ALCC news center

Written by Colorado Green Now

Sunday, November 24, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

If your lawn or landscape company is on the smaller size, effective internal communication with your staff probably is not a struggle because you can host meetings all in one place. But as your company grows and opens multiple locations, staying connected with your teams gets more complicated.

Email and texting are great tools, but utilizing a variety of different communication methods can help ensure your messages are not being overlooked and reach the right teams. Investing in a more robust communications system allows you to streamline messages to a specific audience, share important information in real-time, sort and store data by client or property, and easily access records.

Good communication doesn’t require building a system from scratch or a huge IT investment. Cognito Forms is a popular online form builder that allows companies to create custom reporting forms for complex data that are stored in the cloud and can be routed to appropriate recipients. Employees can access things like manpower and billing requests and site issues via an app. There’s even a social media submission form.

Other apps and tools that can help facilitate good communication include Microsoft Teams; Go Happy, a texting solution for company announcements; Evite, which sends notifications about company events to employees’ personal and work emails; and Paylocity, which has a community feature to share announcements and general information.

When choosing a new communication platform, evaluate your company’s needs, including the size of your business, coverage area and client mix. Efficiency is key. You’ll want to be able to send out reminders, set events in Outlook calendars, reach employees quickly and easily, and have multiple redundant communication channels. Whatever tool you choose should be easy to use because a complicated format will discourage people from using it.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

ALCC celebrates excellence and honors leaders at the 2024 ELITE Awards reception

Denver Water partners with landscape companies on new approaches to a water-constrained future

Denver Water partners with landscape companies on new approaches to a water-constrained future

Written by Todd Hartman
Friday, November 22, 2024 12:00 AM
Change is in the air–and on the ground when it comes to landscaping on Colorado’s Front Range. The era of large, heavily watered lawns is shifting as hotter temperatures and tighter water supplies are leading water providers and their customers to emphasize more native and climate-appropriate landscapes. Homeowners and HOAs alike are seeking landscapes with less bluegrass and lower water demands as irrigation costs climb and environmental concerns rise. Denver Water is at the forefront of these changes, encouraging its customers to consider Coloradoscapes, landscapes that take design cues from Colorado ecosystems. Utilities are promoting a shift toward yards that feature water-wise plants, prairie grasses and cooling shade trees, creating richer habitats for birds, pollinators and wildlife. Once established, such landscapes can require just one-third as much water as a bluegrass lawn consumes. “In the last 10 years, average temperatures in Denver have been 1.9 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the 20th-century average,” says Greg Fisher, manager of demand planning for Denver Water. “That means our community’s landscapes, including a healthy urban tree canopy that provides cooling shade and native grasses and plants more acclimated to our semi-arid climate, need to adapt to warmer temperatures while also conserving our precious water resources.” Denver Water sees the landscaping community as partners in this effort, with opportunities to collaborate on work that ranges from implementing smarter, more efficient irrigation to greater use of prairie grasses and, where practicable, lawn removal to make way for more diverse and drought-tolerant plantings. We really see this as a partnership with the landscaping contractors,” Fisher says. “They have a lot of knowledge and know-how to share when it comes to developing and implementing the kind of changes we all need to consider as we grapple with warmer temperatures and a more constrained water supply.” Much of this kind of work is happening from the ground up, as homeowners, HOAs, 27 Fall 2024 Colorado GreenWater Wise municipalities and local parks departments and the landscaping experts they work with look for ways to reduce water use, head off rising water bills and develop landscapes better able to withstand more erratic weather, hotter temperatures and less consistent irrigation. Aligning with this shift is a change in direction from utilities and governments recognizing the need to create goals and policies that reflect a changing climate and less dependable and predictable water supplies. A Better Fit In late 2022, more than 30 water utilities across the U.S. Southwest signed an agreement initiated by Denver Water that pledged to reduce decorative or “non-functional” turf by 30 percent across their service areas. This is the kind of turf often found in office parks and street medians, turf that sees only lawn mower blades and no human activity, serving purely an aesthetic purpose. That Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU, signaled one of most public steps yet for utilities in the arid West coming together in agreement on the need to find more ways to cut water use in the Colorado River Basin. It included not only major water providers in Colorado but the districts serving Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Salt Lake City. Big changes have also come via state legislation, with bills providing options to bluegrass lawns emerging for several years. Those include bills that have reduced HOAs’ ability to require grass landscapes and, most recently, legislation banning turfgrass in road medians and commercial properties. That most recent bill will have big impacts for commercial, industrial and institutional properties, which traditionally have some of the largest “nonfunctional” turf landscapes, and those serving primarily an aesthetic purpose—property types that ALCC members maintain on a daily basis. "There are places where grass is useful, where it serves a community or recreational purpose, like on parks and playgrounds, sports fields and picnic areas,” says Andrew Hill, a government affairs manager for Denver Water. “We’re shifting the thinking about where water-thirsty grass serves a purpose, like public parks, and where it doesn’t, like the middle of the street. While the status quo has long been to simply plant bluegrass everywhere, we know there are better, more water-wise plants that can thrive in our climate, are beautiful and provide a larger benefit to our communities.” Even as new laws and agreements are landing, work on the ground has been moving forward. In 2023, the Denver Parks and Recreation Department took aim at 10 acres of thirsty Kentucky bluegrass on Quebec Street just south of Interstate 70, replacing existing grass with more than 60 species of prairie grasses and wildflower seedings. On the south side of the metro area, three acres of decorative, unused Kentucky bluegrass at the front of Arapahoe County’s Administration Building in Littleton is being transformed into a rolling prairie meadow. Work on that project began in 2022. Denver Water is transforming some of its own properties, including a project to Colorado Scape 12,000 square feet of what used to be water-thirsty turf at its Einfeldt pump station at the corner of South Buchtel Boulevard and South University Boulevard. The new landscape, planted in 2023, includes a native grass mix of buffalo grass, blue grama and inland salt grass, plus additional water-wise and native perennials. Additionally, a 2022 Colorado law created a state program that offered financial help to local governments, nonprofits and other entities to replace irrigated turf with more water-efficient landscaping. “Those projects are aligned with a larger, statewide and regionwide push to create landscapes that offer a better fit for the climate and communities,” Fisher says. “At Denver Water, we look forward to working with the landscaping experts in our communities, and their clients, to build a community that’s more sustainable and resilient in the face of limitations imposed by water and weather.” Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now: ALCC celebrates excellence and honors leaders at the 2024 ELITE Awards reception Tools to grow crew communications

ALCC celebrates excellence and honors leaders at the 2024 ELITE Awards reception

Written by Colorado Green Now

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now The 2024 ALCC ELITE Awards were held on Nov. 12 at Mile High Station in Denver. Once again, this event celebrated excellence in landscape as demonstrated by members who are leaders in the industry and recognized volunteers who have made a difference through their contributions. Awards were given for the categories of Innovation, Design/Build, Landscape Construction, Commercial and Residential Maintenance, Community Stewardship, Commercial and Residential Plant Design, Sustainability and Irrigation Management. MVP (Most Valuable Player) recipients were recognized, and Volunteer Service Award recipients were also honored.

Thanks to the more than 160 guests who joined us at the awards event. ALCC honored 38 landscaping projects from 21 companies, and 10 individuals, including 5 Volunteer Service Award winners.

Check out the winning projects, volunteer service award winners and photos from the event: https://www.alcc.com/elite-2024.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

Denver Water partners with landscape companies on new approaches to a water-constrained future

Tools to grow crew communications

How to manage vole damage

Written by Colorado Green Now

Tuesday, November 05, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Voles, also known as field mice, are small brown rodents very common in yards and fields. They are about the size and shape of a mouse and have small ears and a short tail. Colorado has several species of vole, the most common being the meadow vole and the prairie vole.

Their presence is most often observed in the late winter and early spring right after the snow melts, when their grassy trails are exposed, and areas of dead grass appear. Voles do the most harm to small trees and shrubs when they chew on the bark, often hidden below winter snow.

Life cycle

Like most rodents, voles do not live long, seldom more than 12 months.
They are very productive breeders. One female vole can have 5-10 litters in a year, averaging three to five young. They may next in shallow grass-filled nests on the ground or dig a small tunnel about four to five inches down to nest.
Vole populations cycle. Every three to five years there will be a population boom. Mild winters with good snowfall can help to increase vole populations.
Voles are a prime food source for many predators such as snakes, hawks, owls, foxes and badgers.

Identifying vole damage

Voles spend a great deal of time eating grass and roots and making trails. These surface runways are one of the easiest ways to identify voles. Usually seen in early spring just after snowmelt, a series of crisscrossing trails can be viewed on the surface. There may be larger patches of dried grass that serve as storage areas for extra food and nesting materials.
Voles will also make small holes about one inch across to get to tubers and bulbs.
Voles sometimes use mole tunnels, which causes moles to be blamed for eating roots instead of the white grubs they actually eat.
Vole damage may also be noticed on trees and shrubs where they have chewed through the bark hear the ground. The vole's front teeth will leave quarter-inch, side-by-side grooves in the wood.

Preventing and managing vole damage

Voles may go unnoticed for a large portion of the year. In an average year, it may not even be worth the effort to control the population.

Yard Sanitation - Voles are very common and total prevention is impossible, but general yard sanitation may help keep vole numbers down.

Remove woodpiles and other debris from the ground that may be hiding places for voles
Keep grass trimmed short and bushes trimmed up from the ground.
Bird feeders are another attraction for voles. Remove them or keep the ground very clean.

Reseeding grass - While lawn damage is most visible in the spring, it is rarely permanent.

Rake up the dead grass and reseed the area.
As the surrounding grass grows, it will cover up the trails.

Tree guards - Prevent vole damage to tree bark by encircling the tree with light colored tree gaurd.

The guard should be tall enough to reach above the snow line in the winter.
The base should be buried in the soil or have a soil ridge around the base.
Make sure that the guard is loose enough so that it does not constrict the tree.

Trapping - In small areas, trapping may be an effective way of reducing vole populations.

Standard mouse snap traps set along runways or near tunnels will catch some animals.
Bait with peanut butter.
Cover the traps so that pets and children do not accidentally find them.

Pesticides - Reduce large vole populations with toxic baits.

Most pesticides recommended for voles are restricted and can only be used by certified pesticide applicators.
Contact your local Extension educators for more information about pesticide use.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

Enhancing snow-clearing performance

In memoriam: Carl W. Anderson Jr.

CO 811 Damage Prevention Summit

In memoriam: Carl W. Anderson Jr.

Written by Becky Garber-Godi
Tuesday, November 05, 2024 12:00 AM
Carl left a legacy in the Green Industry Photo credit: David Winger Photography Colorado’s horticulture industry lost one of its most influential advocates with the recent passing of Carl W. Anderson Jr., founder and owner of the former Arapahoe Acres Nursery in Littleton. Though his primary residence was recently in Arizona, a memorial service in Colorado will be held November 18, 2024, 2 p.m., at Mission Hills Church, 620 Southpark, Littleton. In his early career, Anderson was a Denver-area schoolteacher who started what was to become Arapahoe Acres Nursery--a large wholesale nursery and retail garden center in Littleton. After school hours, he came to the nursery which his wife Mary managed early in the day. In later years of the nursery, their adult son Wayne became an owner. As a full-time nurseryman, Anderson served on the boards of both the Colorado Nursery Association, now Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association (CNGA), and Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC). His industry peer, Stanley Brown Jr., of Alameda Wholesale Nursery, Inc., recalls that it was rare for industry pros to serve simultaneous terms on the boards of both organizations whose priorities were not always mutual. Yet, Anderson managed those dual commitments with enthusiasm for both. Anderson earned the nickname “King Carl” when the nursery board did not vote to support a project he proposed. He said, “No, this is something we ought to be doing, and Stan [Brown] and I will pay for it!” and they did. “King Carl” believed in doing what served the industry, whether it was internally promoting industry-wide best practices or educating their consumers in best horticulture practices. In the green industry, “He was not reluctant to call on others to get help for worthwhile projects,” remembers one. He was very involved personally in the Denver Post’s weekly gardening insert which was one of the most popular features among its readers for many years. Anderson also coordinated writing and publishing the book, Successful Gardening for Colorado, which included a chapter written by each of 21 industry contributors based on their individual area of expertise. Brown also recalls Anderson’s character as always being one that placed goodwill above personal gain. He recounts he and Anderson often went on trips together to buy plants for their respective nurseries. One such trip was to Oregon when the relatively new introduction of Mugo pines was in high demand. The distraught salesman told them¸ “I only have enough stock to fill one of your orders.” Anderson’s immediate response was, “Then sell us each half!” Dilemma solved. His commitment to the industry and its consumers earned Anderson numerous leadership positions and awards from several industry segments. Among them are his selection as the eighth person to earn ALCC’s Bob Cannon Award for Lifetime Achievement, induction into the Colorado Floriculture Hall of Fame in 2000 and induction into CNGA’s Hall of Fame in 2006. Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now: Enhancing snow-clearing performance CO 811 Damage Prevention Summit How to manage vole damage

Enhancing snow-clearing performance

Written by Del Williams

Tuesday, November 05, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now Unique Skid Steer Tire Increases Snow Clearing Performance and Safety

Traditional wide tires slip and slide on snow and ice. A specially designed, narrow skid steer tire is designed to penetrate snow and ice, dramatically increasing traction.

When snow needs to be quickly cleared from public areas, municipalities and landscape contractors often rely on skid steers with snow removal attachments to efficiently complete the job. However, poor tire traction can slow or halt work as well as threaten safety.

Conventional skid steer tires can be prone to slipping or sliding in icy environments or heavy snow. When a skid steer loses road traction in these conditions, the operator can lose control of the vehicle and a collision, accident, or injury can occur.

“Typical skid steer tires, not built for snow and ice, can be up to 14 inches across so tend to stay on the surface, leading to poor traction and safety,” says Jerry Holman, President of SnowWolf Plows, a Minnesota-based manufacturer that offers various snow removal accessories such as snow blowers, plows, and pushers which are compatible with skid steers, compact loaders, wheel loaders, front-end loaders, tractors, and other machinery.

In response, industry innovators have helped to minimize wheel slippage and sliding with skid steer-specific snow tire designs that provide superior traction. The improved traction, in turn, translates into greater safety and productivity when clearing snow from public spaces. The enhanced safety provided by superior tire traction also reduces the risk

of accidents and collisions as well as required repairs and maintenance, prolonging the usable life of the vehicle and snow removal attachment.

As an example, skid steer specific tires such as WolfPaws by SnowWolf are designed to be narrower to penetrate ice and snow. Depending on the model, WolfPaws are 6.6”-8.5” wide compared to most skid steer loader tires at 10”-14” so can exert nearly double the ground pressure, dramatically improving traction, snow clearing, and safety.

WolfPaws range from 28” to 36” in height and fitments are offered for machines as small as the Bobcat Toolcat all the way up to the largest of skid steers. Some customers prefer to go with a larger diameter tire than what comes standard on their machine which gives the added benefit of increasing the skid steers’ travel speed and hence, an even greater improvement in productivity.

According to Holman, the skid steer snow tires, which are made in the USA, are not a retread and not a truck tire but a completely new tire designed for this one purpose. Due to the unique width and special tread, the snow tires come as a complete package…4 tires installed on the correct wheels for your machine and aired up to spec.

“The specialized tread pattern is specifically designed and molded for use with machinery on snow and ice, and many of the models are compatible with carbide studs which you can add as an option. While the snow tires are designed to increase traction, ground pressure and productivity while eliminating sliding, slipping, and spinning in snow, add the carbide stud option will give you incredible traction even on ice” says Holman

Testing and experience in the field have proven the snow tire design to be effective and they will significantly improve the productivity of your machines. With full confidence in the product, the OEM offers a full refund to dissatisfied customers if returned to the dealer after the first use.

Skid steer tires with snow removal attachments play an important role in maintaining safety on roads and other public areas. However, using standard tires that offer poor traction can compromise snow clearing performance and safety.

As a solution, municipalities and landscape contractors that utilize skid steer snow tires specifically designed to improve traction will not only improve their snow clearing efficiency but also the safety of operators and the public.

For more information, call SnowWolf at (800) 905-2265; email [email protected]; visit www.snowwolfplows.com.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

In memoriam: Carl W. Anderson Jr.

CO 811 Damage Prevention Summit

How to manage vole damage

CO 811 Damage Prevention Summit

Written by Colorado 811
Tuesday, November 05, 2024 12:00 AM
2024 Colorado 811 Annual Damage Prevention Summit Wrap-Up With a shared commitment to improving damage prevention practices across Colorado, Colorado 811 hosted over 100 utility owners, operators, professional excavators, and locators on September 17, 2024, at the newly redesigned Colorado 811 Annual Damage Prevention Summit & Annual Member Meeting at the Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs. Education took center stage, with a focus on providing participants with the latest knowledge, best practices, data, and techniques essential for improving safety, optimizing locate requests, and preventing damage to underground utilities. The event also included a fun networking lunch combined with a spirited game of Damage Prevention Trivia, as well as several prize giveaways including a Big Green Egg Grill, Yeti Coolers, and Flat Screen TV! This year’s 2024 Colorado 811 Summit was made possible by Colorado 811 and funding received from multiple industry sponsors. This combined support was crucial to provide a stage for industry professionals to come together, share knowledge, and advance damage prevention efforts in Colorado. Based on this year’s overwhelming positive feedback and event success, next year’s 2025 Colorado 811 Damage Prevention Summit & Expo will be even bigger! The 2025 conference will be a 2-day event that includes even more education sessions, networking opportunities, a Damage Prevention Relay Race, a Mock Line Strike, and more – a must attend event in 2025. For more information about next year’s conference or to sign up to receive updates on event location, session content, speakers, and sponsorship opportunities click here. Industry professionals who were not able to attend this year’s Colorado 811 event and attendees who want to revisit the education session content have the opportunity to access the sessions online. Colorado 811 has made the course content available online, free of charge...explore here. Education sessions available on demand are: •Bridging the Gap: Collaborative Strategies for Locators and Excavators •Current Colorado Excavator Trends: Data & Insights from CO811 Tickets •Deep Dig: Masting Ticket Creation for Colorado 811 •Maximizing Safety & Efficiency: Navigating Colorado 811's Positive Response Procedures Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now: Enhancing snow-clearing performance In memoriam: Carl W. Anderson Jr. How to manage vole damage

Effective winter preparation requires practice and good communications

Written by Colorado Green Now/Designscapes Colorado
Sunday, October 20, 2024 12:00 AM
The name of the game in the snow and ice management industry is preparedness. With high performance comes great planning and preparation of your personnel, equipment, procedure and training programs. To make sure you meet your client's expected level of service, you will need to take the time to prepare and communicate your processes and expectations with everyone involved in snow and ice operations. Scheduling of Winter Preparation Activities When creating the preparedness schedule, be cognizant of the responsibilities and seasonal work transitions for the rest of the organization. As you plan meetings and trainings, as well as testing site prep, work with the team so people can make the time to attend, while giving snow preparation their utmost attention. With the transitioning of activities, it can be difficult to get others in the mindset of snow when it's 90 degrees outside. While everyone who has been in the industry for years knows the routine, there may be challenges that you must be aware of. Communicate the importance of preparing, while respecting others' daily responsibilities. With that said, start planning early! Don't wait until September to start the process...too much is happening to have it all come together quickly. One of the best key indicators of designating a planning start date is the size of your organization and if you perform landscaping or construction services throughout the year. Develop a Winter Prep Strategy Your winter prep strategy should include planning procedures, processes and communication. The onset of your strategy development does not need to be a lengthy booklet or procedural guideline but rather a one-sheet plan of what you need to do and how you will achieve it. The most integral starting point is to identify key internal stakeholders who will help build your preparation plan and carry out all objectives. Include department managers, supervisors, foreman, lead roles and any other necessary personnel who have a level of decision-making, even if they aren't the highest decision-makers. Next, create the list of required components within the plan by highlighting main categories such as: Schedule of preparation activities Personnel needs and training requirements Equipment needs Site planning and level of service requirements Event planning Communication This isn't an inclusive list; add or change anything that is unique to your organization. Personnel Needs and Training Requirements Work with your team to identify the personnel needed for snow and ice operations, and what training is to be performed. Identify snow supervisors, account managers, drivers, equipment operators, and shovelers early so you can formulate a complete training schedule. Much of the training can be completed prior to the first snow event, but there may be situations where you need to perform live, hands-on snow and ice training. You may have to retrain to adapt if equipment, processes, materials or new sites are added. Equipment Needs We all know the importance of identifying equipment that is necessary to snow and ice operations. Create inspection lists for vehicles and equipment, a schedule for all departments, and coordinate repairs before the first winter event. Ensure inspections are completed early so you have time to order the necessary parts for repairs; have time to repair all vehicles and equipment; and perform final tests before putting them into action. This is another complicated process if much of your equipment is also being used during the summer and fall for other services. Site Planning and Level of Service Requirements While some sites may be comparable, many sites are unique and pose different risks and challenges for snow and ice operations. Don't take anything for granted; and don't assume you know everything about your personnel, site or clients in preparing for winter. Take your time to walk all properties with the client, and look for any potential risks, hazards, property changes, alterations or damage prior to performing any services. One of the most impactful situations to all parties is when a property change has taken place since the last snow season, and nobody accounted for it going into the next season. This could be pavement changes, drainage alterations, property damage, missing or added signage, or anything that may change how winter service is performed. Once you've completed your site walk with the client, created site maps, and identified the driver, operator or personnel responsible for the site, take the crews out and perform dry runs and walkthroughs to ensure everybody knows who will be there, what services encompass and what risks to look out for. Event Planning Planning for different types of events may be challenging, especially since weather patterns, frequency and severity are ever changing. It is best to create a few scenarios of how response efforts may take place. I would recommend starting with five levels of event severity and planning that take into account factors such as: Snow accumulation Dramatic temperature fluctuations Wind chill factors Ice storm totals and buildup Geographical challenges and regional spread Equipment and personnel mobilization Another objective is communicating early, frequently, and when necessary, and including all relevant information to streamline the process. Communication is vital in determining the schedule for personnel and equipment prep, site planning, carrying out meetings and training for your snow and ice operations. On a final note, remember that people communicate differently, and you should identify the most effective channels. Whether it is in person, hands-on, visual, auditory, email, phone calls or text messages, keep track of the communication preferences of those you work with, and those you have contracted with to perform snow and ice services. Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now: Women in Green: Floral Workshop Brings Industry Professionals Together 2024 CSU Annual Trial "Best Of" Winners Colorado Waterwise recognizes ALCC CEO for conservation efforts

Colorado Waterwise recognizes ALCC CEO for conservation efforts

Written by Colorado Green Now

Sunday, October 20, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

During its annual symposium in Denver, Colorado Waterwise recognized ALCC CEO John McMahon with its Gardener Water Conservation Award, presented annually to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to water conservation in Colorado and exemplifies Colorado WaterWise’s mission.

The annual Water Conservation Symposium, held in September, brings together more than 150 water professionals throughout the state for an opportunity to hear from experts exploring the latest water efficiency initiatives through policy, incentives, strategy and community engagement.

“The landscape industry is a major party to water use in Colorado,” said Frank Kinder, water efficiency and Sustainability Department manager at Northern Water, in presenting the award. “They are involved with managing landscapes of all sizes and have a significant impact on the water efficiency and sustainability outcomes of our state’s residential and commercial customers. Since 2010 but especially over the last five years, ALCC has incorporated water efficiency into its mission, ‘Better by Nature,’ regularly delivering new communications, resources and partnerships to make water management a top priority for its members.”

Kinder cited ALCC’s Sustainable Landscape Management Manual and companion programs for creating “an attainable venue of training and practices for their industry to provide sustainable resource management while enhancing the ecosystems, places and lives they support.” He recognized McMahon and ALCC’s board and staff for their commitment, which “will pay dividends for decades to come.”

“ALCC is an often silent but sizable partner in urban water use, particularly in large commercial spaces,” Kinder said. “They have an overt impact on the future of our water management, and they are here at the table with options and opportunities. They represent the important people designing and doing the work, which is often difficult and dirty. They have a profound role in creating the beautiful places we all work and play. Through John’s leadership, they have invited water providers into shaping policy and programs, especially certification and training, collaborating with us to provide solutions and energize today’s workforce while we are equipping them with the tools for tomorrow.”

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

Women in Green: Floral Workshop Brings Industry Professionals Together

2024 CSU Annual Trial "Best Of" Winners

Effective winter preparation requires practice and good communications

Women in Green: Floral Workshop Brings Industry Professionals Together

Written by Colorado Green Now
Sunday, October 20, 2024 12:00 AM
On October 2nd, the ALCC Women in Green committee hosted a fall-themed networking lunch & learn at Fisk Lawnscapes in Colorado Springs. The event brought together over 20 female green industry professionals from 15 different companies for an afternoon of connection and creativity. The highlight of the event was a hands-on floral arrangement workshop led by Sarah Vess with LadyBird Poppy. Participants had the chance to create their own stunning floral arrangements. The event was generously sponsored by Designscapes Colorado and Fisk Lawnscapes, helping to make this gathering possible. About Women in Green The ALCC Women in Green committee was created to celebrate women’s contributions to the green industry while providing a space for women in landscaping to connect, network, and recognize the unique skills and attributes they bring to the field. The group meets approximately once per quarter. For more details on upcoming events, visit alcc.com/events-calendar. Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now: 2024 CSU Annual Trial "Best Of" Winners Effective winter preparation requires practice and good communications Colorado Waterwise recognizes ALCC CEO for conservation efforts

2024 CSU Annual Trial "Best Of" Winners

Written by Colorado State University
Sunday, October 20, 2024 12:00 AM
2024 Colorado State University Trial Gardens Best Of’s "The 2024 growing season was more normal this summer than last summer. There were lots of great plants in the trials this summer. The Trial Garden Advisory Committee met on September 13, to review the evaluations from the Annual Evaluation Day, held on August 6, 2024. There were more than 275 attendees for the field day. Thanks to all those who attended, our Trial Garden Advisory Board, and the 2024 summer trial garden employees for another successful year." Shares Ross Shrigley of Plant Select. Best of Show *City Lights Purple Dahlia* *Selecta One* Dahlias are still quite popular with the visitors! A multi-year winner—it is that good! Bred for performance in heat, City Lights Purple lives up to expectations. This award winner flowered through the summer, with rich, deep mulberry-purple flowers with a deep, nearly black center, that are accentuated by the dark green-black foliage, that holds up well in the full sun all season. The bees and other pollinators also loved this plant. Best New Variety (Grown in Ground) Karma Caroline Dahlia Syngenta A great dahlia for the garden. The clean peachy pink, ~3 to 4” flowers have strong, sturdy stems on 3’ plants that are great as a cut flower! The colors are most intense in cooler temperatures, but even in the warm doldrums of the summer, the colors were still stunning. The nice dark green foliage provided a great back drop to the abundance of flowers. Definitely a multi-purpose dahlia to consider for the landscape! Best New Variety (Grown in Container) TerraScape ‘Queen’ Coleus Kientzler North America Talk about dramatic! And eye-catching! This vigorous coleus can make a statement in your garden. The deep red maroon leaves with a blaze reddish-pink center, and lime-green shark toothed edges are eye catching! And the colors hold up well in full sun! The plants are sturdy and strong and work well in containers! Best Novelty Dianthus JoltTM Pink Magic PanAmerican Seed A great performing plant! A dianthus that flowered consistently and profusely through the summer in Colorado! The bright pink flowers with a magenta ring, danced above the clean, dark green foliage. Definitely heat tolerant and one that you should consider for a jolt of color in the summer landscape! Ground Bed Winners Coleus Ground Bed (Grown in Sun and Shade) Ruby Slipper Ball Flora Plant A coleus Dorothy would be proud of. This versatile coleus performed well in both sun and shade locations. In the full sun, it sports dark ruby red leaves with narrow, crisp green margins. When grown in shadier conditions, the ruby red leaves sport wider green margins. Sturdy, upright plants with no lodging. Salvia Lake Onega Improved HilverdaFlorist One of the Salgoon Series salvias; this beautiful dark blue-purple colored salvia has a long flowering period. It started flowering in greenhouse and continued all through the summer with great, sturdy stems and a uniform habit. It handles the heat well and the bees LOVE it. Verbena EnduraScapeTM Burgandy Ball Flora Plant This is a versatile verbena with a uniform, spreading habit displaying moderate vigor. The attractive color with deep burgundy flowers dotted with a white eye, consistent flowering, compared to others which often have flushes of color. Also attracts some pollinators. This plant can handle high and low temps---all the way down to 19F! Argyranthemum hybrid Grandaisy® White Improved Suntory This intergeneric hybrid argyranthemum showcased, crisp, white flowers, with a dark yellow brown eye, over vibrant green fern-like foliage. Flowering slowed just a bit with the high heat, but as cooler temperatures returned, flowering picked up. Uniform plants. Osteospermum Zion Violet Feather Selecta One This African daisy was undoubtedly the best in the bunch. The deep, rich, silky purple flowers were produced all season, even with a couple stretches of extreme heat. The flowers danced just above the foliage medium green foliage on uniform plants. Definitely an osteospermum worthy for the garden or container! Begonia (Grown in Ground Bed; Sun) Tophat Rose Bicolor Syngenta The Tophat series is a great series and hard to pick just one favorite. Rose Bicolor is the winner this year. It sports nice crisp, glossy green foliage, with large rose and white bicolor flowers. No doubt the plants were floriferous all summer. It was noted this was like a traditional bedding begonia on steroids! Rudbeckia SunBeckia® Marilyn Bull Plant Genetics It is hard to pick just one of the SunBeckias! Marilyn showed great uniformity, and was floriferous, boasting a long-lasting canopy of flowers on well branched plants. The large, bright sunshine yellow flowers develop a hint of cinnamon brown near the eye as they age, creating a dynamic flower display. Absolutely a hit with pollinators! Hybrid Impatiens SunPatiens® Vigorous Purple Sakata These bold hybrid impatiens will definitely help fill in a border planting. The large, intense purple flowers are contrasted against the deep green foliage, and will keep flowering, even as temperatures heat up. They are vigorous, with strong branching habit. SunPatiens will certainly appreciate consistent moisture for maximum size and performance. Impatiens walleriana (Grown in Ground and Container; Sun and Shade) Beacon® Bright Red PanAmerican Seed This is a versatile plant. It performed very well in full sun! And…does well in shade! Vigorous and great red flower color that holds in the full sun—it doesn’t fade or melt out. Great for massing and filling in the landscape. One of several solid performing selections in the Beacon® series, which is highly resistant to Impatiens Downy Mildew. Catharanthus (Vegetatively Propagated) Soiree® Double Orchid Improved Suntory One of several in the Soiree® series that performed well. LOVES the heat! Uniform plants, produced an abundance of silky, lavender colored flowers. The flowers hold up well in the heat and are contrasted by the deep dark green foliage. Catharanthus (Seed Propagated) Titan-ium Punch PanAmerican Seed This seed Madagascar periwinkle certainly lives up to its name! It packs a punch of solid fruity deep pink to red punch color, all summer long! Nice, large flowers on highly branched plants. As most Catharanthus, it loves the heat! This selection has been bred for high Phytophthora (root disease) resistance. Lantana PassionFruit Ball Flora Plant Aptly named—a floriferous lantana for the landscape. The multi-hued dallops of flowers that open a rich yellow, orange, maturing into a crisp clean salmon pink. This spreading lantana is a great mingling plant for the landscape border or mixed container as the ‘filler’ component. It would also work well in hanging baskets. This is a heat loving, drought tolerant plant that attracts lots of pollinators. Definitely a great addition to the summer landscape. Scaevola Scala Purple Bird Dümmen Orange This fan-flower was definitely a fan-favorite this summer in the trials! It was one of the top selections for both the public and the horticulture professionals. When we mention ‘flower power’, this plant does not hold back! It was a solid patch of deep purple in the landscape all summer. Compact and clean flower and foliage, make this a winner. If we might describe it in one word…”Awesomeness.” Try it out, we are sure you will be a ‘fan’ of this flower! Geranium Interspecific Grace Ruby Red (P) Beekenkamp What is more classic than a red geranium?! This geranium has vibrant red colored flowers held above the crisp, clean foliage on sturdy stems. The red color holds well in full, blazing sun, with no fading or color melting. Grace Ruby Red has a nice round, mounding habit, that showed little to no Japanese Beetle feeding! Geranium Zonal Galaxy Purple Ball FloraPlant If you haven’t heard of the Galaxy series, they are kind of out of this world! This year, Galaxy Purple was the top performer. It produces large, sturdy ‘lollipops’ boasting dozens of deep violet purple with a hint of white in the center florets. It consistently produced flowers all season on uniform, well-branched plants! Dahlia City Lights Purple Selecta One A multi-year winner—it is that good! Bred for performance in heat, City Lights Purple lives up to expectations. Flowering through most of the summer, with rich deep purple flowers, that are accentuated by the dark green-black foliage, holds up well in the full sun all season. The bees and other pollinators also love this plant. Portulaca Mojave® Mango Proven Winners In this collection of portulacas, Mango was the favorite. The plants were vigorous with a nice low growing form. The copious amounts of mango-orange-colored flowers, with a red center, opened by mid-day, providing waysides for a plethora of bees and pollinators. The whole planting of portulaca was abuzz! Great for massing in the front of the border. Petunia (Vegetatively Propagated) Supertunia Mini Vista® Plum Veined Proven Winners This petunia performed well all year, from the greenhouse production to the summer landscape. A floriferous plant, with quarter-sized flowers boasting light purple hues and contrasting deep purple-black veins. Although vigorous, the plants played well with their neighbors, not overtaking their space. This is a great massing plant to add impact to the landscape. Petunia (Seed Propagated) Easy Wave® Navy Velour PanAmerican Seed Another plant in which the name is spot on! The rich, deep purple, that in the right light, looks as though the flowers are made of velvet. The flowers are large and numerous and hold the intensity in the full sun. These are vigorous plants that would work well for use in contrasting other plants and make them pop. Container Winners Combination Container PlaylistTM Uptown Funk Sakata This combination of three celosia was stellar in the garden! The container caught peoples’ eyes from across the garden. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows provided long-lasting, season long color all the way into fall. The sturdy plants filled out the container well. This combination would work well for fall planter interest! Rudbeckia SunBeckia® GraYiti Caramel Bull Plant Genetics Who doesn’t love a good caramel candy?! Another award winner from the Bull Plant Genetics SunBeckia lines. This rudbeckia sports a unique caramel flower color, with the outer edges having a warm rich, deep yellow-ish brown color, having a deep reddish-brown eye. As the long-lasting flowers age, these colors develop into a nice overall caramel color. The plants are relatively compact keeping the plants from lodging. Another great Sunbeckia to consider. Mandevilla Tropico Unico Pink Ball FloraPlant This non-vining type of Mandeville was stellar in the Colorado summer! Large, soft shell- pink flowers, with a rich rose and yellow throat, covered the stems for this containerized planting. The deep glossy green foliage sparkled in the sun. A great upright shrub-like form to definitely consider for the landscape! Coleus TerraScape ‘Queen’ Kientzler North America Talk about dramatic! This vigorous coleus can make a statement in your garden. The deep red maroon leaves with a blaze reddish-pink center, and lime-green shark-toothed edges are eye catching! And the colors hold up well in full sun! The plants are sturdy and strong and work well in containers! Geranium Mojo white Syngenta Cloud-like cotton white clusters of flowers float above a deep green foliage. This plant has the mojo with lots of flower power. Best displays when regularly deadheaded. Older flowers not as noticeable, like some other white flowered geraniums. Works well in containers and equally as well in the ground! Scaevola Scala Cappello White Dümmen Orange Another award-winning fan-flower from the Dümmen group! Cappello White is a smaller statured plant, that works well in smaller containers. It produced crisp, clean, white flowers all summer long! Great planted on it’s own in a container or would be great for use in a mixed container. Petunia (Vegetatively Propagated) Tea Flamingo Beekenkamp If you want to catch someone’s eyes, plant a couple Tea Flamingo Petunias. This unique, flamingo peachy-salmon colored petunia flowered all summer, well after many other petunias started fizzle. It performed well not only in the container, but in the landscape bed as well. The plants were well branched and have a more outright growth habit. If you’re going to try one petunia, you should try Tea Flamingo. You wouldn’t be disappointed. Petunia (Seed Propagated) Easy Wave® Navy Velour PanAmerican Seed One of the Easy Wave® series, which all performed well. This versatile petunia also was rated the best for our petunias planted in ground. The large, velvety rich, deep purple, flowers glisten in the bright sun and don’t fade! The vigorous plants fill out containers well and would be a good option for a mixed planter to fill out and spill over the edge. Catch this Wave next year at the garden centers. Hybrid Impatiens (Grown in Sun) Sol Luna Light Salmon Danziger Sol Luna Prime series by Danziger performed well in the trials this summer. In full blazing sun, surrounded by brick and rock, these interspecific impatiens held their own! Prime Light Salmon was the top rated one in the series with the most uniform growth. The classic New Guinea-like flower sports a delicate peach-salmon color and nearly 2” wide flowers. These are great hybrid impatiens that handle the intense summer sun in Colorado, but versatile for shadier situations as well! Begonia (Grown in Sun) Stonehedge Rose Bronze Leaf Benary Impressive! Massive! Those were comments overheard from our evaluators. The Stonehedge series can grow to be hedge-like! These seed-grown interspecific hybrid vigorous plants filled out our container well, making a statement. It produced loads and loads of large, bright, rose-pink colored flowers, that were juxtaposed against the deep bronzy-burgundy leaves. The pink-red colored stems echoed the flower colors throughout the plant. They handled the hot, bright sun and heat of the Colorado summer with no problems. If you want to fill in an area in the garden or to make a small annual hedge, definitely consider the Benary Stonehedge Rose Bronze leaf begonia! Verbena Empress® Sun Kiss Pink Dümmen Orange Pink. Pink. Pink. This relatively compact growing verbena was stunning with the copious amounts of medium-soft pink flowers that covered the foliage. The flowers aged well, without very little to no browning and fading. It was a showstopper through the whole summer and into early fall! Angelonia (Grown in Container/Ground Bed) Guardian AngelTBlue Ball FloraPlant Floriferous is an understatement! This is a stately triploid plant, boasting large, saturated blue, purple-colored flowers. These plants started flowering early summer and flowered all the way until the first frost. This summer snapdragon performed well in both container and ground bed plantings…shooting out of the container like a mid-summer firework! Lantana Bandolista Mango Syngenta Mango was the best performing Bandolista lantana. With loads of vibrant tropical shades of newly opened yellow flowers to reddish orange older flowers, this lantana provides great hot pop of color in the landscape. One can barely see the foliage when it is in full flower! With its moderate vigor and habit, it works well in containers and hanging baskets, with the ability to tolerate low water inputs. Oh, you’ll be sure to attract pollinators to your garden with this plant! Calibrachoa Bloomtastic Serenity 2025 Dümmen Orange Compared to nearly all the other calibrachoas trialed, Bloomtastic Serenity was covered in two toned light purple with dark purple eye and yellow throat. It bloomed from early summer to very late in the season. When all the other calibrachoa had dwindled with color, Bloomtastic was showy! Overall plant form was great, creating a nice display in the container. This plant definitely lived up to its name! Portulaca Mega Pazzaz Fuchsia Danziger Overall, the Pazzaz series did well in the trials. Mega was the top scoring selection of the group. The Pazzaz Fuchsia produced bright, intense fuchsia pink-colored flowers on semi trailing stems. We observed that the portulaca in this series was open longer during the day, opening hours before and after other portulaca had closed. This was a pollinator magnet as well---with so many bees visiting, we could hear the containers humming standing feet away! Great option for container plantings, handling heat and drought conditions. Begonia Interspecific Hybrid (Grown in Shade; Ground bed/Container) Megawatt White Green Leaf PanAmerican Seed These begonias were developed for both sun and shade conditions. And they perform well in both! The clean white flowers with the bright yellow anthers and pistil contrast nicely with the bright, glossy green foliage. Great vigor in these plants, ideal for container and in ground situations. Pink Megawatt also performed very well in the trials. If you want mega flower energy in the landscape, consider the Megawatts! Begonia Elatior type BK Collection Vermillion Red (P) Beekenkamp Vermillion Red has been a consistent top performing elatior-type begonia in the gardens! It boasts vibrant red flowers that pop in the part shade. Its upright habit makes it all the easier to enjoy the numerous silky red flowers. Definitely check out this Vermillion Red begonia and the other colors in the series! Begonia Boliviensis type Florencio Yellow Syngenta The large, soft-butter yellow and bright centered flowers of this Florencio contrast well against the deep, dark green lance-shaped foliage. The plants were very uniform and upright, creating an excellent container display. Begonia Tuber-type Adora Velvet Red Syngenta Rich, velvety red, quarter sized double flowers abundantly adorned the well branched plants in the trials this year. The mounding type plants filled out the containers well. The crisp, dark green foliage provides a beautiful contrast to the red pops of color. Interspecific Impatiens (Grown in Shade) Solarscape® XL Lilac Spark PanAmerican Seed The Solarscape interspecific impatiens performed well in both containers and in the landscape beds. XL Lilac Spark produced uniform plants with continuous flowering throughout the season. These seed series hybrids are versatile for the landscape, especially for those that want the traditional New Guinea Impatiens to look for the full sun! Other Outstanding Varieties Anigozanthos Kanga® Cherry Green Fuse® Botanicals This plant caught the eye of garden visitors this summer. This unique Australian native with velvet like flowers, was eye-catching and provided a rich cherry-red color for weeks on end! The iris-like foliage was attractive, complimenting and filling out the large container. Anigozanthos is definitely one to look for and consider for your landscape! Echeveria gibbiflora Coral Reef® Dark Chocolate Green Fuse® Botanicals Succulents have been popular for some time. And this Echeveria preformed well. They plants filled out the container nicely. The aptly named plant provided great visual texture. This certainly is a great selection for containers on the patio! Ageratum hybrid Monarch Magic Ball FloraPlant Flowers. Flowers. Flowers. This ageratum performed well in both containers and in the landscape. Unlike old-school ageratum, this one is better suited for full sun. It keeps flowering all season and is a sure fire stop for pollinators, including bees and butterflies! Helianthus Sunfinity® Double Yellow Syngenta The epitome of ‘flower power.’ This vigorous double flowered sunflower boasts rich, 2 to 3” yellow flowers ALL summer and into the fall. This selection is well branching, so just a plant or two can fill a good amount of space in the landscape. If you’re putting it in a container on the patio…make sure to give it a big enough pot! Oh…and Sunfinity Double Yellow---resists the pesky powdery mildew, we all too often see with sunflowers! Celosia ‘Bright Sparks’ Series Syngenta Long lasting, bright colors of deep red, orange, bright yellow, and intense pink can be expected with this series of celosia! The wispy flower heads provide great color all summer, with little fading. Great branching, sturdy stemmed plants that attract pollinators and love the heat of the Colorado summer! Agastache Mexicana ‘Summerlong Lemon’ Darwin Perennials One of several in the Summerlong series, Lemon was a standout in the landscape this summer. This tender perennial started flowering in the greenhouse…and didn’t stop all summer. And it is STILL going! It brings a nice bright spot of color—with lots of pollinator and hummingbird activity and some fragrance. One certainly would get their money’s worth with this plant in the garden! Hula Begonias PanAmerican Seed These interspecific begonias are quick to fill out in the landscape and in containers. These wax leaf begonia type have a nice trailing and spreading habit that grew to about 12” in the trials and provide lots of flower power! They are versatile, working well as massing plants in the border, for use in containers and in hanging baskets—in both sun and shade locations! CSU Annual Trial Winners 2024 Other information about the trials is available here - flowertrials.colostate.edu. Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now: Women in Green: Floral Workshop Brings Industry Professionals Together Effective winter preparation requires practice and good communications Colorado Waterwise recognizes ALCC CEO for conservation efforts

Pereira appointed to NALP Board of Directors

Written by NALP
Tuesday, October 08, 2024 12:00 AM
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: Join us! Water Conservation Workshop CSU continues to grow green industry programs 12 plants with extremely long lifespans – They'll live for decades!

Join us! Water Conservation Workshop

Written by Colorado Springs Utilities
Tuesday, October 08, 2024 12:00 AM
In partnership with ALCC, Colorado Springs Utilities is seeking landscape, irrigation, water conservation, and education experts to join in a one-day regional workshop to craft a future for landscape water conservation education. With your help, we can identify key workforce skills and knowledge to help build the resilient landscapes of the future. Please fill out your contact information below to stay up to date. More information will be sent out when the final date and location has been determined. We look forward to working with you on this important project. Sign up to learn more Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now: Pereira appointed to NALP Board of Directors CSU continues to grow green industry programs 12 plants with extremely long lifespans – They'll live for decades!

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