This area of the country has sandy soil, termites and very fast plant growth. We have all three to contend with, 
where grass will grow, we have reasonable control. In other areas, we need help.

The suggested solution to our problems is mulch. Organic mulch (pine straw, wood chips); a layer of no greater than two 
inches (2") is to be used at the base of plants to preserve moisture and to control weeds. They* suggest that no organic 
mulch be used within six inches (6") of the house wood frame. inorganic mulch (lava rock, river stone, Mexican: beach 
pebbles, Imperial Beach river rock 2 ‐ 3") is recommended for the first six to twelve inches (6" to 12") from any wall of the 
building to keep moisture away. They* further recommend, due to our sandy soil, that in any roof runoff areas, splash 
plates of stone or cement can be used that includes the use of inorganic mulch. Areas where inorganic mulch is used 
should be edged to keep material contained. Further recommendations are to make sure that drainage is away from the 
building. Moisture control is a real problem with mildew, rot and insects (mosquitoes). Pea gravel and small aggregate 
stone are NOT recommended.

Edging
    All edging requires ACC and Board approval prior to installing.  

Foundation Plantings
        i. Flowers. Annual and perennial flowers may only be planted in existing homeowner front and rear unit beds. 
	  Owners must obtain permission from the board to plant in the HOA common areas. Once the homeowner has permission 
	  to plant in these areas, it is up to the homeowner to maintain that area. When the homeowner no longer wants to 
	  maintain that area, they must give it back to the HOA in the condition it was found before the homeowner took 
	  control. These areas are to be marked by a 2" staked painted yellow so that the landscaper recognizes that they 
	  are not to do work in that bed. Flower pots are to be removed when they no longer contain live flowers. 

        
       ii. Suggested Flowers for zone 8 coastal south.
          1.  Annuals Summer ‐ Sun: Vinca, Begonia, Marigold, Zinnia
          2.  Annuals Summer ‐ Shade: Impatience, Coleus, Caladium, Dragon Wing Begonia
          3.  Annuals Winter: Pansy, Snapdragon, Dusty Miller
          
          4.  Perennials ‐ Sun: Black-eye Susan, Coneflower, Shasta Daisy, Daylilies, Iris, Blanket Flower
          5.  Perennials ‐ Shade: Hosta, Hellebore
          
       Henceforth, planting of Mexican Petunias and other invasive species are prohibited.
    
      *  All annual or perennial flowers, decorative grasses, leafy plants, etc. that grow taller than 30 inches are prohibiteed.
    
     
      iii. Shrubs ‐ Woody Ornamentals. Shrubs over six (6) feet at maturity should be at least five feet (5) from any walls. 
      	 Shrubs shorter than five (5) feet at maturity should be three (3) feet from any wall. In either case the shrubs 
      	 must be trimmed at least two (2) feet from the wall. Plan choices should take into consideration as to the year 
      	 around look. They should be selected to have low to moderate growth rate. Foundation plants require approval 
      	 from the landscape committee so that we have "the right type of plant in the right place".
       
     
       iv. Suggested Shrubs for zone 8 coastal south.
        1.  Sun ‐ Woody Ornamentals: Japanses Ligustrum, Podocarpus “Maki” all green variegated, Tea Olive, Mahonia, Spirea,
            Pittosporum, Yaupon Holly Dwarf.
        2.  Deep Shade ‐ Woody Ornamentals: Hydrangea, Azalea.
		
     
       v. Trees & Palms. The HOA is over planted with trees; therefore, we discourage any additional trees.
        *  Henceforth, planting of Sago Palms is prohibited as thy are poisonous to animals, including humans.
	 
     
       vi. Arbors and Trellises. Arbors and trellises next to walls are a gateway for plant growth into our siding. 
	 They only should be used as a support to a plant in a pot and the pot is to be kept away from the building. Arbors 
	 and trellises require Board approval.