President s Message. Next Meeting Information. DC Branch, Inc.

Transcription

1 Vol. XXVII, No. 10 April 2014 DC Branch, Inc. The mission of the PGMS D.C. Branch is to foster integrity and excellence in grounds management by promoting professional development through education programs, networking, community service, and fellowship. President: Eric Wenger Complete Plant Health Care, Inc. Vice President: Christopher Erb Complete Plant Health Care, Inc. Treasurer: Doug McDaniel Grounds Management & Landscaping, Inc. Secretary: Joshua Nadler Bartlett Tree Experts Chair: Adam Newhart City of Gaithersburg At Large: Amanda Lee Laudwein University of Maryland Extension Ken Ingram University of Maryland Marie Rojas Borders and Butterflies, Inc. Term Expires 2014 Mark Scafide City of Gaithersburg Shawn Siefers The Care of Trees Term Expires 2014 Newsletter Editor: Michael Gildea Chevy Chase Club President s Message Spring begins on March 20 th according to my wall calendar, but the ground is white with snow as I write this message... does this seem redundant, because it certainly feels that way? Spring 2014 is coming in fits and starts and I am sure that the frustration is mounting for all of us. It is a good thing that we have PGMS to keep us upbeat and positive. The March 6 th meeting at the Chevy Chase Club was an event that puts the exclamation point after positive! Our host, Michael Gildea, the Chevy Chase Club and their entire staff went above and beyond the call of duty to create a positive and upbeat meeting and in doing so they shows what sets the DC Branch apart from the pack. The food, drink and atmosphere were beyond anyone s expectations and I m sure that the nearly 100 members and guests in attendance recognized how lucky they were to be there. Our sponsor, Mr. David Hadary of Green Stripe Products could not have picked a better meeting as his first. David told us about his organic line of compost and soil amendments and they seem like a perfect fit for any of us that work with soil and planting. (continued on page 2) Next Meeting Information Meeting: Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 6:00 PM Location: The Catholic University of America Host: Chris Vetick Sponsors: Grounds Management, Inc.; Fountainhead Irrigation; Chesapeake Valley Seed; Horticultural Alliance Meeting will feature a tour of the Catholic University Campus with an emphasis on their sustainable practices and their partnership with Casey Trees. Directions on Page 6. Page 1

2 President s Message, continued President s Message, continued Having Paula Shrewsbury give an extremely timely presentation was the Icing on the Cake. Her topic about pollinators and pesticides was enlightening and relevant for all of us and I hope that everyone takes a closer look at how they perform pest control and which products they choose to use within their IPM programs. A special thanks to Joe Proskine and Shawn Siefers for doing an outstanding job so far this year with the raffle. Newsom seed was also very generous in their donations for the March meeting and that generosity is much appreciated. The next DC Branch meeting will be held at Catholic University on April 3 rd at 6 PM. This meeting will be a follow up from our April 2013 visit, where our host Chris Vetick introduced us to Catholic University s Sustainability Program for their grounds maintenance through a Power Point presentation. This April we will get a tour of the grounds (weather permitting) to see their program in action. I am very excited to see the grounds at Catholic University and what Chris and his staff are doing to stay on the cutting edge of grounds maintenance. Be sure to RSVP early for this meeting. Page 2

3 Other PGMS DC Branch News: Job Openings Job Openings: Certified Arborist Project Manager A dynamic Landscape & Environmental business is seeking an energetic & highly motivated individual who desires to be part of a Growth Oriented Team. Candidate must have ISA Arborist certification, Vegetation mgmt.as it relates to Power company lines & Project Mgmt. skills Position requires proficient computer skills. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience. resume to kkey@ashtonmanorenv.com HORTICULTURE CREW LEADER & CREW MEMBER NEEDED FOR FINE GARDENING COMPANY Gardens Remembered, LLC is a small, detail oriented gardening service catering to fine residential gardens in the Washington, DC Metro Area. Specializing in extensive horticultural care for elite clients, areas of work include, but are not limited to: Pruning Aesthetic & Structural Design & Installation of Annuals & Perennials General Garden Maintenance Mowing Leaf & Debris Blowing/Removal Event Garden Staging Snow Removal Snow Blower & Shoveling Holiday Lighting Many of our jobs are referred to us by Landscape Architects & Designers, and require a more thorough approach to their gardening needs not found with traditional landscape maintenance firms. Our goal always remains in bringing clients gardens to a higher level. Currently, we are seeking (2) applicants to join our team. One position will require a working knowledge of fine detailed pruning with an emphasis in overall fine garden care. The other position is an entry level position, but will require a strong desire to learn fine gardening. Applicants must be able to work at least 3 full days per week in all types of weather, speak fluent English, and be able to lift and carry heavy items. Crew Leader requires an educational background in horticulture whether completed or in the process of completing. Crew Member is an entry level position and requires a true desire to learn proper gardening techniques. We offer a competitive pay rate and are willing to work with your school scheduling. If this type of work interests you, please your resume with cover letter to: Gabrielle Dandy-Horn, Business Manager, Gardens Remembered, LLC Gardens_Remembered@comcast.net. Phone Calls will not be accepted. Have something you want to announce to fellow PGMS DC Branch members? Have a special remembrance of one of our past meetings? How about a special picture? We d love to share through our monthly newsletter for you! Contact our Editor, Michael Gildea (mikeg@chevychaseclub.org)

4 Upcoming DC Branch Meeting Sites & Programs April 3, 2014 Catholic University (Washington, DC) Program: Tour and Sustainability Talk Site Contact: Chris Vetick Sponsors: Grounds Management, Inc.; Fountainhead Irrigation; Chesapeake Valley Seed; Horticultural Alliance May 1, 2014 Casey Trees (Washington, DC) Program: TBD Site Contact: Sue Erhardt June 5, 2014 Virginia Theological Seminary Program: TBD Site Contact: Steve Slominski July 17, 2014 American University (Washington, DC) Program: Field Day, Trade Show, and Seminar Site Contact: Mark Feist and Stephanie Destefano August 7, 2014 Olney Garden Center (Silver Spring, Maryland) Program: TBD Site Contact: Bill Harris September 4, 2014 Ruppert Nursery Program: TBD Site Contact: Adam Tankersely October 2, 2014 University of Maryland, Turfgrass Research Center Program: Site Tour/Talk Site Contact: Ken Ingram November 6, 2014 Gaithersburg Equipment (Maryland) Program: Site Tour/Talk and Elections Site Contact: Jimmy Jacobs Page 4

5 Sponsors and Educational/Training Opportunities Educational & Employee Training Opportunities Spring Landscaping Classes at Montgomery College Starting January 27 th Do you-- Want to learn about designing gardens & landscapes with digital tools? Want to incorporate more native plants in your business or home landscape? Want to learn the newest techniques for plant propagation like hydroponics and tissue culture? Want to learn how to identify and select the best trees, shrubs, and ground covers for good results? Express Certification Your FAST track to legal pesticide application. Online Training at your convenience! Take the exams in as little as two or three months. Approved for Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. (See website for details Contact: David Jefferson If any of these want to s is on your list for 2014, the Montgomery College Landscape Technology program is offering great classes to help you meet your goals and 3 class locations to make learning more convenient! Classes are offered at the Germantown and Takoma Park Campuses and at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood. For further information contact: Steve Dubik, steve.dubik@montgomerycollege.edu Page 5

6 Upcoming Green Industry Events MAC ISA Tree Climbing Championship April 5, 2014 National Arboretum, Washington, DC For information, visit: Interstate Ornamental Plant Management Conference April 7, 2014 Maritime Institute of Technology, Linthicum Heights, MD For information visit: Green Industry Field Day July 17, 2014 American University, Washington, DC Details to follow in the next few months! PGMS Spring Regional Seminar and Site Visit August 4 and 5, 2014 Minneapolis, Minnesota For information, visit: PGMS School of Grounds Management Conference October 22-24, 2014 Louisville, Kentucky For information, visit: Page 5

7 Next PGMS DC Branch Meeting: The Catholic University of America WANT TO SAVE GAS? Or just like the company of a carpool? Contact Amanda Laudwein a week before the meeting to make arrangements: laudwein@umd.edu, or Directions to The Catholic University of America Location: The Catholic University of America 620 Michigan Ave, NE Washington, DC Columbus School of Law Room 205 Host: Chris Vetick, Assistant Director of Grounds and Fleet Sponsors: Grounds Management, Inc. Fountainhead irrigation Chesapeake Valley Seed Horticultural Alliance The meeting will feature a tour of the Catholic University Campus with an emphasis on their sustainable practices and their partnership with Casey Trees. Please see the map below for the location on campus of the Columbus School of Law building, and the room # 205 where the meeting will be held. Parking will be available in the parking garage right next to the Law School. The map also shows the Pangborn lot just south of the Law School which is another available parking area without any gate arms. Page 6

8 Visit and thank our sponsors listed here and throughout the newsletter! Contractor Yard for Rent Contractor Yard For Rent in Kensington, MD - 1 year Lease, up to 20,000 sq. ft. $3,000 monthly. John@johnshorblandscaping.com Flower Bulb displays for retail Garden Centers featuring: The Biltmore Estate horticultural collection pre-packaged and loose display boxes crates of tropical and holiday items Flower Bulbs for your Garden Designs and Greenhouse Operations Tulips Crocus Elephant Ears Daffodils Fritillaria Dahlias Hyacinth Cannas Lilies Alliums Callas bare-root perennials Netherland Bulb Co is one of the largest exporters of Dutch flower bulbs. Still family owned and operated on both sides of the ocean offering the highest quality bulbs at the most competitive prices. Your area representative is listed below: Don Tyson, Landscape Accounts dtyson@netherlandbulb.com Phone Fax Netherland Bulb Co., Inc PGMS DC Branch Virginia Cooperative Extension IPM Net DC Cooperative Extension Green Industry Seminar University of Maryland Extension

9 PGMS Event Candids Left: David Hadary with Green Stripe Products was our March meeting sponsor Middle Left: Marie Rojas, David Jefferson, Ludwig, Schneider, and Sharon Baxley enjoying the meeting at the Chevy Chase Club Bottom Left: Paula Shrewsbury gave a fascinating presentation on the latest research on the effects of pesticides on bees and other pollinators Below: Thank you to everyone who provided raffle prizes. The money from the raffle goes directly to our Branch Scholarship Fund Special thanks to the Chevy Chase Club for hosting and Green Stripe Products for sponsoring November s meeting! Page 8

10 DC Branch, Inc. The mission of the PGMS D.C. Branch is to foster integrity and excellence in grounds management by promoting professional development through education programs, networking, community service, and fellowship. Professional Grounds Management Society DC Branch News 1708 Grandads Lane Silver Spring, MD