According to Chestnut Hill Realty (CHR), a full-service real estate company specializing in multifamily housing, one of its properties, Hancock Village apartments, recently won a prestigious national landscape award from the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET).
The Award of Excellence, one of 36 granted in this category for 2014, was given to the Hancock Village horticulture team in recognition for their commitment to improving the environment by enhancing the landscaping at the property. The challenges of creating and maintaining aesthetic appeal for a mature 80-acre site are manifold. However the team has managed to maximize curb appeal despite the vast and varied terrain by planting over 5,000 tulip bulbs and pansies to provide spring color, more than 1,000 annuals for late spring and summer color, 300+ mums for fall color, and various displays of greens for holiday and winter interest. The variety of small flowering trees and shrubs that have been planted through the years have extended the season of bloom.
Since acquiring Hancock Village in 1986, CHR has been committed to making the landscaping an integral component of the property and the surrounding community.
"We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment for our residents, and landscaping plays a major role" said Tim Dolan, director of horticulture. "This is a core principal that our company founder, Ed Zuker, strongly believes in and supports. I am very proud of the hard work and creativity of our Hancock Village horticulture team, headed by Grant Haggerty. Their efforts greatly enhance the beauty and sustainability of the landscaping at the property for the enjoyment of our residents and neighbors in the area."
To better inform and educate residents about the variety and beauty of the plantings in their community, the company recently created a walking tour map of Hancock Village, which identifies more than 24 different species of flowering trees.
PLANET's National Landscape Awards of Excellence Program reflects the association's commitment to creating and preserving the beauty of our landscape. It is a national trade association representing more than 100,000 landscape industry professionals. PLANET members are committed to the highest standards in industry education, best practices and business professionalism.
Established in 1969, CHR owns and manages more than 4,500 units in 27 apartment home communities in Greater Boston and Rhode Island.