Twenty miles west of Washington, D.C., a lively suburban development has blossomed to complement the area’s array of urban amenities. This vibrant mixed-use development’s origin story began in the early 1990s, featuring an iconic fountain and what would emerge as the heart of the community—an open-air glass pavilion. Residents and visitors never run out of things to do with more than 50 retailers, 35 restaurants, and a multi-screen cinema, all easily accessed thanks to pedestrian-friendly planning. Spectacular outdoor areas are irresistible day and night, regardless of the season, through functional designs.
Challenges
A challenge that some landscape maintenance providers don’t always acknowledge? Incorporating the brilliance of the original 1990s design, long before Yellowstone Landscape became the provider. Our creativity would have to match that of the original designers and evolve to continue impressing a community with high expectations. Further adding to the challenge, the sheer size of this property introduces design and plant selection pitfalls. Numerous microclimates would force us to adjust for varying light, soil, and temperatures.
Then, there are the heightened security constraints, with multiple federal agencies and international corporations in the area. Add to that the steady flow of traffic inherent to one the most popular work environments for young professionals. And the visitors keep coming when there are two parking garages in close proximity and a total of eight in the vicinity of this property.
Another key challenge is the enormous size of the iconic hanging baskets. These, along with giant planters (over 100 near the pavilion), would be difficult to irrigate with typical methods meant for standard-sized containers.
Results
At Yellowstone Landscape, we enjoy a good challenge, especially one that includes rising to the level of renowned landscape designers that came before us. Below, you’ll see all the strategies we’ve implemented to rise to the occasion with this property’s unique challenges.
- Every plant inside the famous butterfly monument is chosen to be as lively as the symbol itself..
- The traffic- stopping monument is designed to display liveliness and rebirth, so underperforming flowers are immediately replaced.
- Replacement plants are on hand at our local nursery station for immediate installation in the monuments and 300-plus hanging baskets.
- Our certified horticulturists monitor area climate changes and in the microclimates across the property to inform our plant choices.
- We work to strike a balance between a soft ambiance and vibrant colors to appeal to workers' need for leisure and family fun.
- Hand-watering provides precise irrigation while enabling our team to monitor plants up close.
- Communication skills are as critical as landscape knowledge. We stay on top of all area security issues, changes, and alerts.
- With over 70 nationwide branches, we constantly learn from working within various municipalities’ security policies.
- Sustainable tropical plant choices present pleasant color, texture, and elevation surprises for seasonal pop.
- Gorgeous outdoor “rooms” were designed to give workers and visitors natural privacy amid greenery filled with health benefits.
- Daily lighting checks ensure the colorful flower displays are highlighted after sunset.
- With full-time arborists, we keep the tree canopy perfectly heightened for an inviting park-like feel throughout.
- Safety is a staple of Yellowstone Landscape training, utilizing annual Safety Rodeos, video courses, and formal safety conversations weekly for employees to bring up concerns.
- Our nation-wide xeriscape expertise makes changing out the pavilion’s synthetic turf annually, an efficient transition.
People Singing The Property's Praises
“Fountain and surrounding greenery are beautiful and well maintained.”
“Beautiful location for family and kids, especially the butterfly section.”
“The gold standard for planned communities in the U.S.”
Ongoing Brilliance and Beauty
The brilliance of this property's landscape design, which came to life over 33 years ago, is undeniable. The timeless creativity has been enjoyed by millions of visitors ever since and by the young professionals who live, work, and play in the area today.
Yellowstone Landscape is proud to carry on the tradition of creativity and imagination pollinated here decades ago. We don’t want to rest on our laurels either. There’s no ceiling when it comes to the creative potential of green spaces. This is especially true on a property surrounded by premier shopping and upscale dining establishments with their finger on the public’s pulse—ever-evolving behaviors, trends, and lifestyles.
Still, few commercial properties combine so many unique attributes as this client’s property. The area’s vast number of government agencies and a record-setting 50 million travelers (via two area airports) make maintaining a perfect landscape difficult. World-class professionalism and training are a must for the countless security protocols. And unmatched attention to detail keeps plant materials looking their best among throngs of vehicles and people.
The result is this property's emergence as one of the top destinations for locals living their best life and visitors lucky enough to get a taste of that life.
Think your landscape can’t become more creative due to various constraints? Please contact Yellowstone Landscape. Our experienced designers would love to show you what’s possible and work with you to make it a reality.
