by Deborah Silverthorn

Special to DJW

It's thumbs up and all other fingers as well for Bella Antebi, her husband-partner Tom Thompson and the rest of her crew at the Dallas-based Antebi Landscaping company as they design, plant, nurture, and provide the upkeep for much of foliage around many synagogues, schools, businesses and even some private homes throughout the Metroplex.

"We really enjoy nature and knowing that we've planted so many trees that, long after we are gone, many generations will still enjoy their beauty," said Antebi. "To take a piece of land and see the results that flowers and greenery, once a project is completed, is always a very rewarding experience."

Creating beautiful landscapes and providing customer service since 1984 has always been a priority for the company. "Antebi Landscaping is both people- and service-oriented," said Shirley Rovinsky, executive director of Temple Shalom. "Their crew always arrives as scheduled and when I have my 'short list' ready, Bella usually has the same items on her list. She almost reads your mind as she is so in tune with the needs of her clients."

"Bella is usually here at the same time as her crew or she'll at least stop by to be sure everything has been taken care of. It's very special that she always stops by the office to be sure we're happy and not only do we work together, but she has a great relationship with the temple's building and grounds chairs." Antebi has provided the mowing, tree service, planting of flowers and shrubs and sprinkler repairs in addition to the maintenance of the preschool playground for over 10 years.

"Bella is usually here at the same time as her crew or she'll at least stop by to be sure everything has been taken care of. It's very special that she always stops by the office to be sure we're happy and not only do we work together, but she has a great relationship with the temple's building and grounds chairs." Antebi has provided the mowing, tree service, planting of flowers and shrubs and sprinkler repairs in addition to the maintenance of the preschool playground for over 10 years.

The company focuses on year-round residential installation and low-voltage lighting, commercial maintenance and installation of landscape, irrigation and low-voltage lighting. Their prescription for fine exterior foliage is to prepare flowerbeds, shrub the beds and prepare tree driplines for the spring in addition to adding compost to the flowerbeds. In addition, Antebi recommends that shrub beds and tree driplines be composted and mulched, four inches around the base of the trees, during this season.

For interiors, orchids seem to be an answer year-round, in any climate. "With just a touch of a water spray or even an ice cube in the pot, orchids will bloom up to about 120 days," said Antebi. "They take very little care and provide such beauty."

Antebi Landscaping meets their clients through referrals, and the list of clients happy to share their positive experiences is not in short supply. "Antebi does a professional job, charging a fair and competitive price for professional services, and always makes sure that the presentation of our school is a priority," said Nancy Skinner, administrative director for Akiba Academy of Dallas.

Antebi's sons, Michael and Alan, both attended Akiba many years ago but the relationship between the school and the landscaper remains strong. "The services they provide are important because their work is the first impression that visitors receive of the school. The flowers say 'welcome.' Bella and her team are very professional but Bella is the difference. She goes out of her way professionally and personally to always present Akiba in a best light and she's really an ambassador for Akiba and all of her clients."

An integral part of the services that Antebi provides is the design of their client's properties. "Properties need to be evaluated as to the areas that should and shouldn't be planted, the soil types and the sun and shade conditions. Irrigation systems need to be checked to verify that areas being planted will be watered properly," said Antebi, who charges a consultation fee for these services.

Depending on the extent of the project and the type of plant material being installed, and potential alterations to the irrigation system to accommodate the plant material, fees can range upwards of $500. "Without an irrigation system, there is little value in spending money on plant installation," said Antebi, who believes it really takes a professional's touch. "Without adequate watering, it won't matter how much you spend on plants ... they'll die.

"Few people can achieve the same results doing their own installation unless they purchase a detail landscape design with a specific plant and material list. Plants purchased that have not been grown for this geographic area tend to cost less initially but usually do not survive a common mistake for home gardeners."

Exterior plants add beauty, and many studies have shown that the value of properties can be enhanced significantly, in the event one is trying to sell their home. According to Antebi, spring is the best time to plant trees and for seasonal color; pansies and ornamental kale are the best choices for this time of year. In addition, studies have shown that that indoor plants help clean the air in homes and offices.

Antebi and her husband also provide complimentary services for a number of organizations. "The Jewish community has always been very supportive of my company and I wish to be supportive in return."

"Bella and her company always seem to find creative ways to make the shul look special," said Rabbi Menachem Block of Chabad of Plano who has had a relationship with Antebi Landscaping for many years. "She is always willing to help and always has a special spirit and smile that always shines."

Antebi Landscaping is always most attentive to our requests, and us" agreed Rabbi Mendel Dubrawsky of the Forest Lane Shul-Chabad. "Bella is always at the top of my list."