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Written by NALP
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Tuesday, October 08, 2024 12:00 AM |
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National Association of Landscape Professionals Announces 2024-2025 Board of Directors
The National Association of Landscape Professionals is proud to announce its newly appointed Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term.
“We are thrilled that these talented individuals comprise our 2024-2025 Board of Directors,” said Britt Wood, CEO of NALP. “Their diverse experiences and deep understanding of the landscape industry will help us continue to advance our mission of promoting professionalism and protecting and growing the industry.”
New Board members include Jennifer Burnett from LandCare, Angela Hieronimus from Blades of Green, and Will Pereira (former ALCC Board President) from BrightView.
Officers:
- Chair: Pam Dooley, Plants Creative Landscapes, Decatur, Georgia
- Vice Chair: Roscoe Klausing, Klausing Group, Lexington, Kentucky
Directors-At-Large:
- Beth Berry, Advanced Turf Solutions, Fishers, Indiana
- Nick Brummel, Brummel Lawn & Landscape LLC, Blue Springs, Missouri
- Jennifer Burnett, LandCare, San Diego, California
- Dan Carrothers, FMC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Ivan Giraldo, Clean Scapes LP, Austin, Texas
- Claire Goldman, R&R Landscaping, Waverly, Alabama
- Warren Gorowitz, Hunter Industries, San Marcos, California
- John Guth, Green Lawn Fertilizing/Green Pest Solutions, West Chester, Pennsylvania
- Angela Hieronimus, Blades of Green, Edgewater, Maryland
- Jennifer Jorge, King Green, Gainesville, Georgia
- Chris Lee, Earthworks Inc., Lillian, Texas
- Doug McDuff, Landscape America, Wrentham, Massachusetts
- Will Pereira, BrightView, Belgrade, Montana
- Tim Portland, Yellowstone Landscape, Charlotte, North Carolina
- J.T. Price, Landscape Workshop, Vestavia Hills, Alabama
- Teddy Russell, Russell Landscape Group, Sugar Hill, Georgia
- Brandon Sheppard, Weed Man, Winchester, Virginia
- Chris Senske, Senske Services, Kennewick, Washington
The new board officially took office on October 2, 2024.
About NALP
The National Association of Landscape Professionals is the national trade association and leading voice for the $150 billion landscape industry, which employs more than 1 million professionals. NALP helps shape policy and regulations and provides industry-leading education, training, and resources that help industry companies reach their highest potential. For more information, visit www.landscapeprofessionals.org
Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:
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Written by Colorado Green Now
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Tuesday, October 01, 2024 12:00 AM |
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Gardeners love seeing their hard work pay off for years. They have discovered some incredible plants that can stand the test of time. These enduring beauties not only enhance your garden year after year but also reduce the amount of maintenance and replanting you need to do. Imagine having a garden that matures and flourishes over decades!
Peonies are an all-time favorite! These gorgeous blooms can live for over 50 years if they’re well cared for. Peonies are known for their lush, fragrant flowers that come in a variety of colors, from deep reds to soft pinks and whites. They typically bloom in late spring to early summer, providing a stunning display that can last for weeks.
One of the best things about peonies is their resilience. Once established, they require minimal maintenance and are quite hardy, able to withstand cold winters. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them an excellent choice for many garden settings. With peonies, you’re not just planting flowers; you’re creating a legacy of beauty that will be enjoyed for generations.
The elegance and grace that Japanese Maples bring to a garden is unbelievable. They are relatively slow growing, which means they won't outgrow their space quickly. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil, making them versatile for different garden areas. Whether planted as a standalone feature or among other plants, Japanese Maples are sure to captivate and endure.
Hostas are renowned for their lush, green foliage and their ability to thrive in shady areas. These perennial plants can live for several decades, often lasting up to 50 years or more. Their broad, textured leaves come in a variety of shades, from deep blue green to bright chartreuse, adding depth and interest to your garden.
One of the things appreciated most about hostas is their low-maintenance nature. Once established, they are quite hardy and can withstand various soil conditions. They also produce lovely, fragrant flowers in the summer, adding even more appeal. Hostas are perfect for those tricky shady spots in your garden, bringing longevity and beauty where other plants might struggle.
Rhododendrons are another fantastic choice for a long-lived garden. These evergreen shrubs can live for 50 years or more, providing year-round interest with their glossy leaves and stunning springtime flowers. The blooms come in a range of colors, from bright pinks and purples to soft whites and yellows.
Rhododendrons has an ability to create a striking visual impact. They prefer acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade, making them ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders. With their long lifespan and minimal maintenance needs, rhododendrons are a great investment for any garden enthusiast looking for enduring beauty.
Wisteria vines are known for their cascading clusters of fragrant flowers that can transform any garden into a fairy tale setting. These vines can live for over 50 years, often becoming more beautiful with age as they develop thick, twisted trunks and abundant blooms.
One of the joys of growing wisteria is watching it climb and cover trellises, arbors, or even the side of your house! They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring some annual pruning to keep them in check. The longevity and dramatic beauty of wisteria make it a cherished plant for creating a lasting impact in your garden.
Camellias are evergreen shrubs that can live for up to 100 years, offering year-round interest with their glossy leaves and stunning blooms. These flowers typically bloom in late winter to spring, providing a burst of color when many other plants are still dormant. The flowers come in various colors, including pink, red, and white.
Camellias are known for their resilience and beauty. They prefer partial shade and acidic, well-drained soil, making them ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders. With their long lifespan and minimal care requirements, camellias are a perfect choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance that will last for generations.
Lavender is not only beloved for its beautiful purple flowers and delightful fragrance but also for its impressive lifespan. Lavender plants can live for up to 20 years, making them a fantastic investment for any garden. Their aromatic flowers are perfect for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding both beauty and biodiversity to your garden.
What's great about lavender is its versatility and ease of care. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, it's quite drought tolerant. Whether you're growing it in a garden bed or in containers, lavender will provide years of beauty and fragrance with minimal fuss.
Holly shrubs are renowned for their glossy, spiny leaves and bright red berries that add a festive touch to any garden. These hardy plants can live for up to 100 years, making them a long-lasting addition to your landscape. They provide year-round interest, with their vibrant berries attracting birds and other wildlife.
Hollies thrive in a variety of soil conditions and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. With their long lifespan and evergreen nature, hollies are perfect for creating a garden that looks great no matter the season.
Boxwood shrubs are a staple in formal gardens, known for their dense, evergreen foliage and their ability to be shaped into beautiful hedges and topiaries. These plants can live for up to 100 years, making them a timeless addition to any garden. Their small, glossy leaves create a refined look that's perfect for borders, pathways, and garden structures.
One of the things appreciated most about boxwoods is their versatility and ease of maintenance. They can thrive in both sun and shade and are quite tolerant of various soil conditions. With their longevity and classic beauty, boxwoods are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create a polished and enduring landscape.
Daylilies are hardy perennials known for their bright, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom throughout the summer. These plants can live for decades, with some varieties thriving for up to 50 years! Daylilies come in a wide range of colors, adding a vibrant touch to any garden.
Daylilies are loved for their resilience and continuous blooms. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, they require minimal care. Their long lifespan and stunning flowers make daylilies a wonderful addition to any garden, providing years of joy and color.
Hydrangeas are beloved for their large, showy flower clusters that come in a variety of colors, from blues and pinks to whites and purples. These shrubs can live for up to 50 years, offering a long-lasting display of beauty. Hydrangeas are particularly known for their ability to change color based on the soil's pH level, adding an extra layer of interest to your garden.
What's great about hydrangeas is their adaptability and ease of care. They thrive in both sun and shade, making them versatile for different garden areas. With their long lifespan and stunning blooms, hydrangeas are a perfect choice for gardeners looking to create a lasting impression.
Yucca plants are known for their striking, sword-like leaves and tall flower spikes that can reach up to 10 feet high. These hardy plants can live for several decades, often thriving for 20 years or more. Yuccas are drought-tolerant and can withstand a variety of soil conditions, making them ideal for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
Yuccas are fascinating for their architectural beauty and resilience. They thrive in full sun and require minimal care once established. With their long lifespan and unique appearance, yuccas are a great choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of the exotic to their landscape. Investing in long-lived plants not only enhances the beauty of your garden but also provides a sense of continuity and growth over the years. From the elegant peonies and resilient lavender to the striking wisteria and adaptable hydrangeas, these plants are sure to bring lasting joy and beauty to your outdoor space.
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Written by Colorado Green Now
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Saturday, September 21, 2024 12:00 AM |
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If you are in a leadership position you understand that your people need to know how they are doing. They need to know if they are meeting your expectations. They need to know if what they are doing is adding value to the organization. They need to know if they are making a difference.
Giving meaningful feedback is crucial for the personal and professional growth of the people you lead. Here are some steps that might help you give meaningful feedback.
BE SPECIFIC. Address particular actions, behaviors, or situations rather than generalizations.
BE TIMELY. Offer feedback as soon as possible after the event or behavior you're addressing. This ensures that the details are fresh in both your mind and the recipients, making the feedback more relevant and actionable.
BE BALANCED. Provide a mix of positive feedback and constructive criticism. Highlight what the person did well, and then suggest areas for improvement. This balance helps maintain motivation and morale while still encouraging growth.
FOCUS ON BEHAVIOR, NOT PERSONALITY. Feedback should address actions or behaviors, not the individual's personality or character. Express your observations and feelings.
OFFER CONSTRUCTIVE CRITCISM. When providing criticism, be constructive and offer suggestions for improvement. Avoid simply pointing out flaws without providing guidance on how to address them.
BE SINCERE AND GENUINE. Authenticity is key to meaningful feedback. Ensure that your feedback comes from a place of genuine concern and desire to help the person grow, rather than from a place of criticism or judgement.
ENCOURAGE DIALOGUE. Feedback should be a two-way conversation. Encourage the recipient to ask questions, seek clarification, or share their perspective. This fosters mutual understanding and allows for a more productive exchange of feedback.
SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS. Clearly communicate your expectations moving forward, especially if the feedback is related to performance or behavior in a specific context. This helps the recipient understand what changes or improvements are needed.
FOLLOW UP. Check in periodically to see how the person is progressing based on the feedback you provided. Offer ongoing support and guidance as needed, and acknowledge improvements or efforts made.
Giving meaningful feedback is not just about pointing out what went wrong. A leader is concerned about helping individuals learn and grow to reach their full potential.
Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:
The power of compost
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Written by Clinton T. Sander
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Wednesday, September 18, 2024 12:00 AM |
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Enhancing water retention in Colorado landscapes
For commercial landscape professionals in Colorado, where water conservation is paramount, understanding the water-retention abilities of compost as a soil amendment is crucial. With drought and water scarcity an omnipresent possibility, harnessing the power of organic matter in compost will lead to more sustainable and resilient landscapes.
Compost, often referred to as “black gold” in the gardening world, is a powerful tool for enhancing soil health and water retention. According to the EPA, compost-amended soil increases water-holding capacity, reducing the frequency and volume of irrigation needed. This is particularly significant in arid and semi-arid regions like Colorado, where every drop of water counts.
The U.S. Composting Council emphasizes that compost acts like a sponge in the soil, absorbing and holding moisture while allowing for adequate drainage. This characteristic is invaluable for drought-tolerant landscaping, where plants must thrive in limited water conditions or through restrictions on watering times.
EPA research indicates that compost- amended soil can hold up to 30 percent more water than non-amended soil. This means that for every inch of rain or irrigation, compost-enriched soil can retain a significantly higher amount of moisture, reducing runoff and irrigation times.
A U.S. Composting Council study found that landscapes with compost-amended soil showed a 50 percent reduction in water usage compared with landscapes with non-amended soil. These numbers underscore the practical benefits of integrating compost into landscape management strategies, especially in water-stressed environments.
The key to drought-tolerant landscaping
The Colorado landscape industry is no stranger to drought challenges. Drought- tolerant landscaping has become a necessity rather than a choice, and compost plays a pivotal role in achieving and maintaining it. Adding 1 percent of organic matter to the top 6 inches of soil can increase the soil’s water- retention capacity to 27,000 gallons of water per acre, according to USDA’s National Resource Conservation Service.
By improving soil structure and porosity, compost facilitates deeper root penetration and stronger plant establishment. This is crucial during dry spells, as plants with robust root systems can access moisture from lower soil layers, reducing their dependence on surface-level watering.
Moreover, compost supports development of a healthy soil microbiome, fostering symbiotic relationships between plants and beneficial microorganisms. This biological activity enhances nutrient uptake, stress tolerance and overall plant vitality, essential components of effective drought-management strategies.
Kyle Merritt, director of operations/superintendent at Eaton Country Club and president of Rocky Mountain Environmental Golf Institute, states, “For over 10 years, we have utilized A1 Organics Command Compost to accelerate growth and germination, facilitating swift restoration of divot holes in problematic areas within the fairway turf and areas with inadequate irrigation to improve the water retention.”
Compost is a cornerstone of water-wise landscaping in Colorado. Its proven water retention abilities, supported by data from reputable organizations like the EPA and the U.S. Composting Council, make it an indispensable ally in combating drought and promoting landscape sustainability. By harnessing the power of compost, commercial landscape professionals can generate or restore resilient, thriving environments while conserving precious water resources for future generations.
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