Building Greener Communities: Newfield’s Beautification Project at Citrus Grove Elementary
At Newfield, we’re deeply committed to building a community that goes beyond just homes. As part of this commitment, we’re excited to share our latest initiative in our valued partnership with Citrus Grove Elementary (CGE), located in Palm City.
The newest chapter in this partnership is a beautification project at the school. This project builds on Mattamy Homes’ long-standing support for CGE, which has previously included donations of gardening supplies for the school’s Go Green Club, Newfield’s 2025 Arbor Day event, and the launch of the “Walk with Goats” program at Newfield’s KC Trails. Now, with this beautification effort, we are eager to show our continued appreciation for the faculty, families, and students of Citrus Grove Elementary.
After meeting with Principal Rose Rynca and the school’s plant manager for a walk around the property, we identified key areas that could benefit from landscaping and irrigation upgrades.
These included the central island and two surrounding entry walls that are visible from Newfield Parkway, as well as the main vehicle entrance to the school. We also paid special attention to areas near the building entrance, which are the first things people notice when walking into the school.
With these areas in mind, we developed a plan that not only enhances the school’s campus but also makes it easier to maintain over time. The project included irrigation upgrades and the introduction of native plants that require less water and upkeep, making them a smart, eco-friendly choice for the school.
What Was Planted?
The beautification project introduced a variety of native and evergreen plants to CGE, including:
Sabal Palms: Tall, graceful palms that add beauty and provide shade.
Foxtail Ferns: Soft, feathery foliage that will create a lush and green environment.
Juniper Parsonii: A hardy evergreen shrub that will offer coverage throughout the year.
Japanese Blueberry: A versatile shrub known for its attractive foliage and year-round color.
Variegated Pittosporum: A low-maintenance shrub that brings unique patterns to the landscape.
Dwarf Firebush: A compact shrub with vibrant red flowers that will brighten the space and attract local wildlife.
Pentas: Bright, star-shaped flowers that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding even more life to the space.
In addition to the plantings, we refreshed the mulch beds to give the entire area a polished finish. Plus, we updated the building signage to “Citrus Boulevard” to complement the new landscaping, creating a more modern and welcoming look.
This beautification effort reflects Mattamy’s ongoing commitment to supporting local schools and enhancing the community.
After the project was completed, we hosted a special dedication event, bringing together members of the school’s Go Green Club to celebrate the new landscaping. The event was a chance to reflect on the importance of sustainability, community involvement, and the positive impact of the project on students and staff.
Through this beautification effort, we continue to support local schools, build stronger community relationships, and make a positive impact on Martin County families.
Stay tuned for more updates on this project and our ongoing initiatives to strengthen our community!