In the heart of Wash Park, we had a longtime client whose backyard was home to a very special resident: Rafael, a giant Sulcata tortoise with a gentle soul and a love for leafy greens. Sulcatas, also known as African spurred tortoises, are one of the largest tortoise species kept as pets, and Rafael embodied everything that makes them so endearing.
His favorite pastime was roaming the yard, munching on plants, and keeping our crew company during maintenance visits. Friendly and curious, Rafael would slowly follow our team around, always underfoot but never unwelcome. His presence became a beloved part of our routine. A reminder that landscaping isn’t just about plants, but about the lives that flourish around them.
Rafael shared the yard with two playful dogs, and together they formed an unlikely trio of backyard companions. Our operations manager, Leigh Hallauer, made it a point to arrive early just to spend a few quiet moments with Rafael and his furry siblings before the day’s work began.
It’s stories like Rafael’s that remind us how special each property, and each client, truly is.
