and delivering all types of luxury lifestyles. From high-rise condominiums to active adult communities, we offer a wide range of services. We work hard to develop the best HOA community lifestyle for your members as possible. 

To learn more about GrandManors, contact us. Our staff is highly experienced in all types of community management and we excel at delivering quality customer service to every person we serve. If this sounds like the type of management your association needs, reach out to us today. 

On-site management for community associations | Grandmanors

Duane McPherson, CMCA, PCAM®

Duane McPherson, CMCA, PCAM®

Over 30 years experience in property and community association management Professional Community Association Manager through the Community Association Institute (CAI) Former GM/CEO of a large-scale association: mixed-use commercial, residential and recreational Contributor to HOALeader.com National industry experience