northernbook Chapter 624 A Green Blueprint, Poetry from Grass and Trees
Chapter 624 A Green Blueprint, Poetry from Grass and Trees
On the open space north of the seaside villa complex, morning dew still clung to the tips of the grass, and the distant sound of waves crashing on the shore could be faintly heard.
Ye Haoxuan stood on the high ground, looking down at the open terrain, clutching a crumpled preliminary planning sketch in his hand—this land, covering more than a hundred acres, was about to be transformed into a golf course connecting the villa complex, serving as both a secluded retreat for family leisure and the core of commercial facilities.
"Mr. Ye, the international design team has arrived." Tony's voice came from behind, tinged with respect.
Ye Haoxuan turned around and saw three foreigners in suits standing not far away. The leader was Colin, an old designer from Scotland, whose white hair was neatly combed. He was holding a rangefinder and looking down at the terrain.
Colin is renowned in the golf course design industry, specializing in the perfect integration of natural terrain with course layout. Ye Haoxuan specially invited him through his overseas connections, hoping to create a course that is both internationally competitive and suited to the local conditions of Hong Kong Island.
“Mr. Colin, thank you for coming all this way.” Ye Haoxuan extended his hand. “This land is bordered by hills to the north and the sea to the south. I hope that under your design, the natural texture can be preserved while also meeting the needs of golfers of different levels.”
Colin grasped his hand, his tone steady: “Mr. Ye, I have studied the terrain data here. The slope and soil pH are very suitable for building a golf course. My idea is to design 18 fairways following the hillside, with varying heights, which will not only make use of the natural slope to increase the fun, but also allow golfers to enjoy the sea and mountain views while hitting the ball.”
He gestured for his assistant to unfold the design drawings and lay them out on the makeshift wooden table:
"Look, this is set up as a tee box, facing the sea; that depression over there can be transformed into a bunker to increase the challenge; the flat area on the far east side is suitable as a green, with a wide field of vision, making it easier to putt."
Ye Haoxuan bent down to examine the design closely. The lines on the drawing were smooth and natural, and the layout of the fairways was well-balanced, taking into account both competitiveness and the original terrain. He couldn't help but nod in approval.
"This is a good idea, but we need to reserve some areas as a place for family members to relax, such as setting up a few tea houses near the green for people who don't play golf to rest."
“No problem.” Colin immediately had his assistant mark on the design drawings, “I will plan an open lawn between fairway 3 and fairway 17, which can be used as a recreation area and also as a temporary event venue.”
Just then, Marry strode over with several documents in her well-tailored business suit, exuding competence.
"Mr. Ye, Mr. Colin, this is the business operation plan I prepared. Please take a look and see if it is suitable."
She handed the documents to the two of them, explaining that "the golf course is positioned as a high-end private club, with a membership system that includes annual, quarterly, and single-visit options. A limited number of individual reservations will also be available to avoid overcrowding."
As Colin reviewed the proposal, Marry added, "Regarding the supporting facilities, we plan to build a clubhouse on the west side of the course, which will include a restaurant, lounge, locker rooms, and equipment shop. The restaurant will specialize in a fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine, prioritizing fresh local seafood and organic vegetables. The equipment shop will feature internationally renowned brands and offer customized services. In addition, I have contacted several high-end hotels and companies to launch co-branded packages to attract business clients and tourists."
Ye Haoxuan listened, tapping his fingertips lightly on the table: "The membership system should have reasonable entry requirements, ensuring quality without being too exclusive. In addition, the club's design should be understated yet luxurious, harmonizing with the surrounding natural environment, and avoiding an overly ostentatious style."
“I understand.” Marry nodded. “The membership threshold has been benchmarked against other high-end golf courses on Hong Kong Island and is slightly below the average level. At the same time, a referral system has been set up to ensure the quality of members. The clubhouse will be designed with a wooden structure and glass curtain wall to maximize the use of natural light. The exterior walls will be covered with greenery to blend in with the golf course.”
Colin put down the proposal, his eyes filled with approval:
“Ms. Marry’s operational plan is very comprehensive, taking into account the needs of competition, leisure and business, and it fits my design concept very well. Such a stadium can not only meet private leisure needs, but also host small business events, and has great potential.”
As they spoke, a gentle breeze blew by, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees.
Serena approached carrying a bamboo basket filled with branches and flowers of several green plants, a gentle smile on her face.
"Mr. Ye, Mr. Colin, Ms. Marry, I've selected some suitable plants for this place and would like to discuss a landscaping plan with you."
She took a cherry blossom branch with buds still attached from the basket:
“I love cherry blossoms. They are especially beautiful when they bloom, with pink and white flowers, and they are also suitable for the climate here. In addition, I also selected some local green plants, such as fig trees, bougainvillea and ixora. They are drought-tolerant and moisture-tolerant, easy to grow, and can provide habitats for birds and insects, making the golf course more vibrant.”
Colin took the cherry blossom branch, held it to his nose, and smelled it:
"Cherry blossoms are indeed beautiful, blooming in spring and adding a seasonal landscape to the course. However, attention should be paid to the planting density so as not to affect the view of the fairways and the shot trajectory."
“I’ve already thought it through.” Serena pointed to the edge area on the design drawing. “Cherry blossom trees can be planted along the edges of the fairways, one every five meters, to create a cherry blossom avenue; bougainvillea and ixora flowers can be planted near the fence to form a natural hedge; and ficus microcarpa can be planted around the recreation area and clubhouse to provide shade. This way, it won’t affect playing golf, and the entire course will be surrounded by greenery.”
She paused, then added, "I also want to plant some herbs in the relaxation area, such as mint and rosemary, which can repel insects and be used to make tea and dishes, echoing the clubhouse restaurant."
Marry's eyes lit up: "That's a great idea! Herbs are not only practical, but they can also enhance the overall sophistication. The restaurant can use fresh herbs as ingredients, and the tea room can offer herb tea to add a unique touch."
Looking at Serena's earnest expression, Ye Haoxuan felt a warmth in his heart. From the landscaping of the villa to the selection of plants for the sports field, Serena had always put her heart into it. Her aesthetic sense and pragmatism were perfectly combined, always bringing surprises.
“We’ll do it your way,” he nodded with a smile. “You’ll be in full charge of the landscaping plan. If you need any support, just let Tony know.”
Serena smiled happily and nodded vigorously:
"Thank you, Mr. Ye! I will come up with a detailed planting plan as soon as possible to ensure that there is a different landscape in each season."
As the sun rose higher and the morning dew evaporated, sunlight streamed onto the open ground, outlining the future shape of the stadium. Colin, with his assistant, rangefinder, and blueprints in hand, began the on-site measurement and positioning.
Marry sat under a makeshift sunshade, modifying the operational plan on her computer and occasionally communicating with Tony about resource coordination; Serena walked along the planned golf course route, marking and recording suitable locations for planting greenery.
Standing on the high ground, Ye Haoxuan looked at the busy yet orderly scene before him, his heart filled with anticipation.
He walked over to Serena and looked at the marks she had drawn on the ground: "Thank you for your hard work, you put so much effort into it."
Serena looked up, her face flushed:
"I really like these flowers and plants. I'm so happy that they can make the court look so beautiful. In the future, we can have tea under the cherry blossom trees and have picnics on the lawn. It sounds wonderful."
"Yes, we will." Ye Haoxuan nodded. "Once the stadium is built, we will bring the children here to fly kites and have picnics, so that they can get closer to nature."
In the distance, the villa complex is faintly visible, its white walls and red tiles reflecting the blue sea and sky. On the nearby open space, designers, operators, and landscapers are each doing their jobs, and a blueprint for a golf course is slowly taking shape under the seaside sunshine.