The landscaping at the Village has been designed to require very little maintenance, yet be attractive all year round. In order to achieve this goal, mostly native plant species are used in the front gardens, because they are indigenous to the Region. The use of indigenous plants here has many benefits. Firstly, these plants and shrubs require only as much water as that which naturally occurs in the area. Therefore the need for irrigation is minimal. Secondly, native plants also have an innate tolerance for insects found locally, thus eliminating the need for pesticides and harmful chemicals, banned from many Municipalities.

Despite the respectively small demand, the irrigation system at the Village is notably quite sophisticated, employing a fully automated Netafin drip hose system offering many advantages over a conventional sprinkler system. A rain sensor determines the amount of water required so as to avoid over watering. The irrigation system even extends to the hanging baskets found on light poles lining the streets. The net effect is an irrigation system that conserves water (and money), while maintaining the health of the landscaping, without ever having to give it a second thought.

Further enhancing the streetscape, large mature trees have been spaded in to accelerate the ‘avenue’ effect that we hope to achieve, where treetops touch one another, forming a canopy along the street corridor. Ravine walkouts offer customized patios that are benched into the ravine slope – a rare engineering achievement. A drought resistant ‘Sheep’s fescue’ grass has been planted here to encourage a seamless transition from the building to the natural ravine slope. This particular grass, once established, requires no irrigation and needs only be cut once or twice a year.

Residents are encouraged to customize their garden space at the rear of their home to personalize their outdoor living space. However, if you are not inclined to ‘toil in the garden’, the condominium lifestyle here will ensure that the landscaping remains beautiful and maintenance free for years to come.

Good street design can also slow cars down. Streets in the Village are designed much like traditional neighbourhoods, where narrow lanes and on-street parking force cars to travel at speeds relevant to residential areas.

Come and see for yourself – but don’t just drive by, get out of the car and walk! That’s what neighbourhoods are for.