The Gardens

Although not privately owned, residents care for them as caretakers. Apartments 201 and 202 have gated front gardens and private driveways; 101 and 102 have larger rear gardens with road-level parking.

Communal areas – pool, gardens and paving

Communal fees fund year-round garden care. Keep the poolside border maintained, trim the far pool hedge to stop leaves blocking drains, and give the disease-prone hedge beside apartment 102 extra annual care.

Owners should be considerate, plant responsibly, maintain gardens, and keep shrubs and hedges within boundaries.

The 3 D’s… damage, danger and detriment.

DAMAGE… careful planting, trimming or removal helps prevent root damage to buildings, paving, pipework with key drains in gardens 101/102.

     Palms

• The main palm roots spread sideways not vertically, so plant palms at least six feet from buildings, paving and similar structures.
• Restricted roots can lift paths, weaken foundations and destabilise palms; the large palm near parking for apartments 101 and 102 is already damaging paving.
• Avoid uneven trimming, which can destabilise a palm and cause it to lean or fall.

DANGER… responsible maintenance reduces risks

• Palms: Remove dead branches and fruit pods regularly to reduce hazards and discourage fruit bats, especially those migrating from areas like Africa.
• Tarantulas: Keep planting away from buildings, as tarantulas have been found inside apartments.
• Snakes: Keep shrub bases open and clear fallen leaves to reduce cool hiding places.

DETRIMENT to OTHERS… Good planting preserves the gardens for everyone. Consider whether plants may affect others:

• Daylight/sunlight – could plants reduce another property’s light?
• Safety – could plants cause injury or damage?
• Use of property – could they restrict another owner’s property or shared space?
• View – could they block another owner’s view?

Careful, considerate maintenance supports responsible gardening, good relationships and shared enjoyment.