ELM In the News:  Fairfield County Business Journal

The beauty of Meadow Ridge continues to receive accolades celebrating its horticultural excellence and grandeur.

REDDING, CT — The continuing care retirement facility in Redding recently received a Silver Award of Excellence from the National Association of Landscape Professionals for its landscaping on behalf of its landscape partner, Eastern Land Management (ELM) located in Stamford.

“This award is special because it recognizes the efforts and collaboration of three distinct groups – Eastern Land Management, who does a stellar job in planning, planting and preserving our beautiful grounds; the dedicated group of residents on our Grounds Committee who are always looking for ways to bring even more life to the grounds; and our facilities team who do a masterful job of coordinating the ideas and efforts of all stakeholders to bring the vision to fruition,” said Chris Barstein, campus executive director.

Meadow Ridge was selected from more than 300 submissions from across the country. “Though we have won awards for the horticulture in our Atrium, this is, to my knowledge, the first for our grounds,” he noted.

ELM has maintained the grounds of Meadow Ridge for the past 10 years. Andy Britell and their  on-site team have created an award-winning outdoor space that is functional, accessible and safe, while also integrating technology, wellness-driven innovation, and a therapeutic landscape that improves the quality of life.

“They have designed and maintain our resident arrival garden, the Laurel, Maple and Spruce courtyards, the assisted living garden and hardscape, and our Memory Care Courtyard, a recent addition to the front of our building,” Barstein said. “Next spring, they will take on the courtyard at Ridge Crest, our skilled nursing neighborhood also in Redding.”

The award recognizes the community’s thoughtfully designed landscapes, sustainable open spaces, and hilltop setting that enhance life for residents. “One of the things that makes Meadow Ridge such a wonderful place to live is our natural surroundings,” said Lynn Edmonds, chair of the Meadow Ridge Grounds Committee. “ELM understands and embraces how our landscape enhances our quality of life and supports the ecosystem around us. This award is incredibly well deserved and we congratulate them.”

Barstein praises the essential hands-on role of the Grounds Committee.

“The Meadow Ridge vision starts with them. They live here, this is their house, and they want to be proud of our grounds,” Barstein said.

Meadow Ridge sits upon 136 hilltop acres in Redding on former farmland, where over a quarter of the property is devoted to sustainable open space, woods, and nature trails.  The bucolic setting provides an oasis from the bustle of Fairfield County and New York City. In addition to a sprawling meadow and lush, sloping hillside, the grounds feature thoughtful and meticulous plantings; multiple specialty gardens, including cutting and vegetable gardens, a memory care garden and a working farm; recreational outdoor spaces, bocce and croquet courts and a putting green; and miles of walking paths.

“The residents of Meadow Ridge appreciate all the outdoors have to offer and take full advantage of their campus. Working with this community gives our team the opportunity to be thoughtful and creative, with an eye toward sustainability,” said ELM President & CEO Bruce Moore Jr. “We’re excited about this award, but more so about the trust Meadow Ridge puts in us to make the community beautiful.”

Both ELM and Meadow Ridge share the vison of treating the environment with care and preserving the ecosystem while offering residents a beautiful panorama. “Not only are ELM experts in the care and maintenance of our extensive grounds; they are able stewards of the diverse environments on our property, including our extensive wetlands,” Barstein said.

The awards program celebrates landscape companies across the nation that excel in the creation, design, construction, and management of exceptional outdoor spaces. Winners are selected through a rigorous peer review process that evaluates detailed project submissions, scope of work, and measurable results.

“It’s always heartening to have your efforts recognized by industry. It’s one thing to think what you’ve accomplished is good, but it’s also nice to have that reaffirmed by others,” said Barstein adding the landscaping also helps attract new residents. “When a prospective resident tours Meadow Ridge, it starts with the exterior, and that sets the tone. If our grounds don’t look good, we don’t look good.”