The Bridlewood neighborhood, a planned golf course community located in Flower Mound, has been in existence for approximately ten years. The Bridlewood Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions and the Design Guidelines maintain high standards of appearance that are enforced through the Home Owners Association.  The HOA that represents the approximately 1300 homes has the responsibility for the maintenance of about 65 beds that are spread throughout the neighborhood.

The Landscaping Committee and the Board of Directors represent the residents in planning and planting these common areas.  They have identified a need to change the way these beds are planted and have enlisted the help of the Denton County Master Gardeners to assess these needs and to help them reduce the amount of resources expended on these beds, i.e., maintenance, water, mulch, seasonal annuals. They would like to demonstrate a more responsible use of resources to their residents and, at the same time, educate them about a way to realize economic and environmental benefits by including Texas natives that thrive in our climate and look good.

The project goals are to remove plants that aren’t working, to reduce the amount of space that is covered in mulch and annuals, and to introduce more native and selected adapted materials which will, at maturity, satisfy the HOA's wish for year-round color.  Such a combination will also require less maintenance and water than the currently planting scheme.

Master Gardeners have compiled plant lists, researched plants, and measured and graphed the beds. The next step is to make recommendations to the Landscape Committee.  With their approval, four test beds will be planted by residents and Master Gardeners.  This is a new project; watch for before and after pictures soon.