The Role of Smart Landscaping in Community Design
Overview
At Lotus Edge in Boca Raton, landscaping serves a larger purpose than just curb appeal. It reflects GL Homes’ ongoing commitment to responsible development and environmental balance. From the earliest planning stages, the team approached the landscape design with sustainability in mind, specifically focusing on water conservation, habitat preservation, and overall long-term ecological health. The result is a community where the natural environment and modern design work together to create a vibrant, livable setting for residents while protecting the land for future generations.
Creating a Purposeful Landscape
The vision for Lotus Edge is centered on creating a landscape that feels lush and inviting while functioning as part of a larger environmental system. The design blends tropical palms and layered plantings with native and adaptive species that thrive in Florida’s climate, reducing the need for irrigation and fertilizer and creating a healthier, more sustainable environment for residents and wildlife.
The team worked with Palm Beach County Environmental Resource Management to relocate mature bald cypress trees into a preserve, where they now form the foundation of a thriving habitat. Native plants were added around the lakes and along the community’s edges to conserve water, support local wildlife, and help the landscaping blend seamlessly with its surroundings.
Each planting was chosen with intention, with larger trees positioned to shade homes and walkways while naturally cooling surrounding paved areas. Rock mulch reduces evaporation and retains soil moisture, while hydrozoned beds group plants with similar water needs to ensure efficient irrigation. Additionally, low-maintenance species along the community’s perimeter were selected to thrive with minimal upkeep.
A signature feature of the plan is Citrazoy zoysia turf, a premium grass chosen for its rich green color, soft feel, and durability. With lower water requirements than many traditional grasses, it combines beauty with long-lasting functionality.
Results
The landscaping at Lotus Edge demonstrates how thoughtful planning and environmental stewardship can create lasting value for both the community and the surrounding ecosystem:
• Habitat Creation: Preserved bald cypress trees and native vegetation support local wildlife and maintain biodiversity.
• Water Efficiency: Citrazoy turf, rock mulch, and hydrozoned plantings minimize irrigation requirements.
• Environmental Protection: Native plantings around lakes and buffer zones reduce erosion, filter runoff, and improve water quality.
• Resident Experience: Shaded paths and open green spaces encourage outdoor activity, comfort, and connection with nature.
Conclusion
Through sustainable choices and collaborative environmental efforts, the landscaping at Lotus Edge exemplifies GL Homes’ Smart Planning philosophy. Every element, from the preserved cypress preserve to the water-efficient turf, reflects a thoughtful approach to balancing beauty, functionality, and ecological health.
Lotus Edge stands as a living example of how purposeful landscape design can protect natural resources, foster biodiversity, and create lasting value for both residents and the environment.
© G.L. Homes of Florida Corporation. Each community described is owned, developed, and sold by a separate and distinct entity, and therefore, no entity is liable or responsible for the acts or omissions of any other entity. All features and initiatives are subject to change at any time and without prior notice. Some photography used herein may be stock photography, which is used to depict the spirit of the lifestyles to be achieved rather than any that may actually exist or that may be proposed.