Plant Character

The landscape at Hartness is to be considered holistically, without property lines, in an effort to keep it free of toxins and as ecologically healthy as possible. Planting within Hartness will be selected primarily from species native to the region, supporting native birds and pollinators, or from heritage landscape plants of the South that are proven to thrive and to not be invasive. Other edible plant materials conducive to growth in the area, shall be used. Emphasis will be placed on selecting the right plant for the right spot, thereby creating landscapes that are easily maintained without the use of pesticides and fungicides or excessive irrigation or pruning requirements. Lawns will be discouraged and limited to primarily internal courtyard spaces. Lawns should have meaningful application and purpose; only turf-type grasses appropriate to the region are allowed. Public facing landscapes should be designed in a way that engages the fabric of the neighborhood rather than being loud and garish. All landscape plans must be submitted for approval by the ARB.

• All unpaved areas are to be vegetatively landscaped. Exposed mulch areas are to be 70% covered in 2 years for front yards and streets, and 90% covered by vegetation within 5 years elsewhere, and maintained thereafter. • Select shrubs and shrub varieties that will not overgrow the location at maturity. Space plants to allow for plants to grow together where appropriate, and not be misshapen by pruning. Shearing will not be allowed except for formal clipped hedges. • All plantings shall be mulched with double-ground partially decomposed wood mulch at depth of 3” for trees and shrubs, and 2” for ground covers. Mulch depth shall not exceed 5”.

The following common landscape plants are known to be invasive in this region and will not be allowed: Berberis thunbergii-Japanese Barberry, Eleagnus pungens- Thorny Eleagnus, Euonymus alata-Burning Bush, Hedra Helix-Englis Ivy, Mahonia bealei-Leatherleaf Mahonia, Nandina domestica- Nandina, Pyrus Calleryana bradford-Bradford Pear, Spirea japonica-Japanese Spirea, Vinca minor and major-Periwinkle. Any species listed on the following website: wwww.se-epp.org/southcarolina/Publications/InvasivePlantsBooklet.pdf

In addition many plants such as Red Tip Photinia and Indan Hawthorn have become vector of pathogenic plant diseases and are also not permitted. Use ornamental roses with caution specifying disease resistant cultivars. ¬ FOUNDATION PLANTING

In front yards, foundation planting should be used to enhance the street frontage of each lot and give seasonal interest. Select evergreen shrubs to be planted adjacent to the house foundation to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance during all seasons. Foundation plantings should have taller plants in the back and lower plants in the front.

low ground cover small shrubs, ornamental grasses or perennials small shrubs, ornamental grasses or perennials

small ornamental tree (optional)

low ground cover evergreen shrubs against house