Hardin Brothers Landscaping

April Updates

April at Amber Ranches was a mix of warm and cold weather. It was good to see the leaves gradually come out on the leaves, the grass to grow, and the springtime vegetation finally pop out from the winter, but it’s also the beginning of weed-eating roadsides and seasonal allergies. Roadside weed-eating not only improves the looks of Amber Ranches, but also improves roadside visibility for drivers.

Plans for May

The main focus of work in May and the rest of the summer will be roadside weed-eating and gravel road maintenance. Summer months bring increased driving traffic, and gravel roads can become quickly damaged and worn down. Replacing the damaged road bond with new loads ensures that roads remain drivable and safe. Four new loads of road bond will be spread throughout Amber Ranches in the month of May. Hot and dry conditions can also cause increased dust on roadways in the summer months, decreasing driving visibility. Please remember to drive slowly and use four-wheel drive vehicles on gravel roads to prolong their lifespans and decrease dust production.

April Showers and May Flowers

One of the many native flowers growing in Amber Ranches is Mountain (“Creeping”) Phlox. They can be found blooming on the side of roadways, such as this bunch located on the side of Amber Drive, next to the historic Moseley Cabin.

Another blooming beauty found in our development is the Indian Azalea, a bush that prefers the cooler, shady environment provided by the Appalachian Mountains. The seeds, flowers, and leaves provide food, nectar, and shade for local insects and birds. The Indian Azalea blooms a fiery red color, though other varieties of azaleas may flower in other hues. While some azalea species are native to the southeastern United States, this particular plant hails from East Asia.

Mayapple, a fruiting plant local to the Appalachian region, typically blooms in May. The Mayapple can be found on the roadsides of Amber Drive near the old Mosley Cabin. Its ripened fruit can be used in jams and marmalades. Be careful, though! The unripe fruit, leaves, and roots of this plant are known to cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even coma.