Bonita Bay Butterfly Garden - Bonita Springs, Fla. - PGMS
Bonita Bay Butterfly Garden - Bonita Springs, Fla. - PGMS
Bonita Bay Butterfly Garden - Bonita Springs, Fla. - PGMS
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
May/June 2011 Volume 35, Number 3<br />
<strong>Bonita</strong> <strong>Bay</strong> <strong>Butterfly</strong> <strong>Garden</strong> - <strong>Bonita</strong> <strong>Springs</strong>, <strong>Fla</strong>.<br />
<strong>Bonita</strong> <strong>Bay</strong> <strong>Butterfly</strong> <strong>Garden</strong> serves as the main attraction in Estero <strong>Bay</strong> Park and is planted with native and<br />
tropical flowers to attract Monarchs, Swallowtails and other ecological wonders. Learn more about <strong>Bonita</strong><br />
<strong>Bay</strong> <strong>Butterfly</strong> <strong>Garden</strong> and the other 2010 Green Star Honor Award winners in this issue of the<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong> Forum.<br />
(See page 6 for more details on the Green Star Honor Award recipients)
The Forum Newsletter is published<br />
six times a year by the<br />
Professional Grounds<br />
Management Society<br />
720 Light Street<br />
Baltimore, MD 21230<br />
410-223-2861 / Fax 410-752-8295<br />
E-mail: pgms@assnhqtrs.com<br />
www.<strong>PGMS</strong>.org<br />
Board of Directors:<br />
President Joe Jackson, CGM<br />
President-Elect Donald Bottger, CGM<br />
Vice Pres. John Van Etten, CGM<br />
Treasurer Walter Bonvell, CGM<br />
Past President Monica D. Higgins, CGM<br />
Directors<br />
Diana Bramble Rudolph<br />
Mark Feist<br />
Gerry Dobbs, CGM<br />
John Dorion<br />
Dennis Baker<br />
Gerald Landby<br />
Marion Bolick, CGM<br />
John Burns, CGM<br />
Ron Hostick, CSFM<br />
Staff<br />
Thomas C. Shaner, CAE<br />
Executive Director<br />
Kelly Mesaris<br />
Society Coordinator<br />
Monica Shaner<br />
Financial Manager<br />
Molly Baldwin<br />
Director of Communications<br />
Meghan Brady<br />
Assistant Director of Communications<br />
Opinions expressed in <strong>PGMS</strong> Forum<br />
are the opinions of the authors and do<br />
not necessarily express the opinions<br />
or policies of the <strong>PGMS</strong> Board and its<br />
membership. No part of this newsletter<br />
may be reproduced in any manner<br />
whatsoever without written permission.<br />
Joe Jackson, CGM<br />
President’s Message<br />
Spring Time Stewardship<br />
Well, if you missed the celebration, don’t worry; you’ll get<br />
another opportunity next year. No, I’m not talking about<br />
celebrating the centennial anniversary of <strong>PGMS</strong>. Reaching<br />
that milestone only happens once and sometimes never to<br />
organizations that are not able to withstand the test of time.<br />
Certainly, that’s not the case with <strong>PGMS</strong> as our year-long<br />
celebration continues. The celebratory event that I’m<br />
referring to is the celestial moment called a vernal equinox.<br />
Yes, that annual occurrence that signals the arrival of spring.<br />
Now, the warmer and longer days are upon us and we welcome the return of<br />
birdsongs and blossoms galore. The magnolias, cherries, redbuds and dogwoods<br />
lead the way in helping to break any lingering remnants of cabin fever and<br />
stimulates our thinking towards more outside interactions and pleasantries.<br />
Unfortunately, what often accompany these wondrous changes of the season<br />
are natural disturbances. The strong damaging winds and tornados this spring<br />
have swept across the nation and left behind much destruction and devastation.<br />
In the wake of some of these disasters, grounds managers may find themselves<br />
faced with having to deal with a number of the brutal realities that remain once<br />
the adverse weather conditions have subsided. One of those realities would<br />
be the breaking or falling of large trees. In the grounds manager’s stewardship<br />
role, trees are typically the biggest natural asset residing in our vast inventory.<br />
While taking care of these, the largest of living organisms affords tremendous<br />
benefit, it also carries with it a great responsibility. Realizing that there is very<br />
little, if anything we can do about the strong winds of a tornado and the impact<br />
that they may have on a tree, there are measures that we can and should take<br />
to possibly mitigate the damage. One measure would be to implement a tree<br />
care and maintenance program that would appropriately assess and monitor the<br />
health of trees on our respective properties. Arguably, this is no small challenge<br />
given the unnatural conditions that we create and impose on trees in our efforts<br />
to co-exist. A perfect example of this problem can be found on most college<br />
campuses where trees on a quad compete with turf, tents, food vendors,<br />
entertainers and sometimes even bonfires. Certainly, not your typical terrestrial<br />
forest setting.<br />
Thankfully, a <strong>PGMS</strong> member with this responsibility need not face this dilemma<br />
alone. If help is needed, you can start by reaching out to those <strong>PGMS</strong> members<br />
whose properties have been designated as Tree Campus USA by the Arbor<br />
Day Foundation. The criteria for this designation is a formal and aggressive<br />
approach to managing and preserving campus trees. The next thing that I would<br />
encourage you to remember and exploit is the knowledge of our “Partners in<br />
Professionalism” who are learned experts in tree care and arboriculture. We are<br />
fortunate to have both Davey and Bartlett Tree Experts as partners with <strong>PGMS</strong>.<br />
These two companies are industry leaders in current research, new technology<br />
and best practices relating to this natural resource. I’m sure that either would be<br />
willing and ready to assist with any of your needs.<br />
Now… for a couple of quick updates. In the last Forum, I stated that the <strong>PGMS</strong><br />
Board would engage in a strategic planning session after the Regional Seminar<br />
in Springfield, Mo. Mission accomplished and I will go on record to say that the<br />
passion, enthusiasm and sense of purpose was prevalent throughout by the<br />
participants and the fine work put into this initiative will be abundantly clear<br />
2
when the report and action plans are rolled-out.<br />
Our next journey will be in Big Ten country. The summer<br />
Regional Seminar will be held at Michigan State University<br />
and Gerry Dobbs, CGM has promised not to pull any<br />
punches with a line-up of all heavy hitters. Stay tuned.<br />
Finally, so you did miss celebrating that official notice of<br />
spring’s arrival. No worries. You still can bask in the year<br />
long tribute to the legacy of <strong>PGMS</strong>. Salute.<br />
Joseph Jackson, CGM<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong> President<br />
2011 School of Grounds Management...Back and Better<br />
Than Ever!<br />
Things to Do...<br />
The education schedule for this year’s School of Grounds Management is jam packed with<br />
educational topics that are important to you! Stephen Schneider, manager of Horticulture at<br />
Harvard University, Arnold Arboretum will present “Managing Plant Diversity in an Urban<br />
Landscape,” Ed Snodgrass of Emory Knoll Farms will educate you on Greenroofs, Dr. Paul<br />
Cappiello, executive director at Yew Dell <strong>Garden</strong>s will increase your knowledge on the selection<br />
and application of Sustainable Plants, just to name a few.<br />
Places to Go...<br />
Two entertaining and informative field trips have been planned for Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011.<br />
The first stop is the Louisville Zoo where Mark Zoeller and Keith Dunn will focus the tour on<br />
examining their maintenance practices and program while trying to adhere to the needs of<br />
every animal at the zoo. Attendees will tour the Bernheim Arboretum in the afternoon. Claude<br />
Stephens will focus the tour on horticulture, woodies, landscape management practices and<br />
Bernheim’s philosophy on grounds management.<br />
People to See...<br />
What better way to end your days than seeing live music with your old friends and ones newly<br />
made? One of the best perks of this event is the FREE live concerts at 4th Street Live! walking<br />
distance from the Galt House Hotel! This year enjoy the Stealing Angels on Thursday, Oct. 27 and<br />
the Charlie Daniels Band on Friday, Oct. 28!<br />
Visit www.pgms.org/2011school.htm for more details and up-to-date information!<br />
3
The Gift that Keeps on Giving<br />
By Walt Bonvell, CGM<br />
Save the Date!<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong> is headed to Michigan State<br />
Univ. for the 2011 Summer Regional<br />
Seminar and Site Visit and we want<br />
YOU to join us!<br />
(l-r) Walt Bonvell, CGM, Alex Benoit, Denny Baker<br />
and Brad Weisman of Forrest Lytle.<br />
Little did I know, that when I joined <strong>PGMS</strong> 12 years ago, that<br />
I would be signing checks for scholarships to be awarded to<br />
students who are enrolled in colleges and universities that<br />
are becoming our future leaders in the Green Industry.<br />
On March 28, 2011, I, along with Denny Baker, North<br />
Central regional director, had the<br />
pleasure of personally handing a<br />
scholarship check to Alex Benoit.<br />
Alex is one of Denny Baker’s<br />
students in his Turf class at Cincinnati<br />
State and Technical College in<br />
Cincinnati, Ohio. Denny was holding<br />
a field class tour at Forrest Lytle<br />
and Sons, a very popular landscape<br />
materials and supplies business in the<br />
Cincinnati area. Denny and I decided<br />
to surprise Alex with his scholarship<br />
check the night of his class.<br />
What: 2011 Summer Regional Seminar<br />
and Site Visit<br />
When: July 28-29, 2011<br />
Where: Michigan State Univ., Lansing,<br />
Mich.<br />
Who: YOU and your fellow grounds<br />
professionals!<br />
More information will be posted<br />
at www.pgms.org so be sure to<br />
mark your calendars now!<br />
To know that <strong>PGMS</strong> can help<br />
students achieve their educational<br />
goals by what we do as an<br />
organization has given me great<br />
pleasure in being a part of such<br />
a great association. I encourage<br />
students in the future to apply for<br />
scholarships whenever they can. For<br />
future details on scholarships, go to<br />
www.pgms.org.<br />
4
<strong>PGMS</strong> Congratulates 2011 Scholarship Winners!<br />
By Diana Bramble Rudolph<br />
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2011 <strong>PGMS</strong> scholarship! The scholarship committee had the difficult task of selecting five<br />
winners from an impressive group of applications spanning the entire country. The applications were judged based on criteria such<br />
as grades, involvement in the green industry and extracurricular activities. Additionally, each student was sponsored by an active<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong> member. Read on to meet each winner!<br />
MacKenzie Patrick<br />
MacKenzie received $1,500 from <strong>PGMS</strong> to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Landscape<br />
Architecture from Penn State University. She is in her third year of a five year undergraduate program<br />
and hopes to work for a design firm when she graduates in the spring of 2013. Landscape architecture<br />
appealed to MacKenzie because it provides an opportunity to not only improve existing landscapes<br />
but also design spaces that help mitigate people and the land together for the future. MacKenzie found<br />
out about the <strong>PGMS</strong> scholarship from her employer, Paul Stead of Kennett Square Golf Course and<br />
Country Club, where she has worked as a gardener for the past two summers. Mike Loftus, CGM of the<br />
University of Delaware sponsored MacKenzie’s application.<br />
Benjamin Ford<br />
Ben also received a $1,500 scholarship from <strong>PGMS</strong> to go towards his education in Landscape Design and<br />
Construction from the University of Tennessee. Ben hopes to work either as a nurseryman or grounds<br />
manager after he graduates in the spring of 2012. Ultimately he hopes to educate others about the Green<br />
Industry. He certainly has the background to allow him to do this as he was an intern last year for P.<br />
Allen Smith. Ben said that he is truly grateful for the scholarship money as it will allow him to extend the<br />
boundaries of his education by taking accreditation courses at John Deere University. Way to go Ben! Ben<br />
was sponsored by Suzanne Woodell, CGM of the Biltmore Estate.<br />
Alex Benoit<br />
Alex received a $1,000 scholarship from <strong>PGMS</strong>. He is a double major in Landscape Horticulture and<br />
Turfgrass Management at Cincinnati State and will graduate in August 2011. Alex completed a bachelor’s<br />
degree in psychology but decided to pursue his passion for working outdoors after six seasons of<br />
employment at Hickory Woods Golf Course in Loveland, Ohio. His future plans are to pursue a master’s<br />
degree in Horticulture on a part time basis while working full time for a landscaping company or university<br />
grounds department. Here is what Alex had to say about <strong>PGMS</strong> and the scholarship program: “I appreciate<br />
the generous contribution of <strong>PGMS</strong> to my education. I think this scholarship program is a great way to help<br />
hardworking, committed students meet their financial obligations and be recognized for their achievements.<br />
I am honored to be recognized by this national organization in the green industry with such a strong history of supporting education<br />
and uniting some of the best professionals in the field.” Alex was sponsored by Walt Bonvell, CGM of Xavier University.<br />
Anthony (Tony) Wotzka<br />
Tony is pursuing a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture and a Master’s degree in Urban and<br />
Regional Planning. He received a $500 scholarship from <strong>PGMS</strong> to contribute to his studies. Tony<br />
will graduate with both degrees in May of 2012 and hopes to find a job in the planning or landscape<br />
architecture fields. He became interested in the green industry through a desire to design effective<br />
solutions to the urban landscape that desperately needs “green relief.” Lester Potts of the University of<br />
Minnesota, sponsored Tony’s application.<br />
Amanda Kyzer<br />
Amanda received a $500 scholarship from <strong>PGMS</strong> to go towards her degree in Horticulture from<br />
Spartanburg Community College. She graduated on May 4, 2011 (congratulations Amanda!) and plans on<br />
working at Riverbanks Zoo and <strong>Garden</strong>s in Columbia, South Carolina. Her high school environmental and<br />
natural resources teacher, Tommy Harmon, piqued her interest in the Green Industry by introducing her<br />
to FFA where she participated in the Floriculture, Nursery/Landscape and Wildlife Management career<br />
development events at the state and national level. Marion Bolick, CGM of Lexington Medical Center<br />
sponsored Amanda’s application.<br />
Each student expressed their gratitude for the scholarship from <strong>PGMS</strong>. Next year, encourage a student<br />
that you may know to apply and help to promote the professionalism of <strong>PGMS</strong> and its members while<br />
supporting our future green stars in their educational goals! Thank you <strong>PGMS</strong> Scholarship Committee - Gerald Dobbs, CGM,<br />
Kevin Harvey, CGM and Ken Stanton, CGM as well as the sponsors who made it possible for these students to apply.<br />
Congratulations and best of luck to each of these very motivated students!<br />
5
2010 Green Star Award Winners:<br />
Congratulations to Fourteen 2010 Green Star<br />
The Professional Grounds Management Society (<strong>PGMS</strong>) has<br />
recognized 33 grounds management programs for excellence<br />
in the Society’s 2010 Green Star Awards Competition. The 38th<br />
Annual awards were presented in Louisville, Ky. during <strong>PGMS</strong>’<br />
School of Grounds Management, held Oct. 27-30 in conjunction with<br />
the GIE+EXPO.<br />
This awards program brings national recognition to grounds<br />
maintained with a high degree of excellence. The Green Star<br />
Competition complements other national landscape award programs<br />
that recognize outstanding landscape design and construction.<br />
The 2010 program acknowledged the nation’s top grounds in settings ranging from memorial parks to<br />
universities. Overall, <strong>PGMS</strong> presented seven Grand Awards, its highest honor as well as 14 Honor Awards in<br />
eight categories of competition. Twelve programs were honored with Merit Awards.<br />
Residence in Northern Virginia<br />
Category: Residential Landscape<br />
The Private Residence in Northern Virginia in Leesburg, Va. is a working horse farm and<br />
family estate. The total site acreage is around 400 with approximately 36 acres maintained<br />
by Blake Landscapes. The owners are environmentally conscious and desired an organic<br />
approach to landscape management from the start. A variety of interesting ornamentals<br />
and trees constantly change and are a pleasure to work with and view throughout the<br />
growing season.<br />
Maple Knoll Village<br />
Category: Hospital or Institution<br />
Maple Knoll Village in Springdale, Ohio is a campus with 54 acres of colorful perennials,<br />
statues and foliage. One of the centerpieces of Maple Knoll Village is in the Millennium<br />
<strong>Garden</strong>, where a Saucer Magnolia provides a stunning welcome back to spring.<br />
Jacob’s Dream<br />
Category: Cemetery or Memorial Park<br />
Many visitors enjoy Jacob’s Dream memorial park because of its lush, green grounds and<br />
welcoming environment. The baptismal pool is used by many to cool off and relax as the<br />
water cascades down the face of the limestone fountain. Several forms of plant material<br />
are used from trees, shrubs, grasses and groundcovers to help give the landscape beds<br />
visual interest.<br />
6
Honor Award Winners<br />
Progressive<br />
Category: Industrial, Commercial Site, or Office Park<br />
Progressive in Mayfield Village, Ohio, is home to several sustainability and special<br />
projects that have been installed over the last few years. As part of its sustainability<br />
efforts the grounds team reduces the amount of turf to mow by expanding beds<br />
around the trees, converting to web-based irrigation controllers, using drip/micro<br />
technology to conserve water and taking part in on-site composting of yard waste.<br />
<strong>Bonita</strong> <strong>Bay</strong> <strong>Butterfly</strong> <strong>Garden</strong><br />
Category: Park, Recreation Area, or Playground<br />
<strong>Bonita</strong> <strong>Bay</strong> <strong>Butterfly</strong> <strong>Garden</strong> in <strong>Bonita</strong> <strong>Springs</strong>, <strong>Fla</strong>. is a spectacular place for both<br />
visitors and butterflies alike. This 2,400-acre recreation campus is home to a number<br />
of sweet-scented flowers and plants that provide nectar for both butterflies and<br />
hummingbirds.<br />
Shell Point Retirement Community<br />
Category: Condominium or Apartment Complex<br />
Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers, <strong>Fla</strong>. was the recipient of an Honor<br />
Award for its outstanding grounds program. ‘Red <strong>Fla</strong>sh’ Caladiums, ‘Striped Beauty’<br />
Cannas and impatiens nicely set a welcoming and serene mood throughout the<br />
community. The flower beds have been improved by the installation of drip irrigation<br />
to reduce water on foliage.<br />
Graylyn International Conference Center<br />
Category: Hotel, Motel or Resort<br />
The grounds and garden of Graylyn International Conference Center in<br />
Winston-Salem, N.C. were designed by Thomas Sears of Philadelphia and are noted<br />
for their open vistas and stately trees. In 1972 the estate was donated to Wake<br />
Forest University and restored to its original splendor. The 55 acre property is now<br />
used as an executive conference center, boasting 98 private guest rooms and 15<br />
meeting rooms.<br />
7
Congratulations Award Winners!!<br />
Kutztown University<br />
Category: University and College Grounds<br />
Located just minutes from urban centers, this campus provides a serene and<br />
welcoming environment for over 10,000 students, staff, and surrounding community<br />
residents. The grounds staff supports a variety of garden areas as well as for over<br />
2,000 trees. KU is currently focused on developing a registered arboretum and<br />
strives to be the “prettiest little campus in the East.”<br />
Texas Woman’s University<br />
Category: University and College Grounds<br />
Texas Woman’s University was founded in 1901 and is the nation’s largest university<br />
primarily for women. The 270 acre campus has seen two special projects<br />
completed in the last two years including the planting of 150 Oklahoma Redbud<br />
trees and renovation of the softball infield.<br />
University of Alberta<br />
Category: University and College Grounds<br />
The University of Alberta’s 235 acre campus is bordered on three sides by<br />
residential neighborhoods and on the north by the Saskatchewan River. They have<br />
overcome many challenges with the area’s climate such as snow and ice control,<br />
lack of rain and a short growing season.<br />
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas<br />
Category: University and College Grounds<br />
One of the biggest projects at The University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2010 was<br />
converting 380,000 square feet of lawn to xeriscape, which resulted in a savings<br />
of 55 gallons of water per square foot annually. In total to date the grounds<br />
department has converted over 1,000,000 square feet to xeriscape, saving over<br />
55,000,000 gallons of water yearly.<br />
8<br />
17
Columbia University<br />
Category: Urban University Grounds<br />
Columbia University faces many challenges being centered in Manhattan. Some improvements<br />
made over the past two years are upgrading to a computerized irrigation<br />
system and new landscaping at the Faculty House.<br />
Illinois State University<br />
Category: Urban University Grounds<br />
One of the biggest projects completed at Illinois State University in 2010 was the<br />
Quadrangle. This area consists of ten acres of green space and is the focal point of<br />
their entire campus. It is graced with hundreds of trees and floral display gardens<br />
which are enjoyed by the students, staff and visitors on a daily basis.<br />
University of Guelph<br />
Category: Urban University Grounds<br />
University of Guelph’s 817 acre site features Victorian turrets, modern concrete, glass<br />
and steel, hand-hewn century limestone, brick walkways, landscaped plazas, and an<br />
arboretum. The verdant campus boasts scenic vistas containing some of the best plant<br />
specimens to survive this far north.<br />
Are YOU the Next Greenstar Winner?<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong> is searching for the best maintained landscapes to be crowned 2011 Green Star Award winners! While Hollywood<br />
has the Emmys and athletics has the Olympics, the grounds management profession has the <strong>PGMS</strong> Green Star Awards.<br />
This program brings national recognition to grounds management programs that exhibit a high degree of excellence in<br />
certain areas, most importantly in sustainability practices and policies but also in turf management, landscape design and<br />
more. The deadline to submit your entry is Friday, Aug. 5.<br />
Details, an informative brochure, and the awards application are now posted on the <strong>PGMS</strong> website at www.pgms.org/<br />
greenstars.htm. Questions? Contact Associate Director Kelly Mesaris at kellymesaris@assnhqtrs.com.<br />
Make 2011 the year your landscape gets the complete recognition it deserves!<br />
9
<strong>PGMS</strong> Announces Two New CGMs!<br />
The Professional Grounds Management Society has announced two grounds professionals have become certified Grounds<br />
Managers! Dan Schied of Rochester, N.Y. has become the 132nd CGM and following right behind him was Darcy Loy<br />
of Normal, Ill. who became the 133rd CGM. Schied, a <strong>PGMS</strong> member since 2006, currently serves as the manager of<br />
University Horticulture and Grounds at the University of Rochester and has been in that position for just over 17 years.<br />
Loy has been a <strong>PGMS</strong> member since 2000 and currently serves as the director of grounds for Illinois State University. She<br />
started with the grounds department at Illinois State University thirty years ago where she began as the grounds gardener,<br />
designing and growing annuals for our campus display gardens. A little over three years ago she moved into the position of<br />
director of grounds. <strong>PGMS</strong> recently spent a few minutes getting to know the new CGMs:<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong>: Why did you want to become a CGM?<br />
Schied: To be like John Fik CGM#12 or Mike Loftus<br />
CGM#77! Seriously, when I looked at the body of work<br />
required to apply and then complete the certification<br />
process, it was a testament to the professionalism of our<br />
industry. After finishing the exam and manual components,<br />
it is a true honor to be included<br />
with the other 131 professionals<br />
who became certified before me.<br />
Loy: For me, becoming a Certified<br />
Grounds Manager was a natural<br />
progression in the advancement<br />
of my career at Illinois State<br />
University. I have a “professional<br />
bucket list;” things that I want to<br />
accomplish that I know will be<br />
useful and of great value in years<br />
to come as I advance in my career. The CGM certification<br />
emphasizes not only my knowledge of horticultural<br />
practices but my leadership skills as well.<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong>: What did you think of the program?<br />
Schied: It is a demanding process. I am thankful to George<br />
Van Haasteren, CGM for his support over the past year.<br />
The process allows you the opportunity to pull the many<br />
varied aspects of your job and put them together in a single<br />
resource. I’m sure most are amazed with the product once<br />
they complete it.<br />
Loy: The program was challenging. I was most nervous<br />
about passing the written part of the exam. When moving<br />
into a leadership role, you don’t normally have your hands<br />
immersed in the “day to day” as before; you have to<br />
focus more on the big, operational picture. I was more<br />
comfortable with the inventory element of the program<br />
because those are the pieces I deal with on a daily basis.<br />
Encompassing the entire campus was challenging, but the<br />
end product will be a very useful tool for our department.<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong>: What advice do you have for aspiring CGMs?<br />
Schied: Don’t wait until the last minute after passing<br />
the exam to begin your manual! I don’t think I’m the first<br />
person to share this advice.<br />
Loy: In regards to aspiring CGMs, I think my biggest piece<br />
of advice would be never cease the learning process. Our<br />
industry changes quickly and it is important to keep up on<br />
current trends, especially sustainable issues. Go to learning<br />
sessions and network! I am fortunate that I work within a<br />
department which firmly believes that training is a vital<br />
piece to being successful in what you do. In regards to this<br />
process-organization is key and knowing who to go to for<br />
information that you need, but might not have.<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong>: What do you think is the biggest topic or issue<br />
affecting grounds managers right now?<br />
Schied: We have an obligation to look around us, both<br />
locally and globally, and ask if our world is going to be able<br />
to sustain the demands we are putting on it. Sustainability<br />
is certainly not just a passing notion, but will become more<br />
ingrained into our thinking and<br />
practices as time moves on. We<br />
certainly must first be looking for<br />
the practical sustainable efforts we<br />
can employ, and then work toward<br />
the future with bigger ideas. These<br />
must meet the three criteria<br />
essential to long term results,<br />
being environmentally sound,<br />
socially equitable, and economically<br />
feasible!<br />
Loy: Like most, I believe that<br />
the biggest topic affecting grounds managers right now is<br />
economics; how do we do the job we need to do without<br />
diminishing budgets? As leaders we need to be able to<br />
think outside of the box, or better yet go to our frontline<br />
employees for ideas that will help streamline operations.<br />
Our employees are a valuable tool and we need to utilize<br />
them as much as possible. I would also say that sustainable<br />
initiatives are another key area to focus on within the<br />
horticultural industry. We need to be the leading force in<br />
being good stewards and teachers of green concepts.<br />
10
Celebrating Centennial: Rock <strong>Garden</strong>s<br />
T.H. Everett, N.D.H., March 1933<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong> is publishing articles from classic issues of the <strong>Garden</strong>ers’ Chronicle in recognition of the Society’s approaching centennial. The article<br />
is meant to highlight the issues and topics that grounds professionals faced many years ago and note the similarities or differences in the way<br />
the industry is now. We welcome your thoughts and comments. Please post them online on the <strong>PGMS</strong> Facebook page.<br />
In an effort to obtain<br />
r e s u l t s w h i c h w i l l<br />
compare favorably with<br />
those of nature in her<br />
happiest moments, as well<br />
as to provide a home for<br />
an extensive collection of<br />
plants, requiring a diversity<br />
of planting sites and soil<br />
conditions, the modern rock<br />
garden builder sets himself<br />
no easily attained ideal.<br />
Yet the best exponents<br />
of this constructive art<br />
succeed admirably and set<br />
high standards for others to aim at. Those who have had<br />
opportunity to inspect the exhibits at our great flower shows<br />
cannot fail to have noticed the immense improvement in the<br />
rock garden exhibits, which has taken place within recent<br />
years. And here and there, throughout the country, are<br />
appearing really good examples of this type of garden and a<br />
number of fine collections of plants are being built up.<br />
Rock gardens, today, are built by arranging the rocks in groups<br />
to simulate the outcropping which we might find on a hillside<br />
or elsewhere in a naturally rocky country. Each group of<br />
rocks, each ledge or outcrop, is given a character of its own;<br />
and while the various groups bear a definite relation, one to<br />
the other, and the whole composition results in balance and<br />
pleasing proportion, hide-bound rules are largely dispensed<br />
with. The principle of stratification receives attention but,<br />
occasionally, it is found desirable to introduce variation. The<br />
angle or the direction, in which the strata runs may be altered<br />
to suggest the work of a subterranean upheaval or folding in<br />
by some bygone age, or a tumbled-in effect, as is sometimes<br />
produced as a result of washing-out water, may relieve<br />
monotony. The arrangement of the group to gain such effects<br />
must be done with care; otherwise, puny, unconvincing, and<br />
incongruous results may be the reward of much labor.<br />
The site itself will naturally suggest the placing of the most<br />
important rock-groups, unless it is an almost flat piece of<br />
ground and devoid of character. If the latter is true, the only<br />
quite satisfactory method of handling the work is to excavate<br />
a winding valley (using the excavated material to build up the<br />
banks) and to run the path through the bottom thereof. By<br />
carefully-considered planting upon the top of the banks, we<br />
can successfully arrange a background to hide views of the<br />
surrounding plain. It is plainly ridiculous to arrange mounds<br />
of soil on a flat area into which rocks are struck to represent<br />
outcroppings, and expect thereby to attain a satisfactory<br />
result. Yet such atrocities are committed!<br />
By exercising due thought, the groups can be so placed that<br />
interesting vistas are obtained and the element of surprise<br />
introduced into the garden. Unless exceedingly small, it is<br />
always a poor arrangement if the entire garden can be seen<br />
from any one point of view. Different effects are important.<br />
It is truism that, in making a rock garden, every stone placed<br />
must be considered from every angle of view; and unless each<br />
blends with the other into an harmonious whole, the offender<br />
has no place in the scheme. A single, badly-placed rock will<br />
detract from the restfulness of the entire garden.<br />
Nothing, perhaps, adds quite so much to a rock garden as the<br />
introduction of water in the form of a tumbling cascade or<br />
trickling rill. In this way, life is given to the picture and definite<br />
centers of interest are created. The music of the running<br />
water, particularly on a warm day, has a definite enchantment,<br />
-the high-toned “tinkle” as it runs over a ledge, the deep gurgle<br />
as it drops from height into deeper water, and the swirl and<br />
splash as it hurries along the rock stream bed. All this should<br />
be studied and the final result so carefully planned that no<br />
opportunity is lost. Here and there, at different levels, the<br />
stream may be broadened out to form mirrors to reflect the<br />
sky and the surrounding scenery. If a running stream cannot<br />
be included in the rock garden, it may be possible to use a<br />
still pool, although this is never suggestive of mountainous<br />
country as is moving water.<br />
Between the various rock-groups, gently sloping or level<br />
areas will occupy a fair proportion of the site. These, when<br />
planted in alpine-lawn fashion, serve to emphasize the height<br />
and bulk of the major groups. No sharp line or demarcation<br />
must indicate the division between the rockless area and the<br />
rock-groups proper; the latter must be trailed off almost<br />
imperceptibly into the former.<br />
The best and oft-repeated advice to those about to undertake<br />
the construction of a rock garden is to go into naturally rock<br />
country and study nature’s effects. Do not, however, make<br />
the mistake of supposing that all natural effects are beautiful<br />
and good or can be convincingly transferred into the garden.<br />
Slavish imitation is seldom satisfactory, but from the hillsides<br />
and woodlands we can obtain a wealth of ideas which can be<br />
interpreted in the garden.<br />
13
Cincinnati Branch Enjoys<br />
Site Tour of Natorp’s<br />
By Walt Bonvell, CGM<br />
Natorp’s <strong>Garden</strong> Stores and Landscape, one of Ohio’s largest growers of annuals,<br />
perennials, trees, and shrubs, recently hosted the Greater Cincinnati Branch for<br />
an exclusive tour of their facility. Dan Callahan of Natorp’s showed about a<br />
dozen local members of the Greater Cincinnati Branch around their 400 acres of<br />
growing space, ably assisted by Pat Greeson, Liz Jacobs, and our wagon<br />
driver Alan Spurling. Natorp’s was founded in 1916 and is now 95 years old.<br />
The firm grows about 90% of what it sells.<br />
We began with an informal talk about Natorp’s operations. The wholesale<br />
operation has about 70-75 employees. There are two retail garden centers with<br />
their own staff, landscape design and installation operations, along with a<br />
landscape maintenance division. Natorp’s also custom grows specific needs for<br />
customers at no extra cost. There are three lakes on site, which together hold<br />
in excess of 36 million gallons. Everything is watered from the lakes except<br />
the greenhouses, which use city water. Jacobs explained that Natorp’s does its<br />
own water testing for pH, nitrates and salts on site, sending samples off site for<br />
more detailed analysis. Jordon Holtkamp, the annuals grower, explained<br />
that the 20,000 square feet of greenhouse space is equipped with an automated<br />
watering system. The bench tables (EBB & Flow) take about 20 minutes to fill up<br />
and containers are watered from the bottom. All the hanging baskets are on an<br />
automated watering trolley system. Any water left over is recycled.<br />
Natorp’s produces over 1,000,000 plants annually. On-site houses are dedicated<br />
to propagation with the ability to produce over 50,000 units annually.<br />
Approximately 30,000 sockets are dedicated exclusively to pot-in-pot container<br />
tree growing. These pot-in-pots are watered automatically using Anderson<br />
injectors with a flow guard sand filtration system. Each pot sits on a gravel base<br />
with a drain tile base, and is equipped with a color coded emitter that gives<br />
specific GPM. More than 20 acres are dedicated to the production of container<br />
shrubs, perennials, vines and grasses. Most impressive was the 130,000 sq.ft.<br />
of open roof greenhouses operated by Jennifer Radcliffe. The open roof<br />
greenhouses are heated by Bio-Mass outdoor furnace systems fueled by wood.<br />
With over three acres under glass, the irrigation system is operated entirely by<br />
computer control with hanging emitters overhead.<br />
After the tour, Natorp’s treated the group to pizza and salad. Each member<br />
introduced themselves and all had a wonderful time. The visit was another fine<br />
example of professionalism in the green industry, and our thanks go out to all<br />
from Natorp’s who were involved with hosting our group from <strong>PGMS</strong>.<br />
Photo Captions:<br />
1. Annuals Greenhouse Production<br />
2. Pot-in-Pot Field<br />
3. Liz Jacobs showing color coded emitter<br />
4. Automated watering system for the annual hanging<br />
baskets<br />
5. Automated watering bench<br />
6. Perennial, tree, and Shrub open roof greenhouse<br />
7. The open roof greenhouses are heated by Bio-Mass<br />
outdoor furnace systems fueled by wood<br />
14<br />
1<br />
2 3<br />
4<br />
4<br />
6<br />
7<br />
5
<strong>PGMS</strong> Celebrates Spring in Springfield!<br />
Congratulations to <strong>PGMS</strong>’ Ozark Branch for having put together a great regional site and education program in<br />
Springfield, Mo., April 7-8.<br />
Kicking off with a highly informative<br />
presentation by Hunter Beckham,<br />
RLA of the SWT Design Group,<br />
the 60+ grounds professionals<br />
in attendance were provided an<br />
in-depth overview and update of<br />
the important Sustainable Sites<br />
Initiative and then a look at how<br />
the Novus Headquarters Campus is<br />
implementing a pilot sustainability<br />
program in St. Charles, Mo.<br />
Following a lunch in which everyone mingled with other professionals from California to Connecticut and<br />
Montana to Florida (other states represented included District of Columbia, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New<br />
York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas), it<br />
was back to class for a presentation by Steve Linslow, L.A., of Rainbird<br />
(by the way, if you get the chance, encourage your Rainbird rep. to<br />
encourage Rainbird to become a <strong>PGMS</strong> Elite Partner in Education) on the<br />
subject of water conservation through better irrigation.<br />
The group then boarded buses and headed to the area’s exclusive<br />
Highland <strong>Springs</strong> Country Club where Superintendent Ken Smith<br />
explained the tricks of dealing with member demands as well as working<br />
with the neighbors in the multi-million dollar homes that surround the<br />
course. From Highland <strong>Springs</strong>, it was a short ride to the Nathanael<br />
Greene Park and Springfield Botanical Center where Grounds Supervisor<br />
Ben Kellner and Horticultural Interpreter Peter Longley reviewed<br />
the gardens of the park. Jodie Adams, director of Springfield-Greene<br />
County Parks, discussed management and sustainability practices in the<br />
park. A reception sponsored by the Show Me Yards & Neighborhoods<br />
organization followed.<br />
Day two of the regional conference opened with everyone having a chance to visit with special program sponsors<br />
and exhibitors Show Me Yards & Neighborhoods, James River<br />
Basin Partnership and Davey Tree Services.<br />
This was followed by four quality education presentations,<br />
including one by Dr. Brad Fresenberg of the University of<br />
Missouri Extension Service on ways to reduce pest potential in<br />
turf through better mowing practices. A couple of tips from Dr.<br />
Fresenberg: mow often and keep grass at least 3.5 inches high,<br />
never remove more than 1/3 of grass blade at a time, keep mowing<br />
blades sharp to reduce disease potential, avoid mowing when grass<br />
is wet or under stress, and change directions of mowing every<br />
time you mow. He also suggested that watering be done early (4-8 a.m.) for less evaporation, better distribution<br />
(less winds), and removal of guttation drops to discourage fungal growth and infection (if watering must be<br />
16
performed in the evenings, leave time for leaves to dry). Guttation fluid may contain a variety of organic<br />
compounds, mainly sugars, mineral nutrients, and potassium, that could favor fungal growth.<br />
Dr. Chris Starbuck, also of the U. of MO Extension Service,<br />
followed with a presentation on developing and managing low input,<br />
sustainable landscapes. Dr. Starbuck reviewed the economic benefits<br />
of health plants and landscapes including trees as energy savers (a<br />
fun tool he demonstrated is how to determine the economic value of<br />
trees in the landscape – http://treebenefits.com/calculator/).<br />
Up next was Josh Behounek, regional urban forester with Davey<br />
Tree, who reviewed the benefits of conducting and implementing<br />
a tree inventory and tree risk assessment plan. As stressed by Josh,<br />
“You know your equipment and vehicles and when maintenance is<br />
scheduled, why not for your trees, too?” Trees are a valuable asset<br />
of any landscape and a good inventory is an excellent database<br />
management/maintenance tool which answers what you have, where it is and what kind of maintenance it<br />
needs. In terms of risk management, a tree inventory should greatly reduce exposure.<br />
Josh reviewed three basis levels of a risk-assessment inventory: 1) “windshield analysis” in which you basically<br />
drive around and assess risk issues (advantage is that is quick;<br />
disadvantage is that you can miss things), 2) physically walk to<br />
every tree and evaluate and add notes to paper, computer or GPS<br />
report and 3) most advanced which might include a resistagraph<br />
analysis or arborsonic decay detector. Remember, should a tree<br />
accident occur, the plaintiff’s lawyer will tell you what your risk<br />
should have been and that you as a professional should have known<br />
and seen that appropriate action was taken to mitigate the risk.<br />
Rounding out the morning’s education presentations was a panel<br />
presentation reviewing many of the sustainability initiatives being<br />
employed in Springfield. Panelists included: Barbara Lucks,<br />
materials recovery/education coordinator for the City of Springfield;<br />
Dan Chiles, former Springfield mayor pro tem and city council member; Terry Whaley, executive director of the<br />
Ozark Greenways, Inc.; Loring Bullard, executive director of the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks and Watershed<br />
Center of Valley Water Mill; and Doug Neidigh of Drury University - Ozarks Center for Sustainable Solutions.<br />
Following lunch, the conference attendees headed out for a concentrated four hour walking tour which<br />
included a look at the sustainable grounds maintenance operation practices of the Jordan Valley Park as<br />
presented by its Grounds Manager Joe Fearn, CGM; sports<br />
field administrative and operational challenges and opportunities<br />
faced at the Springfield Cardinals (AA minor league baseball<br />
team) Hammonds Field as presented by Grounds Manager Brock<br />
Phipps; a look at the challenges of an urban streetscape presented<br />
by Springfield Public Works Supervisor for Grounds Joe Payne,<br />
CGM; renovating landscapes for sustainability at the University<br />
Plaza Hotel as presented by Grounds Manager Robert Balek; and<br />
a tour of the Missouri State University campus as presented by<br />
John Clark, assistant facilities manager for grounds.<br />
All-in-all, it was another dynamic learning and networking experienced presented by <strong>PGMS</strong>. Plans are now<br />
being finalized for the summer program which will primarily look at the many elements of grounds operations<br />
including an advanced materials recovery program on the campus of Michigan State University in Lansing,<br />
Mich., July 28-29. Details will be announced on the <strong>PGMS</strong> website at www.pgms.org. Plan now to be there!<br />
17
<strong>PGMS</strong> Members Celebrate Centennial!<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong> would like to thank all of the members who participated and helped make this centennial membership drive<br />
successful! Over 50 new members were recruited and we are certain more will join as the excitement and importance<br />
of joining <strong>PGMS</strong> spreads throughout the grounds profession community!<br />
The <strong>PGMS</strong> members who took an active part in the Member-Get-A-Member campaign walked away with some<br />
great prizes including an All-Expense Paid Trip to 2011 School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO, an Apple<br />
iPad (courtesy of John Deere), a Stihl 36-volt Lithium Ion Hedge Trimmer with charger and battery (courtesy of<br />
Stihl), a Johnny Appleseed Tree (courtesy of Davey Tree), 100 Precision Series Spray Nozzles (courtesy of Toro), an<br />
All-Expense Paid Trip to Bartlett Tree Client Day (courtesy of Bartlett Tree) and many more.<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong> would like to thank the following members who participated. We couldn’t have done it without you!<br />
Alan Anderson<br />
Denny Baker<br />
Robert Balek<br />
Thomas Bates<br />
Marion Bolick, CGM<br />
Walter Bonvell, CGM<br />
Peter Brindle<br />
John Burns, CGM<br />
Clif Clarno<br />
Larry Early, CGM<br />
Todd Cochran, CGM<br />
Tom Dew<br />
John Doiron<br />
Steve Dutill<br />
Michael Gildea<br />
Steve Gooch<br />
Monica Higgins, CGM<br />
Hyacinth Ide<br />
Anthony Infante<br />
S. Fonua Lauaki<br />
Beau Mastrine. CGM<br />
Adam Newhart<br />
Gregory Nichols<br />
Kevin O’Donnell<br />
Collison Stewart<br />
Michael Walsh<br />
Steve Wharton, CGM<br />
18
BARTLET T.<br />
BEcAusE cusTomER sERvicE, jusT LikE TREEs,<br />
shouLd BE A BREATh of fREsh AiR.<br />
We’re Bartlett Tree Experts and we’ve been exceeding our customers’<br />
expectations for over 100 years. No matter the size or scope of your<br />
tree and shrub needs, our experts bring a rare mix of local service,<br />
global resources and innovative tree care practices that makes<br />
your landscape thrive. Trees add value to your property.<br />
And Bartlett adds value to your trees.<br />
For the life of your trees.<br />
pruning . fertilization . pest & disease management . removal<br />
PLEASE CALL 877 BARTLETT 877.227.8538 OR VISIT BARTLETT.COM<br />
19
Communication<br />
Center<br />
Has something exciting happened to you,<br />
your chapter or do you know of<br />
a <strong>PGMS</strong> member who doesn’t<br />
want to toot their own horn but<br />
needs to?<br />
Have you been involved in a community service program<br />
that you’d like the rest of the membership to know about<br />
or get involved in? Have you received an award or honor?<br />
Have you received a promotion or been named to a<br />
new position?<br />
As grounds managers at the top of the industry, we know<br />
your ideas, tactics and practices can help to educate<br />
and inspire others. We want YOU to share your great<br />
knowledge with your fellow professionals. If you have<br />
any ideas for topics you would like to see featured in<br />
Forum, or any articles that you’ve written that you believe<br />
would be helpful and educational, we want to hear from<br />
you! E-mail your tips, ideas, articles and images to Molly<br />
Baldwin, director of communications and marketing at<br />
mollybaldwin@assnhqtrs.com.<br />
The Tools<br />
of the Trade<br />
Professional landscapers put their trust in the quality of STIHL.<br />
STIHL has set the standard for the power and reliability professional landscapers need<br />
for their toughest tasks. And with innovations in fuel efficiency and user comfort, STIHL<br />
keeps you going to get the job done.<br />
Discover the difference STIHL can make at STIHLusa.com<br />
© 2011 STIHL Inc.<br />
20
<strong>PGMS</strong> Welcomes Our<br />
Newest Members!<br />
Susan Allen<br />
Leisure Lawn<br />
Karen L. Anderson<br />
Cincinnati State & Technical College<br />
Lee R. Armillei<br />
Greenweaver Landscapes, LLC<br />
Craig Arnold<br />
ARAMARK<br />
Jack Stevens Baggett<br />
Fairfax County Forest Pest Management<br />
Section<br />
Tim Bartelt<br />
ECHO Incorporated (Shindaiwa)<br />
Juan Benites<br />
Robert W. Blanchette<br />
Blanchette Landscape Company<br />
Derek N. Bumford<br />
Concord Hospital<br />
Michael Chaney<br />
CBS Building Services, LLC<br />
John B. Clark<br />
Missouri State University<br />
Ryan C. Day<br />
Shreiner Tree Care Specialists<br />
Mark Thomas Deangelis<br />
Concord Hospital<br />
Amy DiGrazio<br />
GETSCO<br />
Paul E. Doughty<br />
Jim Roberts<br />
NaturaLawn of America, Inc.<br />
Ryan C. Rockovits<br />
Lehigh Valley International Airport<br />
Karen Schumacher<br />
Fountain Head Country Club<br />
Tara Sheldon<br />
Shearer Equipment<br />
Jeremiah Smoak<br />
Palmetto Health Richland<br />
Bob Stansill<br />
Midlands Technical College<br />
Stanley R. Swier<br />
University of New Hampshire<br />
Charlie Sylvester<br />
Standard Supplies, Inc.<br />
John Thomson<br />
Vitamin Institute<br />
Brad A. Weisman<br />
Forrest Lytle & Sons<br />
Hugh A. Weldon<br />
Villanova University<br />
Thomas H. Whidden LICM<br />
Advantage Landscape<br />
Alan Wilson<br />
Wilson & Associates Sports Turf<br />
Alan M. Wolfe<br />
MD Anderson Cancer Center<br />
Tiffany Young<br />
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.<br />
Dillon Lee Dunlap<br />
C-TEC (Career And Technology Education<br />
Center)<br />
P. Jay Guthy CLIA<br />
The Toro Company, Irrigation Division<br />
Linh Ho<br />
James Tai Hook<br />
Brigham Young University-Hawaii<br />
Scott Hyland<br />
The Davey Tree Expert Company<br />
Gavin Johnston<br />
Stone Farm LLC<br />
Philip G. Liapis<br />
Liapis Landscape & Design<br />
Terry Martin<br />
Noble Foundation<br />
Suzanna Meyer<br />
Luke Mudd<br />
Sodexo/Truman State University<br />
Jeffrey L. Oelker<br />
College of Mount St. Joseph<br />
Tom Oliver<br />
Andy Parker<br />
Park Hill School District<br />
David Renninger<br />
MD Anderson Cancer Center<br />
Jason M. Rhea<br />
Missouri State University<br />
Automate your maintenance.<br />
Go Wireless!<br />
Capture equipment<br />
hours automatically.<br />
Together with the myTurf Fleet<br />
Management System, the myTurf Wireless<br />
functionality simplifies and automates<br />
your equipment maintenance operations<br />
and ensures your maintenance is done<br />
in a timely manner. Contact your Toro<br />
Distributor at 1-888-222-8676 today or<br />
visit myturf.com for more information.<br />
visit myturf.com<br />
©2011 The Toro Company. All rights reserved.<br />
myTurf_Ad_<strong>PGMS</strong>_thirdpg_2_11.indd 1<br />
21<br />
2/14/11 7:41 AM
Member Profile<br />
This section is to help members<br />
become familiar with each<br />
other through a brief interview.<br />
Time and time again, our members state networking amongst ourselves is the greatest aspect<br />
of membership. I am honored to introduce Diana Bramble Rudolph, horticulturist at the<br />
Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Since joining <strong>PGMS</strong> in 2008, Diana has become very<br />
active in the association attending numerous School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPOs,<br />
accepting a Green Star Award for her company and serving on the <strong>PGMS</strong> board as a<br />
director-at-large and as Membership Committee chair.<br />
John Van Etten - Hi Diana,<br />
having worked with you in<br />
the past on committees, I was<br />
really glad you joined our board<br />
of directors! You have great ideas and lots of energy! Tell us<br />
a little about yourself, where you work and what you do?<br />
Diana Bramble Rudolph<br />
- Thank you John! I feel<br />
so honored to have been<br />
selected for the board of<br />
directors. I’m really excited<br />
to join such a dynamic<br />
group and do my part to<br />
help <strong>PGMS</strong> continue to<br />
grow. I hope my crazy<br />
ideas aren’t getting me<br />
into too much trouble yet!<br />
I can easily say that I have<br />
one of the coolest jobs in<br />
D.C., I am a horticulturist<br />
for the Smithsonian<br />
Institution. Like most<br />
folks in our field of work,<br />
I wear a lot of different hats<br />
each day. My every day job is to<br />
lead the grounds management<br />
for the Hirshhorn Museum<br />
and Sculpture <strong>Garden</strong> which<br />
houses an extensive collection<br />
of modern art. In addition to<br />
that, I lead the production of the<br />
quarterly Smithsonian <strong>Garden</strong>s<br />
newsletter, coordinate our<br />
rotational internship program and get my hands into the<br />
development of our educational programs like our yearly<br />
<strong>Garden</strong> Fest and In-Service Training Program.<br />
JVE - Diana, what inspired you to become a horticulturist?<br />
DBR - I’ve been hooked on plants since my first job in<br />
high school, working at a retail garden center. By the<br />
time I turned 20, I was a crew leader for a residential<br />
landscaping company on Maryland’s Eastern Shore (my<br />
home, sweet home). My inspiration to pursue horticulture<br />
as a career really came from my amazing mentor and<br />
friend, Julie Lowe, who taught me everything that she<br />
22<br />
knew, recognized and believed in my abilities and pushed<br />
me to pursue a degree in horticulture. I honestly wouldn’t<br />
be where I am today if it weren’t for the three years that I<br />
worked for her and the support of my family (even though<br />
they still tease me for going to college to “learn how to<br />
grow grass.” I think they’re secretly proud of me.)<br />
JVE - Diana, where did<br />
you go to school?<br />
DBR - In 2004,<br />
I completed my<br />
undergraduate degree<br />
at the University of<br />
Maryland in Landscape<br />
Management. I am<br />
currently working<br />
towards my Master’s<br />
in Landscape Design/<br />
Sustainable Design from<br />
George Washington<br />
University, only 13 more<br />
credits to go!<br />
JVE - Diana, how long<br />
have you been a member of <strong>PGMS</strong><br />
and what value do you get out of<br />
your involvement with the society?<br />
DBR - After attending a few<br />
Green Industry Expos and D.C.<br />
branch meetings, I officially joined<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong> in 2008. By far, the biggest<br />
asset to <strong>PGMS</strong> is the opportunity<br />
to network and learn from my<br />
peers. The diversity of <strong>PGMS</strong><br />
membership is such an incredible value to the organization.<br />
How often do you see the grounds management team of<br />
a large university or major league sports team, head of a<br />
supplier corporation and landscape contractor all in the<br />
same room? I had no idea that jobs like mine even existed<br />
when I finished my undergraduate degree. Networking is<br />
what led me to looking into becoming a horticulturist for<br />
the Smithsonian Institution.<br />
JVE - What are the biggest challenges you face at the<br />
Smithsonian?<br />
DBR - As a whole, one of the biggest challenges that we
face at the Smithsonian is dealing with the amount of<br />
visitors that we receive and their impact on the gardens.<br />
Our gardens are open to the public 24 hours a day, 365<br />
days a year. The exposure that we receive because of our<br />
location is part of our success as a public garden but it also<br />
puts our gardens under a lot of stress. We are constantly<br />
replacing and repairing damaged garden areas… I call it<br />
job security.<br />
JVE - Diana, I know you and your<br />
husband Craig Rudolph are<br />
newlyweds. I also know your<br />
husband’s team received the<br />
Greenstar Grand Award for his<br />
work at the Smithsonian National<br />
Zoological Park in 2009. Where<br />
did you guys meet? I think it is<br />
great you both have the<br />
same occupation!<br />
DBR - Craig and I met a little over<br />
six years ago when we both worked for a commercial<br />
landscaping company. The funny thing is that we didn’t<br />
really like each other very much. He began working for the<br />
Smithsonian a year after I did and somehow our opinions<br />
of each other changed. As much as I hate to admit it,<br />
Craig might have a cooler job than me. But, because we<br />
share the same occupation, I get to<br />
participate in his work in an indirect<br />
way. We get some funny looks when<br />
publicly discussing things like the best<br />
way to keep lions from chewing on<br />
irrigation heads and how to keep<br />
turf alive while being trampled by<br />
elephants. It is definitely a bonus that<br />
we understand each other’s jobs and<br />
the demands that come with it.<br />
JVE - Having managed a public garden<br />
I see the direct parallel to elephants!<br />
JVE - Our Society has reached a<br />
major milestone of a century of<br />
Professionalism, what exciting events<br />
would you like to see happen in the<br />
start of our next hundred years<br />
of growth?<br />
DBR - 100 years is an incredible<br />
milestone! As we move into the next<br />
100 years I would like to see <strong>PGMS</strong><br />
continue to reach out to the next<br />
generation of grounds managers<br />
and help develop the skills that they<br />
will need for the future of grounds<br />
management. I think our membership<br />
will increase exponentially as the level<br />
of excellence employed by <strong>PGMS</strong><br />
members is recognized throughout the green industry.<br />
We are continuously being held to higher standards while<br />
having access to fewer resources. Our educational and<br />
certification programs offer the credentials that are being<br />
required for grounds managers to prove their abilities and<br />
open future opportunities. The last 100 years have been<br />
outstanding for <strong>PGMS</strong> and I see nothing but great things to<br />
come for the next 100 years!<br />
JVE - Diana, tell us about your<br />
hobbies and what other interests<br />
you have?<br />
DBR - Horseback riding is the<br />
other half of my life; it is a passion<br />
that has been a part of me for as<br />
long as I can remember. In my<br />
“spare time” I teach horseback<br />
riding lessons, coach riders at local<br />
horse shows and ride whenever<br />
I get the chance. I am incredibly<br />
lucky that my poor neglected husband supports my<br />
ambitious nature!<br />
JVE - Diana, Thank you for your time, have a great season!<br />
DBR - Thanks John, you too!<br />
23
Classifieds<br />
Arborist - City of Helena (Helena, Mont.)<br />
The City of Helena is looking for two arborists. Under general supervision, they will perform a variety of<br />
skilled and semi-skilled tasks in the pruning and maintenance of the City’s trees including tree and forest<br />
evaluation, disease prevention, tree maintenance and promotion of urban forestry information and ideas.<br />
Horticulturist - National Park Services (Towson, Md.)<br />
National Park Services (NPS) is seeking a horticulturist. This position is PART-TIME (24 hrs per week) and<br />
is located at the Hampton National Historic Site in Towson, Md. and Fort McHenry National Monument and<br />
Historic Site in Baltimore, Md. You will serve as a specialist in the principles and practices of landscape<br />
management with advanced training in the science, theories, concepts, methods, and techniques of<br />
horticulture and related fields. You will be responsible for program development and implementation to<br />
protect and preserve physical characteristics, biotic systems, historic, and contemporary use of the<br />
park’s landscape.<br />
Grounds Supervisor - COSI (Columbus, Ohio)<br />
COSI is Columbus’ dynamic hands-on science center and was recently named the #1 science center in the<br />
country by Parents Magazine. Provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and healthy environment for COSI Guests<br />
and Team. Supervise and work with COSI Grounds Technicians to ensure COSI’s grounds and parking lots are<br />
kept in a safe, clean, and well manicured condition.<br />
Field Assistant - Cornell Plantations (Ithaca, N.Y.)<br />
Cornell Plantations is seeking a field assistant who will be a member of the landscape infrastructure/<br />
hardscape maintenance team. Assists with landscape maintenance projects for garden structures and<br />
facilities. Operate power tools & equipment. This position is full time for eight (8) months and half time (20<br />
hours) for four (4) months.<br />
Grounds Supervisor - Howard Payne University (Brownwood, Texas)<br />
Effectively supervises and coordinates activities of Grounds Department employees engaged in enhancing and<br />
maintaining the grounds of the University.<br />
Arborists/Climbers - Outdoor Illumination (Bethesda, Md.)<br />
Enjoy climbing trees but tired of dragging brush, humping wood and running chain saws? Earn a climber’s<br />
wages by installing outdoor lighting in trees! Outdoor Illumination is the region’s premier landscape lighting<br />
firm. We regularly work at the area’s most prestigious residential and commercial gardens, including<br />
Dumbarton Oaks, The Vice President’s Residence and much more. We are looking for a climber to install<br />
and service lighting fixtures installed in trees, plus all ground phases of landscape lighting installation. We<br />
offer a great work environment and competitive income/benefits, plus the opportunity to train for all facets<br />
of electrical work. Certified arborists (or the ability to become one) is preferable, but not required. Please<br />
e-mail your info to MarkO@OutdoorIllumination.com. Or call us at 301-907-4999 x 103.<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong> is on Facebook...<br />
Have You Liked Our Page?<br />
Are you on Facebook?<br />
Then your profile is not<br />
complete until you join the<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong> Facebook page!<br />
As one of the most<br />
popular ways of finding<br />
and networking with other<br />
grounds professionals<br />
that share the same interests as you, the <strong>PGMS</strong><br />
Facebook page will allow you to meet and chat<br />
with other professionals along with keeping up on<br />
the latest <strong>PGMS</strong> news.<br />
The <strong>PGMS</strong> page is set up and waiting for you!<br />
“Liking” our page is simple:<br />
• Go to http://www.facebook.com/<br />
ProfessionalGroundsManagementSociety.<br />
• Once the <strong>PGMS</strong> page opens, at the top<br />
click “like.”<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong> encourages you to post information,<br />
photos, videos and links that you think would<br />
be relevant and enriching to your fellow<br />
professionals. While <strong>PGMS</strong> encourages people to<br />
participate on it, we ask that you please remain<br />
professional in your posts.<br />
Have any questions? Contact Molly Baldwin at<br />
<strong>PGMS</strong> headquarters at mollybaldwin@assnhqtrs.<br />
com or 410-223-2861.<br />
Landscape Crew Members - Drury Development Corporation (St. Louis, Mo.)<br />
Full time landscape crew members needed for large development company in St. Louis County. Duties include<br />
mulching, weeding, irrigation maintenance, shrub trimming, and planting. Prefer a MO class E drivers license<br />
and landscaping experience. Full time, competitive wage, and full benefits. Respond to: Drury Development<br />
Corporation, 721 Emerson, suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63141, ATTN: Mark Goldman.<br />
Facilities Manager - Dumbarton House (Washington, D.C.)<br />
Dumbarton House, 200-year old historic site in Georgetown and headquarters for The National Society of The<br />
Colonial Dames of America, seeks a full-time facilities manager to serve as the primary maintenance staff<br />
person, and manage the security and maintenance systems of the historic house museum, offices, and 1.2 acre<br />
landscaped grounds.<br />
For more information on these opportunities, visit www.pgms.org.