Beautification Committee
Jason Stagg, Committee Chairman
 Hi everyone and happy spring! I'm the Beautification Committee Chairman for 2009 again, and we've already started the year off with a number of projects. As you know, Beautification is charged with maintaining and decorating the neighborhood entrance signs and flower beds. So far, we've replaced all the soil in both Goodwood Boulevard flower beds, as well as a few of the smaller flower beds. Some of the plants last year just weren't performing as boldly as they should, and it turned out the culprit was an unhealthy soil mixture. We're hopeful that the new soil will produce better results.
Mardi Gras decorations are down and we'll soon be getting ready to plant the warm weather annuals. We've tried some new drought-tolerant grasses at some of the signs as well, so we're anxious to see how they grow.
We all know that 2008 was a year of extreme weather with the freakish hail storm, Hurricane Gustav, record snowfall and numerous windy days. Our neighborhood suffered tremendous damage from the combined effects of these systems, and we still see the scars in our mature trees, our new plantings along Airline Highway, and the condition of Goodwood Boulevard itself.
Because of all this damage, the Beautification Committee will be tackling a number of projects this year, and although I hate to sound like a broken record, some of them are unfortunately the same ones I discussed this time last year! This "to do" list includes things like working with DPW on improving the care of our buffer plantings along Airline Highway, replacing some damaged parsley haws on Goodwood Boulevard's "S" curve, and working with DPW and neighborhood volunteers to better control litter throughout Broadmoor and its bordering streets. It will also be time this year to add a new layer of mulch to the live oaks on the boulevard, but we will wait until DPW finishes repairing the soil and ruts in the neutral areas. Last but not least, of course, is to get that new neighborhood sign up at the east end of Goodwood Boulevard!
I had a number of new volunteers sign up last year for the committee, and I really appreciate their help during our work days! I hope to be a better planner this year and utilize these volunteer residents better for big projects. Since this is one of the most labor-intensive committees in Broadmoor, I'm always on the lookout for more volunteers! You can get it touch with me by calling our Hotline at 926-9829 and choosing the new option #33 for Beautification, or Just send an email Attn: Jason in the subject line.
Our spring Yard of the Season awards will be handed out in a few months, so please send me any nominations you have of lovely yards in your area of the neighborhood. I still have a few suggestions that were sent to me before Gustav hit last year, so I'll be checking those out, too.
April 15: Time to Organize Neighborhood Fire Ant Control
 Two things are inevitable this time of year in Louisiana, taxes and pesky fire ants. April 15 is an important deadline for Federal taxes, and it is also the beginning of fire ant season. It is a good idea to begin planning now for a mid-April community-wide assault on your neighborhood fire ant populations. Researchers at the LSU AgCenter have found that when people join together in their fight against fire ants that they are more successful, and it is more cost effective for everyone. For example, in one study, they found that residents spent ten times less money on ant bait, put three times less chemical in the environment, and achieved six months of fire ant suppression when they conducted a neighborhood fire ant suppression program. This means they only have to treat twice a year. For details, call Dale Pollet at 578-2370 or Patty Beckley at 578-2180 at the LSU AgCenter Department of Entomology. Email or pbeckley@agcenter.lsu.edu or visit the web site at LSU AgCenter
Southern Gardens and Non-Native Plant Invasions
by Hallie Dozier, Committee Member
 Many plants that we associate with the South, like this azalea, actually originate in other parts of the world.
A few species, like water hyacinth, cause widespread problems. Here, water hyacinth forms a dense mat that prevents light from reaching the water of a bayou in south Louisiana. Aggressive invaders, like this cat's claw vine shrouding trees in a park near New Orleans, can harm natural areas by excluding native plants. The United States is a nation of avid gardeners. We garden for food and for pleasure, and since the earliest European colonists arrived here almost 600 years ago, we have relied on an enormous number of plants from all parts of the world to populate our gardens.
Continue . . .
Sign Task Force
 The Sign Committee has reported that the insurance company for the owner of the car that destroyed our sign at Goodwood and Sharp Road has denied coverage coverage for our claim. It seems that the owner had signed an waiver to the policy that excluded coverage for the driver of the car. The committee discussed this matter with an attorney and has decided we have no legal remedies worth persuing. The replacement of the sign is on hold until funds can be raised to cover construction costs. Proceeds from the Second Annual Broadmoor Junque Sale to be held March 29-30, 2008 will be used towards beautification and sign expenses.
For those who are unaware of the problem, in March of 2007, the brick enclosure and recently re-landscaped beds were destroyed by a hit and run driver. The police later found the owner of the car and the association planned on receiving some compensation from an insurance claim which would then be used towards building a replacement sign. In order to make a legitimate claim, the committee had to obtain several estimates for removing the damaged sign and beds, and then replacing it with the same materials, etc. The lowest of the bids to do these jobs was approximately $5000.
Prior to this incident, several residents in the area had discussed the sign's placement and look and the committee has worked on a new design which they hope to use once the funding issue is resolved.
If you have questions, suggestions or want to volunteer or donate funds, please call (225) 926-9829 or send an email Attn: Jason.
Spring/Summer 2008 Yard of the Season Winners
(5/20/08) - The Beautification Committee Chairman has announced the winners for "Yard of the Season" Spring/Summer 2008. All four winners pictured to the right exemplify the wonderful, lush green landscapes that can be achieved in South Louisiana. Congratulations to our winners for setting such good examples for the neighborhood! A $50 gift certificate from Vernon's Hardware was awarded to each homeowner.
Adopt-an-Oak Project
Click here for photos and more information about the EBR Tree & Landscape Commission "Adopt-an-Oak Program" or its accompanying seminar series held in Broadmoor, call (225) 926-9829 or send an email Attn: Jason.
Make Wise Tree Removal Decisions before a Hurricane
Each year, as the tropical cyclone season arrives, homeowners across the region are eyeing their trees and wondering how safely they will weather the season. Should the tree stay or should it go? For many homeowners, the visible and physical impact of the destruction of trees and property during storm events is enough to prompt them to engage in "chain saw backlash," or the unnecessary removal of perfectly good, sound trees. Continue . . .
Hire An Arborist for Residential Tree Needs
by Hallie Dozier, Committee Member
Why hire an arborist? Trees, on home grounds or in parks, are valuable assets to us all. Trees also are a long-term investment for property owners and managers. Like any investment, trees require effort to keep their value. That means that tree owners and managers must make careful decisions about care and maintenance, which may require occasional advice and service of a professional. In the world of landscape and community trees, arborists are the specialists who can help safeguard your trees. This article will help explain when it is best to call an arborist and how to select the right one. Continue . . .
Hallie Dozier is an Assistant Professor at LSU AgCenter's School of Renewable Natural Resources, and a member of the Broadmoor Residents Association Board of Directors and serves on the Beautification Committee.
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