Kissimmee, Fla., Gaylord Palms Resort

May/June 2007
Volume 31, Number 3
Kissimmee, Fla., Gaylord Palms Resort
Colorful Cannas lilies frame this view of the Gaylord Palms Resort. Gaylord was an Honor Award
recipient in the Hotel, Motel or Resort category. This site and the Honor Award winner in the
Multiple Sites category, The Villas at the Bridges, are profiled in this issue of PGMS Forum.
(See page 6 for more details about this 2006 Green Star Award recipient)
Michael Mongon, CGM - Fairview Country Club
President’s Message
Exciting Times For PGMS
S
ometimes one just seems to be in the right place at the right time. That’s
pretty much how I feel as this year’s president of the Professional Grounds
Management Society.
The Forum Newsletter is published
six times a year by the
Professional Grounds
Management Society
720 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-223-2861 / Fax 410-752-8295
Email: [email protected]
www.PGMS.org
Thanks to the dynamic foresight of my predecessor Ellen Newell, CGM, I’m lucky
enough to be presiding over PGMS as it expands its
regional visitation programs. Our March exploration into
the hills of western North Carolina where we visited the
Biltmore Estate as well as the North Carolina Arboretum,
for instance, was an exceptional learning and networking
event. As you can read in the article on the next page, this
successful meeting of PGMS members and guests energized
our North Carolina Branch and inspired others to want to
host a site visitation and education forum of their own.
Board of Directors:
President Michael Mongon, CGM
President-Elect Greg Nichols
Vice Pres. Gene Pouly, CGM
Treasurer Monica Higgins, CGM
Past Pres. Ellen Newell, CGM
As an example, coming on August 2-3 PGMS’ Greater Cincinnati Branch will
host our next visitation program as we journey to Cincinnati for a program that
will include four excellent education classes as well as site tours of Cincinnati
State University, Paul Brown Stadium (home of the Bengals), Cincinnati Zoo &
Botanical Garden, and Spring Grove Cemetery. Our North Central Director Walt
Bonvell along with the Greater Cincinnati Branch under the direction of Jenny
Gulick have been planning this event for months. It promises to be great!
Directors
Walter Bonvell
Donald Bottger, CGM
Kevin Harvey, CGM
Monica Higgins, CGM
Joseph Jackson, CGM
Michael Loftus, CGM
Jock Robertson
Ken Stanton, CGM
John Van Etten, CGM
We are also already making plans for our March 2008 visitation, too. Early plans
call for a journey to meet up with the members of the Texas Branch of PGMS.
Details on that trip are being formulated.
Staff
Thomas C. Shaner, CAE
Executive Director
Jenny Smith
Society Coordinator
Monica Shaner
Financial Manager
Eric Grammer
Communications Manager
Opinions expressed in PGMS Forum
are the opinions of the authors and
do not necessarily express the
opinions or policies of the PGMS
Board and its membership. No part
of this newsletter may be reproduced
in any manner whatsoever without
written permission.
2
As I mentioned at the onset, it’s great to be President of PGMS during these
exciting times.
Speaking of exciting times, this year’s PGMS School of Grounds Management is
indeed that. As many of you are aware, the Green Industry Expo, around which
PGMS used to conduct its School, has merged with another dynamic show and will
now be called the GIE/Expo. It will take place in Louisville, Ken., October 24-27.
Our Education Committee under the direction of Gene Pouly, CGM and Kevin
O’Donnell has been hard at work assembling a tremendous cadre of educators to
make this year’s PGMS school outstanding. I hope that you are planning to attend.
Another area in which we have seen great improvement this year is our Green Star
Awards competition. Always working to make sure that PGMS recognizes outstanding
grounds management programs, we’re endeavoring to attract more submissions into this
year’s competition. Complementing the Green Star Awards will be the presentation of a
Gold Medal to Chicago Mayor Richard Daley in recognition of his efforts to “green”
Chicago. This is a wonderful compliment to both Mayor Daley and PGMS.
With all of these positive directions, I’m still looking for other suggestions on
ways in which we can all work together to provide a diverse community from
which each PGMS member can draw ideas, expertise and benefits. I’m always
open to your thoughts and suggestions.
It’s quite an honor to be the President of PGMS; especially when you are
surrounded with dedicated members who are willing to give so much of
themselves for the good of the group. I’m just in the right place at the right time.
Sincerely,
Michael Mongon, CGM
PGMS President
2007 Regional Grounds Seminar
Series Gets Started at Biltmore
With all the plans to move the PGMS School of Grounds
Management and the GIE/Expo to Louisville, Ken. for a
couple of years, it’s a great time to think of the Society’s
education and planning teams as “Louisville Sluggers.”
And, for a lead-off hitter (Regional Visitation and
Education program in North Carolina), it was a first-pitch
home run!
Led by the dynamic PGMS members of the North
Carolina Branch, the Visitation round-tripper included the
touching of three bases and a bench-clearing welcome at
home plate.
“We sensed we were ready to knock the ball out of the
park with this program,” said Michael Mongon, CGM, of
the Fairfield Country Club in Connecticut and president
of PGMS. “With more than three weeks to go, we were
standing on deck with a sell-out crowd awaiting the first
pitch.”
Nearly 100 PGMS members and other grounds
professionals were registered for the event. They came to
Asheville, N.C. from as far away as California, Arizona,
Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan,
Florida, and ten other states. Their focus was a
spectacular behind-the-scenes tour of the palatial
Biltmore Estate.
Rounding first base, the PGMS sluggers participated in a
unique visit to the 434-acre North Carolina Arboretum
where they had a chance to explore the multi-faceted
operation of this special scientific research campus.
Extremely different from the average arboretum, the
North Carolina facility is working on numerous programs
with much of its focus toward water conservation
techniques and “green” building operations.
The Operations Center at the Arboretum, for instance, is
one of 15 prototype buildings included in a pilot program
Continued on page 10
3
Web Notes
University of California Updates IPM Web Site
Hundreds of new pests have been
added to the Pests in Homes, Gardens,
Landscapes and Turf section of the
University of California Statewide
Integrated Pest Management Program
Web site at www.ipm.ucdavis.edu. For
the first time, users can find pest
management information specific to a
host plant.
Find the latest information on
managing pests of vegetable, fruit tree,
and ornamental plants or household pests.
New content was drawn from the UC Guide
to Solving Garden and Landscape Problems,
formerly only available in CD-ROM format.
More than 120 plant species are covered.
Emphasis is on least-toxic management
methods that protect health and the
environment. The information allows
users to make quick, informed
management decisions while decreasing
Site users can find pest
pesticide use. The database is
management information
continually updated, and additional
specific to a host plant such as
plants and pests will be added over the
this Asian citrus adult.
next year.
Cutting Edge Professionals
Join Us in Welcoming Our Newest Members
Alan L. Amelincky
Joseph Fearn
Charles Leatherwood
Syrus Z. Rasekhi
A.B.N.C.
APO, AE
Jordan Valley Park
Springfield, MO
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX
Z & M Green Yard Services
Tarzana, CA
Richard A. Armada
Jamie C. Frank
Andy Lillycrop
Bradley S. Short
Trinity Oaks
Salisbury, NC
City of St. Louis Forestry Div
Saint Louis, MO
Professional Gardeners
Westminster, MD
Cincinnati State
Cincinnat, OH
Rebecca Auchter
Lanse Fullinwider
Devin Livi
Preston Smith
Sodexho
Columbus, OH
University of North Texas
Denton, TX
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
Wicomico County Board
Salisbury, MD
Justin F. Bouk
John Gill
Phillip T. Martin
John St.Louis
Trinity Oaks
Salisbury, NC
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
Duke University
Durham, NC
Greenspring
Springfield, VA
Kelly T. Burke
Cory E. Herpel
Patrick H. Masters, II
Keith K. Stadler
Hobbs Brook Management
Johnston, RI
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX
Madison Tree Care
Milford, OH
A.B.N.C.
APO, AE
Bryan Chesbro
Patrick Kelly
Heather Metour
Michael J. Szabonski
Boise State University
Boise, ID
Anne Arundel Cty Rec&Pks
Centreville, MD
PM Services Company
Saint Petersburg, FL
Professional Gardeners
Westminster, MD
Benjamin A. Cox
Matthew Kibby
Jerry Moore
Daniel R. Wolcott
Granite Associates
Liberty, NY
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
Amarillo College
Amarillo, TX
Granite Associates, LP
Ferndale, NY
Robert A. Dale
Michael E. King
Kevin O’Shea
Deb Zureick
University of Evansville
Evansville, IN
AnMed Health
Anderson, SC
Linger Longer Development
Greensboro, GA
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical
Cincinnati, OH
Scott Desjardins
Gerald Landby
Joseph R. Oziminski
A.B.N.C.
APO, AE
Carroll College
Helena, MT
Agnes Irwin School
Rosemont, PA
4
PGMS Green Stars
Make Life Great
LEFT: One of the unique aspects of The Villas at the
Bridges grounds is the collection of 500 landscape pots on
rear walls, entrances and street pilasters. ABOVE: Four
acres of turf must also be maintained throughout the site.
he 2006 PGMS Green Star Award winners
were announced during ceremonies at the 2006
PGMS School of Grounds Management & GIE on
the evening of Saturday, November 4.
The Green Star Awards program brings national recognition to grounds maintained with a
high degree of excellence. The program
complements other
national landscape
award programs that
recognize outstanding
landscape design and
construction by
honoring the grounds
superintendent responsible for maintaining
a well-manicured landscape year round.
This year’s program acknowledged the nation’s
top grounds in settings ranging from parks to
apartment complexes to universities. Overall,
PGMS presented 14 Grand Awards, its highest
honor, as well as 12 Honor Awards in a dozen
categories of competition.
6
In this issue of PGMS Grounds Management
Forum, we take a look at the Honor Award winner in
the Multiple Sites Under Management Company
category: the Villas at the Bridges in Rancho Sante
Fe, Calif. Also profiled is the Gaylord Palms Resort of
Kissimmee, Fla. in the Hotel, Motel or Resort
category.
MULTIPLE SITES UNDER MANAGEMENT
COMPANY
THE VILLAS AT THE BRIDGES
Rancho Sante Fe, Calif.
Employees: 6 full time
Budget: $280,000
Acres Maintained: 5.5 acres
Nestled in the rolling hills and canyons of Southern
California’s most spectacular landscape, the Villas at
the Bridges are a cluster of Italian style villas that
serve as a small community. Within the property, the
grounds crew of six professionals meticulously
manicures the landscape that consists of 59 villas,
At and Away From Home
LEFT: This is just one of the 59 courtyards maintained on site. ABOVE: One of
the many immaculately maintained rear yards near a manmade stream at The
Villas at the Bridges.
a large amount of rock and clay in the soil” explains
four acres of turf, an acre of color beds and various
Phil Sauer, landscape manager. Each
common areas and parks.
slope must be weeded, planted and
The balmy
maintained to keep the manicured look
California climate with a
of the community. In order to overcome
mean temperature of 60
these challenges the grounds crew
degrees year round and an
readjusts nozzle tips and constantly
average rainfall of three
amends the soil with organic materials
inches allows for a
that help sustain the plants, trees and
Mediterranean plant
flowers.
palette. Green leaf yuriafs,
With steep, flat roads with no speed
various types of tea roses,
bumps, speed also poses a problem when
gardenias and over 800
the grounds crew is hard at work near
specimen trees make up
the busy streets. In order to combat this,
the majority of the villa’s
the crew lays out warning cones and
turf, color beds and over
wears safety vests to avoid any
500 terracotta pots. This
potential injury.
diverse landscape
ABOVE: Terracotta pots and landscape
Another challenge the grounds crew
compliments the Italian
color frame residential entrances.
faces is each homeowner incorporating
style architecture of the
their individual style into the landscape.
property.
In order to allow for creativity but keep the grounds
Common grassy slopes also cover a large part
manageable, the community has created a list of
of the community property and present a few
acceptable plants which includes different varieties
problems for the grounds crew. “The tough part about
slopes is installing irrigation systems and dealing with
continued on page 14
7
PGMS BRANCH
Update
Philadelphia Branch’s Summer Field Day
to be Held at Swarthmore College
The Philadelphia Branch of PGMS, Penn State Extension
and Swarthmore College are teaming up to
present a Summer Field Day on July 12,
2007 in Swarthmore, Penn. Participants will
have an opportunity to choose from several
educational offerings including: sustainable
water management, athletic field
management, woody plant identification
and use, pesticide safety, and use of
containers in the landscape.
Highlights will include a tour of “green
roof” technology, the outstanding plant collections at the
Scott Arboretum (on campus) and presentations by the
Keystone Athletic Field Management
Association. Grounds management
equipment and supplies will be exhibited
and a picnic lunch will be provided. The
program begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 2
p.m.
For registration information contact Scott
Guiser, Penn State Cooperative Extension at
215-345-3283 or [email protected]. Preregistration is encouraged. Exhibitors may
contact Steve Dutill at 215-685-0058.
Cincinnati Branch Holds Initial 2007 Meeting
The Greater Cincinnati Branch held another successful
member educational program on March 13. The theme
was “Safety in the Workplace” and the half-day program
included lunch.
Important and interesting safety topics were presented by
local experts. Basic first aid techniques for use in the
field and at the shop were explained by the Red Cross;
two representatives from the Ohio Bureau of Workers
Compensation enlightened the group on claim
prevention; and an expert from Bryan Equipment
presented a Stihl power equipment safety and
maintenance demonstration.
The host for the program was the Hamilton County Park
District, which graciously donated the use of their new
maintenance and training facility in Glenwood Gardens.
Bob Harris, landscape superintendent and manager of
Glenwood Gardens also gave PGMS members an
overview of this newest park and the maintenance
facility.
Nearly 40 people attended this event and represented the
following member organizations and guests: Cincinnati
State Technical College, Cedarville University,
University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, Wright State
University, Madison Tree Service, Davey Resource
Group, Paul Brown Stadium, Spring Grove Cemetery,
8
Nearly 40 grounds professionals attended the March 13
education program, “Safety in the Workplace,”
organized by the Greater Cincinnati Branch of PGMS.
Oak Hill Cemetery, and the Cincinnati Zoo and
Botanical Gardens.
For more information on these programs or the activities of
the Greater Cincinnati Branch, check the PGMS Web site
for program announcements and details, or call Branch
President Jenny Gulick at 859-384-8258 or email her at
[email protected].
PGMS School of Grounds
Management & GIE EXPO
Debuts October 24-27
Highlights:
- Hands-on Tour of the Bernheim Arboretum Grounds Operation
- Cutting Edge Education Topics including:
Establishing Conservation Grasses, Integrating Native Plants
into Landscape Design, LEEDS, Green Roof Maintenance
- 20 acres of outdoor demonstrations featuring 150 vendors. Demonstrations take place every day adjacent to the indoor convention area
- Featuring over 500 Green Industry Companies Exhibiting Latest Products
Publisher of Landscape Management
to Debut Landscapes in July 2007
New Landscape Management supplement to
focus on bedding plants, ornamentals and trees
Questex Media Group, Inc., a global, diversified business-to-business media
company and publisher of Landscape Management magazine, has announced its
plans to publish a new supplement called Livescapes beginning in July 2007.
Livescapes will benefit landscape contractors who offer installation and
maintenance of bedding plants, ornamentals and trees. Livescapes’ editorial,
which will be written by horticulture, nursery and tree experts and industry
leaders, will focus on such topics as how to make installation projects more
profitable, addressing challenges in complicated projects, and choosing among
the many varieties available. In addition, Livescapes will offer regional
information, best business practices, maintenance advice and more.
Set to debut in July 2007, Livescapes will have a targeted and controlled circulation
of approximately 33,000 landscape contractor professionals nationwide who
perform installation services and purchase bedding plants, ornamentals and trees.
In addition to being mailed with the July issue of Landscape Management, the
first issue of Livescapes will debut at the OFA Short Course held in Columbus,
July 14-17, 2007. Two more issues are planned for 2007 in September/October and
November/December.
9
2007 Regional Visitation Series
continued from page 3
for innovative building design of North Carolina state
facilities. It follows established high performance
guidelines adapted from the U.S. Green Building
Council.
In general, the Arboretum promotes the stewardship and
enjoyment of the wealth of plant life within the southern
Appalachians through world renowned gardens
demonstrating cultivated and natural landscapes. It offers
65 acres of cultivated gardens, 10 miles of forested
hiking and biking trails, a state-of-the-art greenhouse
production facility, and the finest Bonsai collection in
the southeastern United States.
Touching second base, PGMS provided those who
attended the visitation program two delightful networking
receptions – one following each day’s events. “After a
long day of hiking and listening to the site presentations,
the receptions afforded all of us a relaxed time to enjoy
a beverage, some light foods and learn a little more
about how other professionals manage their properties,”
commented Ken Stanton, CGM of Grand Valley State
University in Allendale, Mich.
A home-run might be a home-run in any other ballpark,
but in Asheville, it was certainly third base and crossing
the plate that brought the crowd to its feet.
Third base, if you will, was a highly informative series of
four one hour education programs conducted on Friday
morning. First, Julie Hanser, marketing manager of the
Biltmore Estate, presented “Achieving the Good and the
Great” in which she reviewed various marketing
strategies used by the Estate and its parent company for
continued growth. She stressed repeatedly that the
business drivers for Biltmore were People and Purpose.
“People and purpose always come first for us,” she said.
“Still, be realistic, flexible, and balanced as you market
yourself. For we at Biltmore, it’s wonderful to be able to
have such a dynamic partnership between our marketing
department and the landscaping professionals. The
enhanced marketing value given Biltmore by
professionally maintained landscapes is priceless!”
The second education program, “The Power of
Presentation...adding value with Grounds Maintenance,”
was presented by Thomas Flood of Elon University in
North Carolina. Tom reviewed how he has been able to
expand the grounds department’s budget through the
positive marketing of his programs to school officials and
to the public at large. “One of the most exciting tools that
we have used in our efforts,” he stressed, “has been our
earning of a PGMS Green Star Award. We used this for a
great deal of local publicity as well as a dynamic staff
motivator as we purchased ‘Green Star Award Winner’
10
uniform patches from PGMS for all of our crew. They take
tremendous pride in being on the winning team.”
George Briggs, director of the North Carolina Arboretum,
then addressed the education session on the “Master
Planning” and the importance of long- and short-term
plans to the ultimate success of any grounds program. He
highlighted ways in which the Arboretum has been able
to use its strategic plans to secure additional funding and
due to effective marketing of other reasons to visit. April,
by the way, features a gorgeous tulip display while May
finds the 8,000 areas of the estate (that’s right, 8,000
acres of pristine land belonging to one family) bursting in
color as thousands of natural and cultivated azalea and
rhododendrun present a spectacular display.
And what a better way to recap Susanne’s presentation
and let the PGMS “sluggers” cross home plate than with
a visit to the grounds of the Biltmore Estate. Built in 1895
and opened to the public in 1930 to help the region
recover from the depression, today Biltmore, America’s
largest home, is considered to be one of the 50 places of
a lifetime to visit, according to National Geographic. For
PGMS, the tour was extremely unique, as unlike nearly
every other visitor to the one-time home of George
Cornelius Vanderbuilt, PGMS took a pass on touring the
over 250 rooms of the stately mansion and opted instead
for a detailed look at the many challenges and
opportunities presented to the grounds teams.
Framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Biltmore’s huge
backyard ranges from formal gardens to naturalistic
grounds. The ever-changing gardens–glorious spring
blooms, vibrant summer colors and spectacular autumn
foliage – showcase a century of care started by
landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead.
Among the unique maintenance programs presented to
the PGMS team during its visit to the grounds, was the
way in which the Biltmore arborists are identifying
“treasured” trees, many of which are either state,
national or world champions, to protect them from
lightning strikes. PGMS will feature a detailed review of
this program in a future issue of the Forum.
As noted at the outset, the North Carolina Visitation
program was a true home-run for the Society. Plans are
now underway for another visitation program in August to
Xavier University and Cincinnati State College.
help garner political support for its mission.
The fourth class of the morning featured Biltimore Estate
Landscape Manager Susanne Woodell. Susanne focused
on “Color at Biltmore” and reviewed many of the
strategies that go into plant selection and planting of the
estate. She noted that the two primary visitation months
for the Estate are April and May; although this is
definitely beginning to spread out across the entire year
Then it’s on to Louisville, October 24-27, and what
PGMS believes will be another home run based on
preliminary reports given by its Education Committee.
“Louisville 2007 will see the unveiling of a new
curriculum-based school of grounds management with an
emphasis toward expanding the number of grounds
managers moving into the Certified Grounds Manager
designation program,” noted Gene Pouly, CGM of E.F.
Pouly Co., in Orrville, Ohio, and chairman of the PGMS
program for Louisville.
So, grab your bat and make your plans to be a part of the
PGMS “Louisville Sluggers.” We want to see you there.
11
Help Advance Professionalism
in Grounds Management
Help Your Peers
Advance Their Skills
By Participating in the
PGMS List Serv
Have YOU signed up for the
PGMS List Serv?
RECENT DISCUSSION
If not, what are YOU waiting for?
TOPIC: TREE INJECTIONS
Don’t wait until you have a
question, your peers need
YOUR help NOW!
Help your colleagues and help advance the
grounds management profession by joining
the list and responding to members. In the
last month alone we have had several
question from fellow PGMS members go
unanswered (they are posted to the right).
Don’t leave them hanging in the wind - help
them out! After all advancing professionalism among our peers helps everyone.
If you haven’t joined, what are you waiting
for? TO JOIN THE LIST, simply send an
email with “Subscribe me to PGMS EForum” in the subject line to
[email protected]. Please include
your name in the e-mail, so we can confirm
your membership.
We are hoping that all members will join this
list to provide a broad support network and
knowledge base for members and potential
members. After a hot start, the E-Forum has
slowed down quite a bit within the last few
months. Assuming that you have as many
questions now as you did six months ago, this
raises the question, “WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?” Your colleagues are ready and
waiting to share their knowledge and answer
your questions. Send those questions to
[email protected].
Further information is available at
http://www.pgms.org/members/eforum.htm.
12
I am looking into doing tree injections using either the Arbor Jet or the
Mauget system. Has any body tried these products and if so how did
these products work? Any help is highly appreciated.
Scott Russo
Lead Groundskeeper
St. Xavier University
ANSWERS
We have implemented programs and used both systems in the past, in
fact, I’m selling the used equipment if that tells you anything or you
want to purchase it! There are positives to the whole injection “model”
but we didn’t find that they outweighed the inconsistencies and
resulting damage to the tree.
John R. Davis III, PMP
Site Supervisor
Roche Diagnostics Operations
Over the past four or five years, we’ve had a major problem with the
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid attacking hundreds of our topiary hemlocks, 7
- 20 ft tall, around the park. We’ve tried several approaches and found
what works best for us is Merit spray. On a dozen or so very large
hemlock trees we used the Arbot Jet injection with good results.
Basically, we’ve found though that if you can hit the HWA with the
spray gun you can stay on top of the problem without injection. We also
plan to apply Merit around the base of the trees if the problem recurs.
Ceylon Barclay
Grounds Manager
Tweetsie.com
The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid shuts down the vascular tissues in hemlock
trees, causing injection/soil drench applications of Merit to be a less effective
means of control than broadcast spraying of Merit or Oil. This has been my
experience at least. We tried soil drench last year and had very little effective
response. Back to spraying this year. I think the injection method may work
well as a preventative, or therapeutic on trees with low level infestations, but
the severely affected trees respond best to spray application.
Daniel Henry
Urban Forester
Roanoke Parks and Recreation
13
Green Star Awards
continued from page 7
LEFT: Fountain features create intimate seating areas among
the beautiful landscapes at Gaylord Palms Resort. ABOVE:
Resort guests are welcomed by a series of large seasonal
color beds.
of plants of the same species. “This way, each homeowner
gets an individual landscape to meet their needs” Sauer
says.
Interacting with the residents of the Villas is a key
component to managing the grounds successfully. In order
to do this, each grounds crew member has four zones that
they concentrate on each day with one day being
designated for working on special projects. Each resident is
called once a month to maintain communication between
the grounds crew and the homeowners and to discuss any
potential concerns.
Crew members are constantly learning and
developing their skills by starting from the ground up. As
Sauer explains, “we train the crew in four phases with 1015 homes in each cycle. If something goes wrong, it’s a
small crew so we sit down and go through it together.”
One of the greatest features of the Villas residential
area also demands high maintenance. The manmade stream
that divides the community golf course and the villa homes
needs to be maintained once a month. “We turn off the
stream once a month and the crew cleans up plant
materials, leaves and any algae” Sauer says.
Despite the aesthetic and maintenance challenges
this community of villas faces, the grounds crew keeps the
property well groomed to the likes of an Italian village.
HOTEL, MOTEL OR RESORT
THE VILLAS AT THE BRIDGES
Kissimmee, Fla.
Employees: 7 full time, 2 seasonal
14
Budget: $500,000
Acres Maintained: 20 acres
Ranked one of the top destinations for business and
pleasure by travel and business journals, the four star
Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center provides one
of the most aesthetically pleasing landscapes in Orlando,
Fla.
The 20 acres of property the grounds crew
maintains is an assortment of turf, display beds, ponds,
plazas and recreation areas. Over 375 exotic and native
species palms, shrubs and annuals cover the landscape
providing for a colorful and lush atmosphere. Six annual
changes of more than 100,000 annuals are used to keep the
beds looking newer and unique. Four different types of turf
including St. Augustine “Floratum”, Bermuda “Type 419,”
Zoysia “Emerald” and Argentine Bahia can be found
throughout the grounds. Native palms such as sables,
Washingtonians and phoenix day palms are among the
most popular on the property and require specific
maintenance. “The palms receive a yearly injection and
need to be fertilized and pruned twice a year” explains
Kyle Vendenbrink, area manager for TruGreen LandCare,
the maintenance contractor for the resort.
All trees, flowers and shrubs are hand pruned by the
grounds crew for two essential reasons. The first reason is to
keep the high quality look and feel of the resort. The
second, Vendenbrink explains, is because hand pruning
increases the longevity of the plants and they tend to have
less insect problems.
The grounds crew, which includes seven full time
employees, keeps the resort grounds staffed and looking
ABOVE: Plant health and long term quality is
achieved at Gaylord Palms Resort by training
staff weekly on pruning and cultural practices.
RIGHT: The porte-cochere features 40-foot
Dactyl era palms, Phoenix robellini and creates
a striking entrance to the resort.
spectacular 365 days a year. Vendenbrink explains the crew
safety meeting on the property to keep them up to date on
is divided into two groups: six staffers work during the week
any recent news or obstacles. “Training is an ongoing
and two work only on the weekends. “The busiest time for
process because everything is changing” Vendenbrink
the resort is during the weekend and this
explains. Training involves allowing
is when most of the damage occurs to the
the grounds crew to practice on the
land due to the huge amount of people.
actual equipment they will use.
Therefore, the weekend group’s sole
“We bring them out to the property
responsibilities include picking up trash,
and let them use the equipment in a
watering plants and making sure the
remote location. This gives them an
property looks well manicured” he says.
orientation on the equipment” he
The weekday crew has a busy
says.
schedule with keeping up the
Environmental factors can
recreational areas, ponds and pools. The
pose problems for the crew,
bocce ball and volleyball courts, croquet
especially weather. During the cold
lawn and golf course all have to be raked
months of January and February,
smooth daily. The two retention ponds on
frost on the ground can be
the property must be kept clean of algae
damaging to the turf. In order to
and leaves and the water level must
protect the land, the grounds crew
remain at a specific level. Turf is mowed
must cover the plants and flowers so
on weekly and bi-weekly schedules to
they won’t freeze. Hurricanes are
provide a high quality appearance.
ABOVE: Perennial and seasonal color
another threat. In 2003, over 20 trees
Because guest comfort is the primary goal
is used throughout the resort everycame down on the property due to
of the resort, all grounds maintenance
where, everyday.
severe hurricanes. Vendenbrink uses
work must be completed on a strict
a state of the art irrigation system
schedule. The pools and piazzas must be
called the “Rain-Bird Maxicon/Site
groomed before 9 a.m. every morning so not to infringe on
Controller” to help combat the environment and weather
the guest’s time. On the other hand, to ensure guest
problems. This top of the line piece of equipment, which
comfort, equipment is not allowed to be fired up before 8
was donated to the resort by Rain-Bird as a trial run, is
a.m.
similar to what is used on a golf course. “The equipment is
Keeping the grounds maintained on such a strict
tied into the weather system” Vendenbrink says. Every day,
schedule is a challenge for the grounds crew, but one they
are all well prepared for. Each week the crew meets for a
continued on page 20
15
Davey
Tree Ad
on Disk
16
Getting YOURSELF Involved!
By George Van Haasteren, CGM
Past PGMS President
With the fast-paced world we live in today it sometimes
becomes difficult for us to reach out and help others. It’s
not that we don’t want to, it’s that we have difficulty
finding the time. For years I have said that we seem to be
working longer and longer days. As grounds managers we
share the drive, passion and love for what we do to make
our places stand out and be recognized. We are our own
worse enemy because we are constantly trying to make
things even better.
BEFORE
How many times has somebody asked you a question on
how do you do this or that? I’m sure that it has been several
if not hundreds of times. Why do you suppose the reason is?
It’s because of your experience, education and
professionalism. I have always thought that is what our
membership consists of. Professional individuals who
exhibit professionalism, who are educated and have years
of experience. I realized it the first time I attended a
PGMS conference. Meeting grounds professionals from
across the country enlightened me that we are a very
special group of individuals. We make things grow and we
love what we do! No day is the same and there never
seems to be enough time in the day. So what ever
happened to our time management skills? We supposedly
are a group that is supposed to be good at all this.
I believe that it is important that we share our knowledge
and expertise with others. I also believe it is important for
each of us as grounds managers to be at the top of our
profession. We can only do that by making the
commitment to regularly attend workshops, seminars and
educational classes. Learn the latest techniques and find
out about the latest equipment or product.
AFTER
What better way than to do all that by attending the
Professional Grounds Management School in Louisville,
Ken. this October 24-27. Everything will be under one roof
or right outside. I encourage you to be are part of this
exciting event and getting yourself involved by attending
and participating. Attend the educational sessions. Visit the
tradeshow and outdoor equipment demo. Another way of
showing your pride as well as getting involved is by
participating in the Green Star Awards program. Become
certified! And, be a part of this great organization.
Another way to demonstrate your professionalism is by
volunteering your time and expertise in your community. Is
your local athletic field starting to look a little ragged or is
your neighborhood park looking neglected? Don’t you think
your neighbors would be willing to put a little sweat equity
into their neighborhood, given the proper direction? This is
the perfect opportunity for you to give back to your
community, to get to know your neighbors better and to
demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to be in the
grounds management profession.
Recently, I did this very thing for my local Little League
renovating one of their fields into a safer, more playable
area and have plans to do another. Sure, it was a lot of
long days, but the feeling was priceless and it really was a
a great way to promote the grounds management profession
on the local level.
17
35th Annual Grounds Management Awards
You are invited to enter the 35th Annual
Grounds Management Green Star Awards
program sponsored by the Professional
Grounds Management Society (PGMS).
This program salutes the grounds
superintendent responsible for maintaining
a well-manicured landscape year round in
15 different categories.
HOW TO ENTER
All Entries MUST Include:
1. 26 digital photos, shot with a 3 megapixel digital camera or higher
(please set camera settings to largest photo size) - 15 photos
showing the overall beauty of the total landscape project, 5 photos
showing your crew at work, 5 photos showing challenges you face
in maintaining your site and 1 photo of yourself as the person in
charge is REQUIRED. Entries containing less than, or more than, 26
digital photos will be REJECTED.
2. Furnish a descriptive caption for digital photos, on a separate sheet of
paper, in the order of which they were submitted. DO NOT USE
POSED SHOTS. DO NOT USE ENHANCED OR ALTERED PHOTOS.
3. Send three CDs of your digital photos entry.
4. Include a brief description of your site.
5. All entries must include a COVER LETTER releasing the material
for publication at the discretion of Landscape Management
magazine or use for other purposes as deemed appropriate by
the magazine or PGMS.
6. Enclose a check for the ENTRY FEE: $150 for PGMS members or $225
for others. For a reduced rate of $275, non-members may join PGMS
and enter the contest. There is no limit to the number of categories an
organization may enter. Each entry, accompanied by the entry fee,
must be sent in a separate envelope.
7. To qualify, all elements of the entry must be COMPLETE in one
binder.
8. If you have any questions call 800-609-PGMS, e-mail
[email protected], or visit www.PGMS.org.
9. Entries must be received no later than Friday, August 3, 2007.
AWARDS
There will be 2 classes of awards: Grand Awards and Honor Awards.
The judges may grant as many Grand and Honor Awards as deemed
deserving and may also decide no entries are deserving in a given
category. Awards will be presented during the PGMS School of
Professional Grounds Management held in conjunction with the GIE
EXPO in Louisville, Ken. from October 24-27, 2007.
ELIGIBILITY
An entrant must be professionally engaged in, and responsible for, the
maintenance of grounds described in entry CATEGORIES. Projects
18
ENTRY CATEGORIES
1: Small Site (commercial or primary work site with
a budget under $80,000)
2: Residential Landscape (single residence or estate owner)
3: Public Works Site (includes parkways, greenways,
and intersections)
4: Shopping Area
5: Hospital or Institution
6: Government Building or Complex
7: Cemetery or Memorial Park
8: Industrial, Commercial Site, or Office Park
9: Park, Recreation Area, or Playground
10: Multiple Sites under Management Company
11: Condominium or Apartment Complex
12: Hotel, Motel, or Resort
13: Amusement Park, Theme Park, or Zoo
14: A) Athletic Fields - baseball, football, lacrosse,
soccer (high school, collegiate, semi-pro)
B) Professional Fields - baseball, football, soccer, tennis
C) Golf Course
15: A) School Grounds (kindergarten - high school,
technical school, community colleges)
B) University and College Grounds
C) Urban University Grounds
for which any entry was submitted in a design or construction
award competition are eligible in the PGMS Green Star Awards,
even if the project won an award, because maintenance is the
criterion upon which an entry is judged in this award program.
Grand Award-winning projects are ineligible to re-enter
the program for a period of 2 years. For example, 2005 Grand
Award-winning projects are ineligible until 2008.
Any size landscape for which the entrant has the main
responsibility for the maintenance and beauty may be entered.
The judges will consider the quality, challenge, operating budget,
and performance in maintenance of grounds for a period of at
least 2 years, beginning at least 2 years after construction.
2007 Grounds Management Green Star Awards
Official Entry Form and Fact Sheet
Please PRINT CLEARLY or type the information requested
below. Check for accuracy. This information will be used
for publicity purchases and awards. Each entry must
include this completed form and the entry fee: PGMS
members $150; combination PGMS membership and entry
fee - $275; nonmembers - $225. Please make checks
payable to Professional Grounds Management Society.
Send complete entry and fee to:
Grounds Management Green Star Awards
Professional Grounds Management Society
720 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: (800) 609-7467
Total budget for this site
including salaries:
Equipment:
Chemicals and fertilizers:
Seed and plant material:
Special maintenance challenges:
Name of site:
(Name to be used on placque)
State:
Special projects completed in the last two years:
Entry Category#:
Name of company or agency owning this landscape:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Signature of the company or agency official consenting
to this entry and a release for publicity:
If selected as a winner, I request that the Award read:
Signature:
Name of Site:
(please print)
Title:
Who is responsible for maintaining this landscape?
In-house staff
Important: please provide the name of the person who
will be accepting the award at the banquet:
Outside contractor
(please print)
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Telephone:
Year site was built:
Years I have maintained this site:
Total Acres Maintained
Acres of turf:
Acres of display beds:
Total paved area:
I certify that all of the information provided on this
form and in the accompanying entry is accurate to the
best of my knowledge. I understand that no materials
will be returned and that all material may be used for
publications, promotional purposes, or for other
purposes deemed appropriate. I also certify that all
photographic images are true representations of the site
and have not been altered in any way. I understand that
any award submissions that the judges have determined
to be altered will be returned to the entrant and the
entry will be deemed ineligible. I further understand
that all decisions of the judges are final.
Number of Employees
Full time (year round):
Seasonal:
Other (please specify):
Licensed Pesticide Applicators:
Total labor hrs per week:
Annual expenditures:
(Signature of entrant)
Date
ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY AUGUST 3, 2007
continued on page 16
19
Reward Your Students!
Nominate Them for
the Anne Seaman
Memorial Scholarship
ABOVE: A view of the of the manmade stream that runs through the lush
grounds of The Villas at the Bridges in Rancho Sante Fe, Calif. Landscape
Manager Phil Sauer and a six-man crew make sure the residents’ enjoy a firstclass landscape.
Green Star Awards
(continued from page 15)
the computer downloads the weather for the day and adjusts the irrigation system
accordingly. For example, if a lot of rain is expected for the day, the computer
will automatically adjust the system to not water the property as much. “I can
even call from my phone and adjust the system” he says.
Gaylord Palms Resort is an upscale resort that demands top of the line
grounds management 365 days a year and the grounds crew at TruGreen
LandCare have proven they are up to the challenge.
Plan Now for the 2007 Green Star Competition
It is never to early to start planning for the PGMS Green Star Awards program. That
said, the deadline for entries is Friday, August 3. This probably sounds exactly like
someone saying there is only 100 days before Christmas when it is December, but
as you know there is very little rest for the weary in the grounds management
profession. So, start planning on taking those photos now.
This year the awards will be presented during the 2007 PGMS School of Grounds
Management held in conjunction with 2007 GIE EXPO in Louisville, Ken., from
October 24-27, 2007.
Additional information, including categories of competition, eligibility
requirements, and an application form are available online at
http://www.pgms.org/greenstarawards.htm.
As part of its efforts to advance Grounds
Mangement as a profession, the
Professsional
Grounds
Management
Left: Greg Nichols,
CGM
of Bryn Mayr
Society
offers
the AnneofSeaman
College,(PGMS)
and Kevin
O’Donnell
Memorial University
Scholarship(center)
to those
interested
Villanova
discuss
in
pursuing
higher
education
in
grounds
various aspect of the ASU landscape
management.system with Grounds
maintenance
Supervisor Roger Nelms. Right: PGMS
Management
join PGMS
This program isForum
also afaculty
great member
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Ellen
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benefit for PGMS members. To (2nd
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PGMS member
them. This can
be used as a great recruiting tool to attract
students to your crews. It can also be a
great reward for a job well done by
students already on your crew!
Offered on an annual basis, the Anne
Seaman Memorial Scholarship
provides financial aid to students
currently studying landscape and
grounds management, turf
management, irrigation technology, or
a closely related field.
If you have a student in mind, please
encourage them to apply soon! The
application deadline is Friday, July 6,
2007.
Further information, including application
materials, is available online at
www.pgms.org/seamanscholarship.htm.