gainesville landscaping | The Masters Lawn Care

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By Rusty, Mon, 06/17/2024 - 15:09

Create a Charming Outdoor Space With a Custom Paver Patio in Gainesville, FL

In Gainesville, FL, enhancing your home with a custom paver patio can transform your backyard into a luxurious retreat. Ideal for both relaxation and entertainment, a paver patio offers durability and aesthetic appeal that elevates your outdoor living experience. By choosing professional construction, you ensure that every aspect of the patio design is tailored to fit your lifestyle and landscape, creating a seamless and stylish extension of your indoor living space.

Designing Your Ideal Paver Patio Layout

Creating a paver patio that complements your home starts with a thoughtful design. Professional landscape designers will help you visualize the layout that best suits your outdoor space, taking into account sun exposure, views, and privacy. They can create a design that flows naturally with the existing elements of your backyard, ensuring that your new patio is both functional and beautiful.

Selecting the Perfect Pavers

The beauty of a paver patio lies in the versatility of choices available in terms of color, shape, and texture. Selecting the right pavers that match the architectural style of your home and your personal taste is crucial. High-quality materials like natural stone or pavers can offer different looks, from rustic charm to modern elegance. Professional landscape designers help you navigate these options to find the perfect match for your project.

Integrating Outdoor Living Features

A paver patio can serve as the foundation for a complete outdoor living area. Professional landscape designers can incorporate features such as fire pits, outdoor kitchens, or outdoor seating areas into the patio design. Each element is chosen to enhance the usability of your space, making it perfect for hosting gatherings or simply enjoying the peaceful outdoors.

Ensuring Proper Construction

Proper construction of a paver patio is key to its longevity and durability. Professional landscape designers ensure that the ground is properly prepared with a solid base and accurate grading for drainage. This meticulous construction process prevents issues such as pavers shifting or water pooling, ensuring that your patio remains beautiful and functional for years to come.

Customizing With Borders and Accents

Adding borders and accents can elevate the look of your paver patio. These details enhance the patio's design and help define areas or routes within the outdoor space. Whether it's contrasting colors or unique patterns, professional landscape designers can craft these features to add a personalized touch that complements the overall aesthetic.

Outdoor Lighting Your Patio for Evening Use

To extend the usability of your paver patio into the evening, incorporating landscape lighting is essential. Strategic placement of outdoor lights can enhance the ambiance and ensure visibility after dark. From in-ground outdoor lighting to lanterns and outdoor string lights, there are numerous options that can be seamlessly integrated into the patio design to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Creating a Seamless Transition from Indoors to Outdoors

A well-designed paver patio creates a smooth transition between your home’s indoor and outdoor environments. By aligning the style and level of the patio with your home's exterior doors, the space becomes an extension of your living area, blurring the lines between inside and outside. This seamless flow increases the functionality and aesthetic continuity of your living spaces.

Fostering a Connection With Nature

A paver patio is more than just a structure; it's a gateway to the natural beauty of your backyard. It encourages outdoor activities and appreciation for the surrounding landscape. Positioned thoughtfully among lush plantings, your patio can become a tranquil spot for relaxation and connection with nature.

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paver patios

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By Rusty, Sat, 05/25/2024 - 13:36

Enhancing Your Alachua, FL Home With a Custom Paver Patio Design

Creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space can greatly enhance the enjoyment of your home. A custom paver patio in Alachua, FL, can transform your backyard into a stylish and inviting area perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Professional landscape designers can design and construct a paver patio that perfectly complements your home and meets your specific needs.

Designing a Unique Paver Patio

A custom paver patio allows for a unique design that reflects your personal style. Professional landscapers can help you choose from a variety of paver shapes, colors, and patterns to create a paver patio that stands out. Whether you prefer a classic herringbone pattern or a more intricate design, expert landscape designers can complete your project with precision and creativity.

Creating an Outdoor Living Room

Transform your paver patio into an outdoor living room where you can relax and entertain guests. Imagine comfortable outdoor seating areas, outdoor rugs, and decorative elements that make your paver patio feel like an extension of your home. Professional landscape designers can create a cohesive and stylish outdoor living space that’s comfortable and inviting.

Adding an Outdoor Dining Area

A paver patio is the perfect place to create an outdoor dining area. Picture a spacious outdoor dining table, elegant outdoor chairs, and perhaps even a built-in outdoor grill or outdoor kitchen. Experts can design a layout that provides ample space for dining and entertaining outdoors, making your paver patio the ideal spot for family meals and gatherings with friends.

Incorporating Outdoor Fire Features

Adding an outdoor fire feature to your paver patio can enhance the ambiance and extend its usability into the cooler months. Consider options like a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace, which can serve as a focal point and gathering spot. Professional landscape designers can design and build outdoor fire features that seamlessly integrate with your paver patio design, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Integrating Water Features

Water features can add a sense of tranquility and elegance to your paver patio. Imagine the soothing sound of a fountain or a small pond as part of your outdoor space. Professional landscape designers can incorporate water features into your paver patio design, enhancing the overall aesthetic and providing a peaceful retreat.

Designing Multi-Level Paver Patios

A multi-level paver patio can add dimension and interest to your outdoor space. Professional landscapers can create different levels for various functions, such as an outdoor dining area, outdoor lounge space, and even an outdoor play area for children. This design approach maximizes the use of your backyard and creates a dynamic and visually appealing layout.

Enhancing With Outdoor Lighting

Proper outdoor lighting can make your paver patio usable at any time of day or night. Consider walkway lights, outdoor string lights, and outdoor spotlights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Expert landscapers can design and install outdoor lighting that complements your paver patio and enhances its functionality and beauty.

Choosing High-Quality Materials

Using high-quality materials for your paver patio ensures durability and long-lasting beauty. Professional landscape designers have access to top-tier pavers and can provide expert construction to ensure that your paver patio withstands the elements and retains its charm over time. This investment in quality materials guarantees a stunning and resilient outdoor space.

Personalizing With Custom Details

Custom details can make your paver patio truly unique. Consider adding decorative borders, intricate inlays, or personalized engravings to give your paver patio a special touch. Professional landscapers can help you incorporate these custom elements into your design, creating a one-of-a-kind paver patio that reflects your style and personality.

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By Rusty, Wed, 05/15/2024 - 15:05

Transforming Outdoor Spaces With Masterful Landscape Design in Gainesville and Newberry, FL

First impressions matter, and a masterfully designed entryway can set the tone for your entire property. Imagine an elegant gateway framed by lush greenery and vibrant blooms, leading up to your front door. Professional landscape designers in Gainesville and Newberry, FL, specialize in creating front and backyards that are not only welcoming but also reflect your personal style and enhance the architectural features of your home.

Paver Patio for Year-Round Enjoyment

A paver patio isn't just a backyard feature—it's the heart of outdoor entertainment. Tailor your patio design to suit your lifestyle, whether you're hosting large gatherings or seeking a quiet retreat. From selecting the perfect materials to incorporating elements like built-in outdoor seating and fire pits, professional landscapers can create a space that's both functional and stylish, perfectly suited to your needs.

Custom Water Features for Serenity

Custom water features can transform an ordinary landscape into a serene oasis. The soft sound of flowing water from a fountain or a small waterfall can provide a calming atmosphere, making your outdoor space a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Landscape designers can integrate these features seamlessly into your landscape, complementing the natural beauty of your surroundings.

Vibrant Landscape Design With Select Plantings

Vibrant planting beds are a cornerstone of beautiful landscape design. Skilled landscapers can cultivate planting beds that bloom throughout the seasons, carefully selecting plantings that thrive in our area’s climate. From colorful annuals to majestic perennials, your landscape can become a showcase of flora that enhances your property's aesthetic and ecological value.

Outdoor Lighting for Nighttime Appeal

Outdoor lighting is essential for extending the enjoyment of your landscape into the evening hours. Strategically placed outdoor lights can highlight architectural features, illuminate walkways, and create an enchanting atmosphere around gathering areas. Landscape designers can craft outdoor lighting schemes that make your landscape accessible at night and magically transform your space.

Functional Outdoor Living Areas

Outdoor living areas are extensions of your indoor space, offering additional room to relax, dine, and entertain. Incorporate elements like outdoor kitchens, cozy outdoor fireplaces, and durable, stylish outdoor furniture to create a space that invites leisure and enjoyment. Professional landscape designers are adept at merging functionality with aesthetics, ensuring every outdoor living area meets your specific desires.

Seamless Transitions With Structural Elements

Building hard surface features is an art that provides structure and defines the flow of your landscape. From natural stone walkways that lead guests through your backyard to terraces that level out a sloped backyard, constructing hard structural elements is integral to a cohesive design. Experts in landscape design use these elements to create seamless transitions between different areas of your outdoor space, enhancing both its functionality and its beauty.

Creating an Inviting Atmosphere With Pergolas and Arbors

Pergolas and arbors are not just beautiful structures; they provide a framework for climbing plantings, offer shade on sunny days, and define outdoor spaces. Whether you're looking to create a secluded spot for backyard benches or an elegant framework for outdoor dining, these structures can significantly enhance the charm and usability of your landscape.

Enhanced Privacy With Natural Barriers

Creating privacy in your outdoor spaces can be both functional and aesthetic. Landscape designers can strategically place trees, shrubs, and trellises to serve as natural barriers, offering seclusion and tranquility in your landscape. These natural screens not only provide privacy but also contribute to the overall landscape by adding depth, color, and texture. This approach allows you to enjoy your outdoor area without compromising on style or the natural flow of your landscape design.

Related: Need Better St. Augustine, FL Lawn Care? Here is What to Expect from Professional Lawn Care Services

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Planning

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By Rusty, Tue, 01/18/2022 - 15:58

New Year New Lawn: 3 Basic Lawn Needs

The ultimate goal of every homeowner who takes pride in their landscape is to have a thick, green, and lush lawn to enjoy. The easiest way to have that is to make sure it has the right amount of irrigation, a healthy dose of sunlight, and the proper lawn fertilization program. With those 3 things in-tact, your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Sunlight:
Too much shade is often the culprit for an unsightly dirt patch in a lawn. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone tell me they think all they need to do is install a pallet of sod and their lawn will be fine. What actually happens is the sod looks great for a few months, but over time begins to fade and, six months later, their unsightly dirt patch is back. They're treating the symptom of the problem (the dead sod) rather than the actual problem (the amount of shade on that area of the lawn).

The bottom line is that St. Augustine and Zoysia need about 4-6 hours of sunlight a day.

Get more information here: 3 Basic Needs of a Healthy Gainesville Lawn: Sun
Watch Video Here: 3 Basic Needs of a Lawn - #1 is Sunlight

Water:
If your lawn developed brown spots last spring in the sunny areas, I’d venture to guess that your problem is water-related. Most of the lawn issues we see in May and June are from the dry spells we experience. These brown spots during droughts are generally caused by one of two things if you have a Gainesville Irrigation system: Improper irrigation coverage or incorrect watering times.

Three Quick Tips to Avoid Over or Under Watering Your Lawn:
1. Run your irrigation early in the morning. I set mine to start at 4AM.
2. Run your Rotor or Rotator Zones for about 45 minutes. Shrub/Ornamental zones can be set to 25 (deeper root systems).
3. Run your irrigation twice per week from March - November, per Alachua County Code.

Get more information here: 3 Basic Needs of a Healthy Gainesville Lawn: Water
Video Here: 3 Basic Needs of a Lawn - #2 is Water (Sprinklers, Irrigation, Drought stress)

Food:
Many homeowners in our area use the ‘feast or famine’ method fertilizing once or twice a year because of chain stores recommending the spring and fall lawn feedings. This is one of the many ways that turfgrass and the human body are very similar. This is not unlike eating one or two large meals a day and expecting a healthy physique – It just doesn’t work like that. In the same way that many nutritionists recommend 5-6 small meals a day because your body needs to be fed constantly, your lawn is at its best when it is given 5-6 doses of nutrients per year too.

Get more information here: 3 Basic Needs of a Healthy Gainesville Lawn: Fertilizer
Video Here: 3 Basic Needs of a Lawn - #3 is Food (Fertilizer)

It's a Brand New Year and a great time to set goals for your lawn. It all starts with a vision, and having a plan in place to focus on where you want to see improvements will help to make sure you hit your lawn goals for the year! Grass can survive with a minimum amount of care, but keep in mind, to grow well, it will need supplemental watering and fertilizer when it starts to look stressed. That’s where we can help out!

Our lawn health programs are designed by a team that specializes in Gainesville turf grasses, with a focus on prevention of issues before they become issues. We use seasonally appropriate lawn foods to ensure your lawn is primed for success.

If we can be of help with any of your Gainesville landscape maintenance chores - or the surrounding areas of Alachua, Jonesville, and Newberry - please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (352) 378-LAWN or fill out our form at the top of the page!

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Gainesville lawn care

lawn care

By Rusty, Tue, 11/02/2021 - 18:24

4 Types of Fire Pits Perfect for Fall

Lighting up the fire pit is a great way to initiate an intimate gathering with family and friends. The hosting possibilities that come along with owning a fire pit are virtually limitless and only bound by your imagination.

Fire pits have become one of the hottest home accessories on the market and it is clear why. There are many fire features that you can have in your backyard. There are basic as well as upscale designs. You will even be able to increase the value of your property with the right fire pit and the right backyard landscape design.

How many types of fire pits are there? Well, fire pits come in numerous alterations but they can generally be grouped into four categories depending on the kind of fuel each pit uses. Below we will take a look at 4 different styles of fire pits.

1. Simple Custom wood burning
A natural replica of a campfire, but limited to a contained space, these pits provide an authentic experience complete with real smoke and the crackle of wood. Choosing the wood-burning option has several advantages, and one of the biggest is price. A wood-burning fire pit is significantly less expensive to design and install than gas fire pits. Also, there’s no beating the crackle, smell, and ambiance of burning real wood. Another perk is that you don’t have to worry about running a new gas line through your yard.

2. Log lighter
A log lighter fire pit has a round pipe with holes in that is located underneath the fire grate. Natural gas or propane gas goes through the pipe and, when lit, is an easy way to start your wood fire. Lighting fires the old way could take a long time. Just when you'd think your fire was finally lit, it would fizzle out and you'd have to start over again. With a fireplace log lighter you'll get strong flames immediately that will easily catch your logs on the fire. Just set the logs on the wood grate over the log lighter, turn the key to open the gas line, toss in a lit match, and the fire lights around your logs. After the logs have caught on fire, turn the valve key to close the gas line, and enjoy the crackling wood fire before you.

3. Gas fire pit
There are many different designs of gas fire pits, but they all work on the same principles. First, there is the housing that contains a gas line from the house or a portable propane tank. At the top of the fire pit is a large concave heat-resistant bowl. One or several burners sprout out of the bowl from below. These are attached to the tank underneath, supplying them with combustible gas. The bowl is filled with fake heat-resistant logs or coals to break up the shape of the bowl and hide the burners from view.

The more decorative bowls might be filled with fine sand, gravel, or river stones for a unique look, though these types of fire pits require mesh covers over the burners to prevent clogging. The pit may come with an ignition switch which, once the gas flow has been turned on, ignites the burners and gives the appearance of a real coal or wood fire.

Below are a couple of projects with gas fire pits that we have installed:
Project Spotlight: Mid Century Modern Landscape and Hardscape Project
Project Spotlight: Landscape Renovation

Keep in mind that while it is safe to cook over a basic propane gas fire pit, there are some gas-fueled outdoor fire features that you don’t want to cook on. These can add a lot of flair to your outdoor space but they’re not the best option for cooking.

4. Portable patio fire pit
Portable fire pits offer the most flexibility and versatility and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and can meet almost any budget requirement. They can range from small portable campfires you can take with you on vacation to full-size outdoor dining fire tables. The main advantage they have over a permanent one is that you can reposition them whenever you need or want to. You can even take them with you if you move houses.

Hopefully, our suggestions here will help you through your journey of choosing what type of fire pit is right for you and you will be happy with the fire pit you choose for years to come!

With our design and construction experience, we can work with any space, large or small, to build the outdoor experience that you and your family will enjoy for years to come. If we can be of help with creating the fire pit of your dreams, please don't hesitate to reach out to us give our team a call or text at (352) 378-5296. We're local and have been serving Gainesville for over 15 years. We look forward to working with you!

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hardscape

By Rusty, Tue, 10/12/2021 - 19:26

5 Reasons Why Fall is the Best Season for Landscaping in Florida

Many people think of spring as the best time for planting, but our preferred season in Gainesville is actually right now! The cooler temperatures and fall rains help the plant’s roots become well-established and the soil is still warm enough to allow roots to grow before the risk of freezing temperatures set in. It’s also a great time to get out in the yard and enjoy your investment! Below you will see our top 5 reasons for why we love Floria Fall landscapes!

1. Color
Here in Gainesville, we don’t get to experience the same dramatic color changes that some of our friends further north enjoy. The flip side of that is that we also don’t have to deal with the colder winters either! Still, it’s nice to see some changes at the turning of the season, and while we won’t be as showy as some other areas, here are a few Gainesville landscape additions that I would highly recommend for our area that will bring you some fall color.

Red Maple Tree
Shumard Oak
Crape Myrtle
Sweetspire
Fothergilla
Oak Leaf Hydrangea

2. Mild Temperatures
I’m sure many are asking, ‘What if we plant in the fall and then we have a cold winter! Won’t my plants die?’ The truth is The Master's Lawn Care rarely loses plants to the cold. Some freeze down because they're deciduous, but they typically re-grow in the spring even larger and more vibrant than if they had kept their leaves. The reason we don’t lose many plants over the winter is because when we do have a cold snap, it doesn’t stay cold for long. Rarely does north central Florida have a cold snap that lasts more than a week or two.

3. Greener Grass
Fall is a great time for sod installation because most other landscape plants have been planted and have matured by this point and therefore require less maintenance so you will be able to spend more time focusing on creating the thick, lush lawn that will make the neighbors jealous next summer! This is why we recommend Fall. It will be both optimal conditions for the grass and for those installing and maintaining it!

4. Fresh Mulch
Fall is the perfect time to refresh your mulch to encourage healthy, vibrant growth in the spring. Mulching helps protect your plants through our harsher, but short-lived, cold months of the year cost-effectively and easily. A fresh installation of mulch will help keep down weeds, reduce erosion, and keep the soil moist for the health of your Gainesville landscaping plants. The addition of mulch will also help create a clean and neat look in your landscape beds.

5. Outdoor Living
When the heat of summer is gone and cooler weather approaches, Florida Fall is the perfect season for spending more time in the yard with your friends and family. This is the time of year to enjoy firepits, patios, and other outdoor living spaces that you’ve worked hard on the rest of the year. Now is the time to really enjoy your hard work while the weather is nice!

We do have a short transition from summer to winter. If you plan on taking advantage of the cooler weather to have some Gainesville landscaping renovations done, let us know how we can help! Give our team a call or text at (352) 378-5296. We're local and have been serving Gainesville for over 15 years. We look forward to working with you!

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fall landscape

Gainesville Landscape Plants

By Rusty, Thu, 09/16/2021 - 19:02

Plant of the Month: ‘Black Diamond’ Crape Myrtle

Enable GingerBlack Diamonds are a revolutionary new series of crape myrtles that provide unique beauty to your landscape and instant yard envy for your neighbors. Flawless black foliage emerges in early spring followed by masses of brilliant jewel-toned blooms that last until the first frost.

How Fast do Black Diamond Crape Myrtles Grow?

A Black Diamond Crape Myrtle tree can grow 2 to 4 feet in a single year. Once they get to mature height the trunks and branches grow thicker, but the trees stay around 12 feet tall.

How to care for Black Diamond Crape Myrtles

Crepe myrtles need full sun to perform well. They will grow in shade, but blooms will be sparse, and plants will get leggy. For best growth and production, crape myrtle should receive at least one inch of water a week. During dry spells, water is mandatory. If not properly watered during dry spells, flowers may be mitigated. Keep at least 4 feet around the shrub clear of grass and weeds, for less competition for water.
Once your tree reaches maturity, it will be naturally drought-resistant.

When do Black Diamond Crape Myrtles Bloom?

Black Diamond Crape Myrtle trees have a very long bloom period. They flower from summer to fall, generally from July through October.

When should you prune Crape Myrtles?

Crepe myrtles need minimal pruning. Some gardeners top them annually, but this ruins their natural shape and beauty. Remove the sucker growth that sometimes appears around the base. Only prune to shape trees or to take out any cross branching. In the winter, you can remove old seed pods by clipping the tips of branches.

We have a video to help you perfectly prune your crape myrtle!
3 Tips for Pruning Crape Myrtles in Gainesville, Florida

If you’re looking to add this Gainesville Landscape Plant into your yard, please fill out the form above or contact us at (352) 378-5296.

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Gainesville plants

Gainesville Landscape Plants

By Rusty, Tue, 08/17/2021 - 19:16

Gainesville Landscape Plant of the month: Dwarf Ruellia

Dwarf Ruellia' is an improved variety and able to bloom beautiful pink or purple flowers almost all year long. We like this dwarf variety because they feature low, spreading mounds of narrow, dark green foliage. The combination of the flowers, grass-like texture, and green foliage make it a perfect filler to add color and interest to barren, dry areas in the yard. We also like to plant them in borders or on a sunny slope. Thanks to their compact form, these Ruellias are an excellent choice for use as a groundcover in tighter, narrower spaces and they also look great when planted in pots or planters!

Dwarf Ruellia is a low water use plant and is drought tolerant with little to moderate watering needs once established. This Ruellia variety thrives in full sun or partial shade exposures and is durable and easy to care for plants. These are a favorite for anyone that does not have a green thumb and still wants to have a thriving, colorful plant in their yard! They have a moderate growth rate, and with regular watering and care, they will have the best development.

This tough, heat-loving perennial is insect, and deer-resistant. It is perfect for dry, neglected spots in your landscape. Their long bloom season and showy flowers make Dwarf Ruellia a welcome addition to any landscape.

If you’re looking to add this Gainesville Landscape Plant into your yard, please fill out the form above or contact us at (352) 378-5296.

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Gainesville plants

Gainesville Landscape Plants

By Rusty, Thu, 07/08/2021 - 18:45

Gainesville Landscape Plant of the month: 'Mystic Spires' Salvia

Well-branched and very free-flowering, 'Mystic Spires' produces masses of sturdy, colorful flower stalks that are of great aesthetic appeal in beds, borders or containers and attract scores of butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects

This plant produces masses of colorful flowers that mix nicely with other annuals and perennials, is tolerant of heat and humidity (low and high), and is not bothered by pests or diseases or deer!

Exposure: full sun

Planting Time: spring to summer from containers

Soil type: adapts to most soils, but needs good drainage

This low-maintenance plant is perfect for Florida’s hot summers and keeps on blooming when other flowering plants have begun to decline.

How to Care for your Salvia:
Be sure to water every day during the establishment period after planting in the garden from a container, then, once plants have established into the landscape, you can begin to taper watering back to semi-weekly watering if local rainfall levels are low.

Leave foliage and roots in place for next year's growth. Trim off any winter damage from colder months for the fastest regrowth in the spring.

Trim back both foliage and blooms in spring regardless of whether your planting has kept its leaves or died back. This will allow the plant to regrow new lush foliage for the new season.

Fertilize each spring, and again when trimming in late summer

If you’re looking to add this Gainesville Landscape Plant into your yard, please fill out the form above or contact us at (352) 378-5296.

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Gainesville plants