Local irrigation and landscaping company, Island Irrigation, has contributed to the beautification of Anguilla by donating its time and resources to enhancing the Sandy Hill Roundabout.

The decorated Sandy Hill Round-A-Bout

Principal of Island Irrigation, Ishmael Parris, said his new company began business about a month and a half ago in collaboration with Irrigation Consultant Martin Zidtowecki.
Parris revealed that Mr. Mervin Gumbs, who presently maintains the Roundabout, introduced the beautification project to him. He commented that at the time there were only Cacti and stones at the roundabout. His company introduced Oleander, Crown of Thorns and a running plant known as Wadillas for ground cover as well as a Date Palm.
Mr. Paris remarked that the landscaping project, complete with mulch and an irrigation system, was done free of cost and took a day to complete. He said Island Irrigation acquired the plants and donated them to the project. The irrigation system uses a battery powered automatic timer, with a battery life of about one year, to regulate plants watering schedules. These systems can be fitted with rain sensors to shut the systems off and save water.
The local Landscaper pointed out that the reason for focusing on the Sandy Hill roundabout was that it needed improvement because other roundabouts on Anguilla were landscaped. He opined, “It needed to be done. It was there for years. It didn’t look right and…in terms of tourists, there are some villas up at that end.”
Parris disclosed that he had other ideas for improving areas where tourists might have first contacts with Anguilla. He stated that, in some cases, irrigation systems were installed but he was not sure if they worked. He said this was a way to give back to the community and “if there are any areas that need help we are more than glad to help out…”

L-R: Martin Zidtowecki and Ishmael Parris

Zidtowecki, who has been based in Anguilla for about three years, remarked that Island Irrigation wanted to do something for the community: “We are looking for other beautification projects. One of our ideas was to have a random selection for an eligible project every quarter. Another is to plant more trees along the roads to beautify the whole island.” The Beautification Consultant opined that Anguilla could look “much nicer than it is.” He said they were open for more ideas.
Landscaping and irrigation involves planning, deciding the appropriate plants and other material to use, and low-wattage focus lighting. Zidtowecki disclosed that he was undertaking a survey of the most drought-tolerant plants that could be used on Anguilla.
Parris added that they were experimenting with irrigation technologies and products that saturate the soil.
Like other round- a-bouts on Anguilla, the Sandy Hill Round-a-bout has been adopted by the Anguilla Development Board, which has erected signs on the location.
The beautification project was carried out on Saturday August 1.

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