Update and artist rendering

Below, is a representation of our finished product.  One of the priorities of our plant selections was to bring some color into our landscape.  This isn't an official plant map, so don't be too concerned about the specifics.  More than likely, we will have thinner plantings between tee and fairway, heavier plantings as you move towards the OB lines and homes.  

Baccharis pilularis, called Coyote Brush

Notice the contrast provided by the grass against the compacted sands bordering the mulch on the slopes.  Within the mulch areas are thick ground covers like acacia and baccharis pilularis, or coyote brush.  We are considering 22 different plants to be used in the plan including a variety of trees, bushes, ground covers, and grasses.  I will share the complete list when we've confirmed availability of all plant types.  As you may suspect, getting drought tolerant plants is fairly difficult with all these projects occurring at the same time.

Today, some flags are being placed on hole number 5, to mark plant locations and the dividing line between mulch and sand.  Turf removal on holes 4 thru 8 will be completed in the next couple of days and soon we will be digging up heads on the rest of the course which was sprayed with herbicide one week ago.  You can already see the effects of the treatment on this large portion of turf between the 9th tee, 2nd fairway, and the driving range.  This is a great example of useless turf that will be replaced by much more attractive low-water plantings.

Finally, last week BHCC hosted the Women's Member-Guest Tournament in the middle of a very messy project.  Instead of complaining about the dust and less than perfect conditions, our members used the opportunity to showcase our efforts to reduce water usage and beautify the club.  The staff and I received so much praise for our work in making the course as presentable as possible.  Of course, everything was mowed, the bunkers were raked, detail areas trimmed, and the greens cut and rolled.  However, the unusual work was plentiful, like a new walk path to the 3rd tee box.  It had been rototilled the day before to a depth of 8 inches and walking to the tee box would have been very difficult.  We shoveled up the mess, lined the path with some shredded bark, and marked the entrance with some cobble stone.  

In just a few weeks, the entrance to this tee box will take on another design... attractive, permanent, and drought tolerant.