Colorado Green July/Aug 2019

JULY/AUG 2019 | VOL 35, NO 4 WWW.ALCC.COM

SLM Colorado builds momentum Fisk Lawnscapes improves selection and retention with hiring days Irrigation leak detection technology can save on insurance claims

years 2019

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In this issue

July/Aug 2019 | Vol 35 | No 4

Feature 46

Sustainable Landscape Management Colorado

Initiative is gaining momentum

Profile

22

46

Irrigation turnaround saves millions of gallons of water

EDI’s irrigation upgrades and maintenance exceeded client’s water-savings goals

BY CHERIE COURTADE

25

Fisk Lawnscapes says goodbye to job interviews

A new hiring strategy works better for selection and retention

28

BY LYN DEAN

Ecoscape builds a culture of appreciation The company turns the tables and thanks its vendors

BY CHERIE COURTADE

Business Sense

28

30

Little leaks can cause big damage and insurance claims What’s new in leak detectors and shut-off systems can help

BY TROY D. SIBELIUS, CIC, CRM, FASLA

32

Seven immutable truths that will turbocharge your business What I have learned from my clients

BY JEFFREY SCOTT, MBA

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In this issue

July/Aug 2019 | Vol 35 | No 4

Departments

010 13 53

Perspective Green News & Notes Ad Index

Milestones

20

19

Tracking the evolution of water-wise landscapes

Workforce

42

Plant sales are about more than the funds raised

Valuable business and life skills are learned

BY CHERIE COURTADE

Top Plant Picks

42

52 8

www.alcc.com

50

CSU Research

52

Spotlight on Plant SelectÂŽ

Use these columnar trees and shrubs in small spaces Native, low-maintenance Goldhill golden-aster survives extremes

Parting Shot

54

Children dosed with green space make happier adults

Cover photo: High Style in the Pines Lifescape Colorado

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publication ALCC servingindustry the green in industry in the Rocky Mountain region Official publication Official of ALCC servingofthe green the Rocky Mountain region

Perspective

C O L O R A D O

SLM is gaining momentum and community buy-in

Official publication of ALCC serving the green industry in the Rocky Mountain region

As

we make our way through the hottest months

of the year, we recognize the need for water

conservation and sustainable practices in our landscapes. But ALCC understands that those sustainable John McMahon practices are crucial to implement all year—not just when the weather is hot.

To that end, our Sustainable Landscape Management (SLM) initiative will roll out this fall to help keep sustainability top of mind. The goal is to integrate principles of healthy, water-wise landscaping into everyday landscape maintenance in Colorado.

As we go to press on this issue of Colorado Green, we have received endorsements from more than a dozen partners, including Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Denver Parks & Recreation, and BrightView Landscape Services—with many more endorsements pending final approval. You can see the full current list on page 49. These approvals underscore the fact that community allies recognize the need for ongoing, proactive conservation. It should be more than a reaction to crisis—it should be a daily practice.

In the coming months, we will introduce classes in SLM. Upon successful completion of the course and passing the post-class exam, participants will receive a certificate to demonstrate their training in sustainable landscape maintenance. Ultimately, we hope to educate consumers on the meaning and value of that certificate so that they can make informed, responsible choices when hiring a landscape contractor.

As we move forward with certificate classes and make the SLM Colorado maintenance manual available to landscape professionals statewide, ALCC also plans to work with municipalities to make SLM part of city codes. Writing these principles into building requirements and HOA bylaws can help change the look of our landscapes by making sustainability the norm.

With the threat of drought ever-present in our state, it makes sense that we who care for the built environment act as stewards of our natural resources. ALCC’s efforts at water conservation and putting the right plant in the right place will now have a formal, written set of recommendations for responsible care of our landscapes.

Through SLM Colorado, we are enabling professionals to continue making our urban and suburban spaces better by nature.

John McMahon, CEO, ALCC

Colorado Green Production Team

C O L O R A D O

EDITORIAL

ALCC CEO John McMahon Editor Lyn Dean Official publication of ALCC serving the green industry in the Rocky Mountain region Communications Director Cherie Courtade Circulation and Adminstration Rachael Coleman DESIGN

C O L O R A D O

Graphic Design Tracy Gulden ADVERTISING SALES

Sales Director Amy McCraken Official (303) 478-7895 publication of ALCC serving the green industry in the Rocky Mountain region AmyM@EvergreenCustomMedia.com Sales Director Martha Dickenson (303) 257-6499 Mimi_nwp@yahoo.com CONTACT

Feedback, ideas, subscriptions 303 757-5611 or info@alcc.com

Published by ALCC for the green industry in the Rocky Mountain region

ALCC

President Matt Hiner Hiner Landscapes, Colorado Springs Vice President Michael Moore Diggable Designs LLC, Lakewood Past President Mike Ransom Lifescape Colorado, Denver

Colorado Green (ISSN0195-0045) is published bimonthly by the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, Inc., 1660 S. Albion St., Suite 831, Denver, Colorado 80222, phone: 303-757-5611, fax: 303-757-5636. Colorado Green is distributed to contributing members and professionals throughout Colorado, and educational and governmental institutions across the state. Subscription rates: $27 per year; $6.75 per copy. Colorado residents only, please add 3.5% sales tax. Postage paid at Denver, Colorado. Publisher assumes no responsibility for safekeeping or return of unsolicited photos or manuscripts, and reserves all rights to edit material submitted for publication. Approval for publication of copyrighted material submitted to Colorado Green is the sole responsibility of the advertiser/contributing authors. ©2019 by Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado. All rights reserved. Reproduction of materials contained herein allowed only with permission of the publisher. Post master: Please send Form 3579 to ALCC, 1660 S. Albion St., Suite 831, Denver, Colorado 80222.

For advertising inquiries, please call Amy McCraken at 303-478-7895, or email amym@evergreencustom media.com.

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Photo courtesy Designscapes Colorado

Green News& Notes

This tranquil retreat seemlessly blends built and natural elements.

D

Designscapes receives HGTV award

esignscapes Colorado, Centennial, received the HGTV (Home & Garden Television) Editor’s Pick Award for A Tranquil Retreat in the Woods. This Evergreen project was submitted for HGTV’s annual Ultimate Outdoor Awards competition in the Outdoor Oasis category.

The design features a pond encircled with grasses and fir trees for a meditative calm. Designscapes Colorado used native plants and local materials, including a fire pit surrounded by boulders, to blend with the natural landscape. Landscape lighting attractively illuminates the natural setting when the sun is down.

July/Aug 2019 Colorado Green

13

Green News & Notes

Who’s Who in Agriculture recognizes Edmundson and Thorn

M

att Edmundson, president, Arbor Valley Nursery based in Brighton, and Don Thorn, executive director Colorado FFA Foundation were selected for Denver Business Journal’s inaugural “Who’s Who in Agriculture.” The event, held May 9 at The Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, honored 40 people recognized for their accomplishments within the agriculture industry. Nominees were accepted from any field, including water,

Photo courtesy Arbor Valley Nursery

Photo courtesy Colorado FFA Foundation

education, biotech, food/nutrition, crop and livestock production, greenhouses and more.

Colorado FFA partners with ALCC in the Landscape Career Pathways Program in high schools throughout the state. Arbor Valley Nursery is also a supporter of the Pathways program, offering materials and volunteers to student projects and partnering with ALCC to present the student day activities at ProGreen EXPO.

Angie and Matt Edmundson at The Brown Palace

Colorado companies make L&L top 100

N

ine Colorado companies earned placement on the Lawn & Landscape Top 100 list for 2019, including three ALCC member companies that debuted this year. The list includes companies based in Colorado as well as those based elsewhere with operations in Colorado.

Five Colorado-based businesses making the list are Metco Landscape, Aurora, No. 26; Landtech Contractors, Aurora, No. 64; Designscapes Colorado, Centennial, No. 75; Designs by Sundown, Littleton, No. 84 and Environmental Designs Inc., Henderson, No. 92.

Landtech, Designscapes Colorado and Environmental Designs are first-timers on the list.

Four companies based elsewhere but do business in Colorado include: BrightView, No. 1; The Davey Tree Expert Co., No. 3; SavATree, No. 14 and The Grounds Guys, No. 17. Though The Gounds Guys is not based in Colorado, there are franchisees in the state who are ALCC members.

Don Thorn

Photos courtesy Andy Klatt

Alpine Gardens adopts Grandview Elementary for community outreach

S

Grandview students in their outdoor classroom

taff from Alpine Gardens assisted in the construction of a flagstone patio at Grandview Elementary School, Windsor. The patio, which sits beneath a pergola donated by local businesses, created an outdoor classroom for students. Additionally, Alpine Gardens, with the help of students, teachers and parent volunteers, planted shrubs and perennials at Grandview in April. The garden was designed to stimulate the senses of smell, taste, texture and sound.

Grandview Elementary has a unique program initiated through physical education

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teacher, Andy Klatt. “Phys-Agucation” highlights cross-curriculum learning about good health and growing plants. It includes topics such as HDL and LDL cholesterol, and the glucose curve, as well as horticulture, irrigation, sustainable gardening and landscape design.

Klatt is passionate about teaching children about nutrition and where food comes from.

He uses movement and fun, creative activities to engage students. Outside traditional school hours, Klatt says about 125 students participate in an after-school garden club.

Alpine Gardens and Klatt have an ongo-

ing relationship. The company’s staff volunteer in some of Grandview’s school activities, and Klatt has worked during the summer for Alpine Gardens—including on crews. “What I learn from landscape feeds through to ag,” says Klatt. “The students learn about nutrition and how food grows.”

Klatt’s passion for agriculture developed while participating in his first continuing education program offered through Colorado Foundation for Agriculture.

Green News & Notes

onnen Equipment, Commerce City,

opened a new facility in Gillette, WY,

in April. The company operates out of 10 locations in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Idaho, which means it can handle large and compact equipment needs for businesses throughout the Rocky Mountain Region.

The Gillette facility enables Honnen Equipment to accommodate continued growth, while providing additional services and parts to clients, including in-shop service for all makes and manufacturers and greater parts warehouse capacity.

“We are very excited about the increased space at the new location in Gillette which will help to provide our customers better parts availability, additional service offerings and more machines in the yard for sales and rentals,” said Mark Honnen, president.

Photo courtesy Honnen Equipment

H

Honnen Equipment growth continues with new Wyoming center

Honnen Equipment’s Gillette facility

CPS opens new South Denver location

On

Photo courtesy ALCC

June 3, CPS Distributors

opened a new South Denver

branch at 7660 E. Jewell Avenue, with a focus on servicing professional irrigation and landscaping contractors, golf course superintendents, sports field managers and other green industry professionals. The new location is equipped with two training rooms and over 13,000 sq. ft. of showroom and warehouse space. Nick Alexander will manage the location. A grand opening celebration is planned for July 18.

CPS Distributors new E. Jewell Avenue branch

O

DBC opens new Aurora location

pening its newest location in Aurora June 10, DBC Irrigation Supply now has 15 locations in Colorado.

The new five-acre lot is located at 4th Avenue and Laredo Street in Aurora. Chuck Smith, longtime branch manager at DBC’s Parker branch, has taken the helm at the new branch.

In addition to being a full-service irrigation location, the Aurora branch is also the main outdoor living location, with a full Paver World display in the works.

Photo courtesy ALCC

Inside DBC’s new location July/Aug 2019 Colorado Green

15

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better

by nature

Being a member of ALCC has helped me get my foot in the door with other landscape professionals and has provided me a sense of community. It is such a relief to know people who understand my challenges and inspire me to be a better business owner.

In return, I’m ready to support them any way I’m able.

Mike Moore, CEO/Owner

Diggable Designs Landscape Construction, LLC ALCC member since 2010

ALCC is committed to helping landscape companies succeed Demonstrate your professionalism

Show the public that you strive to do business ethically and responsibly.

Build relationships that build your business

Success can depend as much on whom you know as what you know. ALCC can help you make the right connections to grow your business.

Get valuable education and training

Take advantage of educational opportunities that have been designed by landscape contractors for landscape contractors.

Shape the course of the industry Join ALCC and experience firsthand what makes our members better by nature

ALCC influences policy at the local, state and federal level.

The more members we have, the stronger our voice is— and the easier it is to protect and advance your business and the future of our industry.

Visit ALCC.com/membership or call 303.757.5611 to learn more

Milestones

Tracking the evolution Photo courtesy Changing Landscapes, Inc.

of water-wise landscapes C

olorado Green began around the same time that the principles of Xeriscape were

being developed, and the pages of the magazine have offered a glimpse into the his tory of this water-conserving landscape system. When Colorado Green launched, Colorado was still suffering the effects of a drought in 1977, so the concept of Xeriscape, created right here in the state, was an exciting new idea.

In 1984, a series of articles looked at the reception of Xeriscape within the green industry and among property owners. “After three years, where is it?� explored how municipalities across Colorado and throughout the West incorporated low-water landscapes into their plans.

July/Aug 2019 Colorado Green

19

Milestones

The goal is to promote the greening of Colorado while encouraging the wise use of plant materials.

X Photo courtesy Changing Landscapes, Inc.

For the tenth anniversary of Xeriscape in 1981, these pages published a brief history of the concept. In this story, then-president of the Xeriscape Colorado! Organization, Steven Boand, addressed a misconception about the system that remains a problem with the public’s ideas about it: “Xeriscape is not ‘Zeroscape;’ the goal is to promote the greening of Colorado while encouraging the wise use of plant materials.”

The economics of Xeriscape were not lost on Colorado Green’s staff.

They saw that the interest in Xeriscape offered a business opportunity for the green industry. In the Winter 1985 issue, a story on “Xeriscape— Future Options for the Industry” observed that Colorado’s population growth and constant threat of drought set a stage for growing interest in water-wise landscaping. Demand for and cost of water were on the rise; water-conscious landscaping could address those issues, save water and money, and provide opportunity for green industry companies.

A 1991 Xeriscape West event on the Western slope was a standing-room-only conference and garden show, and Colorado Green was there. Interest continued, with articles focused on Xeriscape in action, like the many options for drip irrigation.

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Milestones

Photo courtesy Lifescape Associates

Photo courtesy Designs By Sundown

By the late 1990s, a new generation of landscape professionals was reading the magazine, and it was time to revisit the origins of Xeriscape (“In the beginning, A history of Xeriscape,” Winter 1998).

By then, the magazine included a column called “Xeriscape News” that tackled related topics. There was also a Xeriscape category in the Excellence in Landscape Awards; coverage of the awards in the magazine helped demonstrate the beauty of landscapes built and/or maintained in accordance with the seven principles.

The 25th anniversary of Xeriscape in 2006 provided an opportunity for Colorado Green contributors to look at the evolution of Xeriscape and discuss both successes and failures. Twenty-five years later, as today, water-wise landscapes continued to face misperceptions.

But the pages of the magazine serve as an outlet to remind landscape professionals that water-wise landscapes need not be all rocks, cacti or mulch. They give professionals an opportunity to show peers that these landscapes provide a lucrative business 2019 model, whether you use the oft-misunderstand “X word” or not.

The principles of Xeriscape remain the same, but their application

years

continues to evolve with technology, research, and consumer trends. For its part, Colorado Green continues to keep landscape professionals up-to-date on the latest. |CG

years 2019

July/Aug 2019 Colorado Green

21

Profiles

Irrigation turnaround saves of of

millions gallons water EDI’s irrigation upgrades and maintenance met, then exceeded, client’s water-savings goals

By Cherie Courtade

Caption 22

www.alcc.com

Profiles

At

the reception for The 2019 ELITE Awards, there was a lot of buzz in the

room when the announcer read the water savings statistics that earned Envi ronmental Designs, Inc. (EDI), Henderson, The ELITE Award for Irrigation Management: more than 5 million gallons saved per year. The numbers were impressive, due not just to the large size of the site but to the extensive work put in by EDI to bring the property’s irrigation system into the 21st century and within the water budget mandate.

Centerra Metro District’s (CMD) previous system was installed more than a decade ago, when the site was developed. The site consists of eight City of Loveland hydrozones, pieces of property with a distinct water tap and a city-mandated water budget. It also consists of areas that are not hydrozoned, but that the CMD board of directors wishes to have water conservation measures in place. The vision and mission of the CMD is to bring people closer to nature through the creation of commercial and retail spaces that support the landscape.

This large-scale complicated property requires rigorous irrigation management and high-quality landscape maintenance. Over time, however, inconsistent maintenance resulted in high inefficiency. The property continuously exceeded its water budget, and a change was imperative.

Getting to the root of the problem

In spring 2015, EDI took on maintenance of the property, and they conducted an extensive initial irrigation audit. Controller by controller, tap by tap, they inspected the entire

system in order to identify all areas where water loss or waste might occur.

The audit revealed nearly half of the system was in disrepair. EDI’s first order of business was to bring the system back to its original specifications; from there they could consider water-saving improvements. Issues uncovered included: • Many mainline breaks that had never been found or reported.

• Flow sensors that had never been activated.

• Master valves that were left open (and could no longer be closed).

• Several irrigation zones that had simply been turned off, perhaps an attempt to limit water use.

Project budget constraints meant that EDI could not simply replace the extensive irrigation system to resolve these issues. Chason Geister, branch manager and business devel-

Photo courtesy McWHINNEY

Controller by controller, tap by tap, they inspected the entire system in order to identify all areas where water loss or waste might occur.

Centerra’s Community master plan July/Aug 2019 Colorado Green

23

Photos courtesy Environmental Designs, Inc.

“If we as contractors want to keep a good name for ourselves, we need to be willing to open the lines of communication.”

Photo courtesy

Laying the groundwork

Chason Geister

opment for Northern Colorado at EDI, began by learning the existing Toro Sentinel system.

“I took some classes, used tutorials and utilized many resources including many resources from CPS Distributing to learn everything I could.”

The existing master valves and flow sensors were left in place, and the EDI team tried to repair all leaks and bring the system up to specifications. “First, we had to locate all isolation valves—no simple task since it required reviewing tens of miles of main line,” said Geister. “We replaced broken parts and identified which parts of the system had been shut off.”

24

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In late 2015, Geister delivered the news to the CMD board of directors. He explained the existing, outdated control system, and they were able to understand the issues that were causing water loss. They also understood what needed to be done.

From 2015 into 2016, EDI fixed breakages.

Restoring the system to be fully operational resulted in a spike in water use. “I estimate that 75% of the water loss was due to damage,” said Geister, “and the property needed more aggressive irrigation maintenance to reduce that loss.”

Addressing the next challenges

The following season, the focus was on repairing the irrigation that serves the native acreage of the property. The mission of CMD aims to strike a balance between manicured and natural/native habitat. Much, though not all, of the natural landscape is irrigated.

In early 2016, EDI received approval from CMD and Pinnacle Consulting Group, Inc. to upgrade the control system, “bringing it into the 21st century,” as Geister explained. He did much research to identify the most appropriate upgrades and worked with distributors to

find the best price.

The new online control platform and the installation of rain sensors “made a huge difference.” The old spray heads installed more than 10 years ago were replaced with pressure regulation/rotary nozzles.

Water efficiency was further enhanced by the update. Sensors meant that irrigation would no longer run during rain. The ET Water control system uses 24/7 weather forecasting, downloading local weather station data each day.

Ultimately, water usage fell to 24% below the budget mandate from 2016-2018.

Replacing master valves and flow sensors in 2017 was a significant move. “That was tremendous,” said Geister. “It took us two and a half months to replace all of the master valves in the system. When everything is calibrated properly, we receive alerts in real time: main breaks, high- or low-flow alerts. Very little water is lost due to those issues.”

2017 was also a turning point in that CMD chose Geister to be CMD’s Irrigation Administrator. He manages all aspects of the CMD’s irrigation, setting and maintaining irrigation programming, seasonally adjusting as needed, and overseeing installations and repairs.

Each morning, Geister spends two hours checking system alerts, a daily effort resulting in great water savings. It also saves a tremendous amount of time since one person can observe and manage the system remotely rather than multiple employees checking the property on-site.

The result of all this effort: over 10 million gallons of water saved over the past two years. .

Credit where credit is due

Geister is quick to credit EDI’s partners at CMD, McWHINNEY and Pinnacle for the success of the irrigation overhaul. “None of this has been a one-man show. We have a deep and consistent collaboration with CMD and Pinnacle.”

“If we as contractors want to keep a good name for ourselves, we need to be willing to open the lines of communication,” Geister says. “Transparency is important. Some people might be afraid to report issues for fear that it will reflect poorly upon them. But honesty and respect can go a long way. Work with your clients to show them what can be improved, and give them options.”

“Say to them: ‘This is what we need to do to make your landscape better,’” he continued.

“Collaborate with your clients. Most of the time it leads to excellent results.”

EDI continues to maintain the property and enhance water savings each season. |CG

Profiles

Fisk Lawnscapes

says goodbye to job interviews A new hiring strategy works better for selection and retention

B

Lyn Dean

en Fisk founded Fisk Lawnscapes,

Colorado Springs, in 2002 while still in

high school, with a $50 lawn mower purchased from Goodwill. He mowed lawns during that summer. He enjoyed helping customers’ yards look better and was motivated to learn more.

Fisk, a confessed “big reader” and a “learnby-doing” person, started to branch out in his landscape offerings as he learned more. He also partnered with a landscape architect throughout the early years and learned a lot about design. He also took classes to learn more about plants, including native plants, making use of many local educational resources.

During the first few years of the company, Fisk enrolled at University of Colorado Colorado Springs and majored in business. His commitment to learning and growing were reflected in the hours he put in. Fisk continued to work on crews in the field during the day, while taking classes from about 4-10 p.m. that were followed by homework. At the time his landscape business consisted of one landscape crew and one maintenance crew.

Now, having grown the company to nine crews in 17 years, Fisk has insights to share.

Hire the right people

Easier said than done, as Fisk knows firsthand. “I’ve made mistakes and I’ve learned,” he says. “When it’s not a good fit, sometimes the kindest thing to do is let people go.”

He admits to struggling to find a way to hire “the right” people. For Fisk, the right people mean having the desired skills as well as a fit with the culture. The company has had a mis-

Photo courtesy Fisk Lawnscapes

Early years

Benjamin Fisk

sion statement, a set of core values and a code of conduct from the beginning. Each points to ethics and standards Fisk wants his employees to abide by, both to create teams with integrity as well as provide excellent customer service.

In 2017, with high turnover of employees at the tech level, the cost to the company to rehire and rebuild teams, and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction, reached a critical level for Fisk. He needed a better way to find and retain the right people.

He borrowed ideas from the 2016 book, The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate The Three Essential Virtues. The essential

Having grown the company to nine crews in 17 years, Fisk has insights to share.

July/Aug 2019 Colorado Green

25

Profiles

virtues identified in the book for strong cohesive teams are people who are humble, hungry and smart.

“You can’t grow a company without growing the team. The entire company rises when you raise the bar on leadership and development.”

Forget about job interviews

The premise of the three essential virtues resonated with Fisk. How does an employer assess these qualities—humble, hungry and smart—before hiring? That was Fisk’s challenge. For example, he explains that ‘smart’ isn’t just about certain skills or knowledge, “it’s also about EI—emotional intelligence.

I want employees to have a good experience working with each other and for the company, and to feel like they belong.”

In spring 2018, Fisk decided to eliminate the interview process and rolled out “hiring days.” For a hiring day, about 50-60 applicants are screened and 12-15 are invited to participate. “It could be called a ‘working interview,’” says Fisk.

“We give them a project to work on together, and assess their drive to work a task as well how they work with others and solve problems.” The work project—at our business location—includes physical work to assess ‘hunger,’ such as using a pick or shovel to dig up yuccas within a set amount of time, as well as team exercises.

He emphasizes that it’s a big deal for his company to do things right for the customer and to be humble and take responsibility when a mistake is made. By observing candidates during the working interviews, Fisk feels he and 4-5 evaluators, who are supervisors or foreman, get a good sense of who is a good fit for the company.

It’s one thing to be hired and another to commit to longevity.

Photos courtesy Fisk Lawnscapes

Confirming commitment with commitment

26

Crew members constructing a wall www.alcc.com

It’s one thing to be hired and another to commit to longevity. Before being hired, Fisk says he asks candidates at least three times during the working interview if they are willing to commit through Oct. 31. He tells them he commits to paying them a season-end cash bonus if they stay as promised. “Commitment is a two-way street.” The company also recognizes people and teams throughout the season in other ways such as with gift cards, cash bonuses and paid time off.

Fisk Lawnscapes team

By the end of the 2018 season, the company’s first year using hiring days to screen employees, Fisk was happy with the outcome.

“Turnover was minimal, and people showed up wanting to work.”

Moving forward

As the 2019 season got started, four new hires from 2018 are now either foreman or candidates for foreman. A few returned as techs, but not all. By early May this year, Fisk Lawnscapes had held three hiring days and hired 12-13 people, filling most of the crews.

“So far, our hiring day solution has worked well,” says Fisk. He also recognizes the value of ongoing personal and professional development to strengthen the company. Employees get an education stipend, and the company will pay for certification.

“We blend crews, putting less experienced people with those more experienced, to promote on-the-job learning,” says Fisk. “You can’t grow a company without growing the team. The entire company rises when you raise the bar on leadership and development.” |CG

Residential hardscape project July/Aug 2019 Colorado Green

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Profiles

Ecoscape builds a culture of appreciation The company turns the tables and thanks its vendors

By Cherie Courtade

S

uppliers often host barbecues, parties,

and even trips to thank their landscape

company clients. But two years ago, Ecoscape Environmental Design, Boulder, turned the tables by hosting a vendor appreciation party in order to spend time getting to know people from the businesses that serve them every day.

The design/build/maintenance company works with supply companies, media partners,

artisans & service providers, but they don’t often get to interact with them in person or have time for casual chat during busy workdays.

“Like many companies, we rely on email and phone interactions to do our jobs, and never meet the people that we count on to help keep the business running,” explains Karina Zedalis, who handles business development and office logistics for Ecoscape. “Likewise, our field staff works with various vendors,

sub-contractors and stores, but are on the go all the time, without much time for extraneous conversation.”

The second annual party in mid-March featured corn-hole toss games on the front lawn, party swag in green for St. Patrick’s Day, raffle prizes, festive food & drink, and live bluegrass music from Steepland String Band. The band included a former Ecoscape maintenance foreman, Alex Wissing, on upright bass and vocals.

Photoss courtesy Ecoscape Environmental Design.

“We learned more about our vendors and strengthened ties.”

Lisa Sangelo, Ecoscape designer, dressed for the St. Patrick’s Day theme.

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Design, office, and field staff all enjoyed having the space and time to make conversation and connections. They shared information and experiences over Irish soda bread and Guinness. “We learned more about our vendors and strengthened ties,” says Zedalis.

“Some of our design staff met vendors faceto-face, that previously had only been virtual.”

Not all connections were strictly business, either. One advertising partner came to the party with his three children in tow. That led him to a conversation about fatherhood with landscape manager Andrew Haller, himself a father of two.

Family obligations prevented some staff from staying for the party, but Ecoscape’s company culture recognizes that family may come first over business. “And that’s okay,” Zedalis stressed, “because we know the value in doing these types of events, and will continue to provide opportunities for relationship building, whether it is in-house gatherings with our employees or extended ones with our local business community!” |CG

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Business Sense

Little leaks can cause big damage and insurance claims What’s new in leak detectors, shut-off systems and can help

L

By Troy D. Sibelius, CIC, CRM, FASLA

30

www.alcc.com

eak detectors, water shut-off systems, landscape irrigation and insurance—what a combination! It’s a winning combination for landscape businesses that could help customers with water conservation, insurance premium savings and avoiding potential water damage to a home or business.

Most of you are probably already aware of master irrigation shut-off valves and new smart clock technology that can help monitor water and minimize unwanted water usage for landscape irrigation systems. But there are now a number of new leak detection systems that can detect undesirable water flow and leakage throughout an entire residence, whether

Business Sense

the source is inside or outside. These systems have gained traction through various insurance carrier endorsements including Safeco, Liberty Mutual, Farmers, Chubb, Progressive and Travelers. Water damage in homes is one of the leading costs of insurance claims across the nation. A small leak can cause thousands of dollars of property damage if left unattended.

Insurance carriers were early backers of leak detection

Insurance carriers are starting to realize these new leak detection systems can be extremely beneficial to quickly catch water leaks in refrigerator ice-making machines, overflowing toilets, and broken water hoses for dishwashers and washing machines. They can shut off the water quickly, helping to minimize potential damages. It’s not a big stretch to consider that these systems could also potentially help with leaks in landscape irrigation systems.

…new leak detection systems can detect undesirable water flow and leakage throughout an entire residence, whether the source is inside or outside.

Landscape companies can add more value with leak detection

Installation for most of these leak detections systems does typically require a nearby electrical outlet and wi-fi access for proper operation, and most systems requires a plumber to install because it is installed on the main water line. The cost for these types of systems for a typical household ranges from $300 to $700 depending on the type and quality, but is a very wise investment considering water damage is a leading source for residential insurance claims.

Landscape and irrigation installation companies should think about promoting and offering these water leak detection systems when installing new irrigation systems for a client’s landscape. It could be one more value-added service you offer to your customers that will benefit them in many ways while also providing them a great landscape! These systems can also supply valuable information about a homeowner’s daily water usage and help them develop better ways to continue to work on water conservation. |CG

Troy D. Sibelius

Photo courtesy The Buckner Company

Did you know that many homeowners’ insurance policies may exclude damage from subsurface water that leaks into your home from the exterior of your house? This could include slow and continuous water leakage from an exterior sprinkler system that may be seeping into your basement or foundation.

Water leak detection system manufacturers are exploring how to work closely with irrigation equipment manufacturers, plumbers and irrigation system installers to develop options for typical homeowners to get these leak detection systems installed more affordably.

Some water leak detection systems like ‘Flo by Moen’ will pay the property damage deductible on the homeowner’s insurance policy if the Flo system does not work and the homeowner has substantial water damage to their home.

Other systems like WaterHero are working to improve their technology so their software can identify when an irrigation sprinkler system is turned on and functioning normally versus when there may be a leak in the system. But resources from WaterHero indicate their technology is very close, and they anticipate that those improvements will be available in upcoming software updates.

—Troy D. Sibelius, CIC, CRM, FASLA is executive vice president at The Buckner Company. He also has a Landscape Architecture degree from CSU and works extensively with landscape contractors and landscape architects on their risk management and commercial insurance programs.

July/Aug 2019 Colorado Green

31

Business Sense

Seven immutable truths that will turbocharge your business What I have learned from my clients

By Jeffrey Scott, MBA

W Photo courtesy Jeffrey Scott

hat does it take to make truly great accomplishments that grow your

business and nurture your team?

Looking at the strategies and follow-through of successful landscape industry companies, as well as my own experience running a multi-million-dollar landscape company, common threads emerge. Here is a list of seven valuable insights I have formulated while coaching and working with the best and brightest entrepreneurs. They are worth deep reflection as you consider applicability to you, your team and your business.

About Jeffrey Scott

Jeffrey Scott, MBA, author, coach and Hall-ofFame Consultant, is the expert in growth and profit maximization in the landscape contracting industry.

He grew his landscape company into a successful $10 million multi-discipline enterprise, and is now devoted to helping others achieve profound success. He facilitates a peer group network of landscape business owners in The Leader’s Edge. To learn more visit www.

JeffreyScott.biz.

Truth 1. Nice guys finish first. Some of the most attractive and compelling leadership traits I have witnessed are optimism, open-mindedness and compassion. What traits do you present to the team when you show up at work, and when things get tough?

Truth 2. Aim high to hit high. If you want to hit a high net profit, say 20%, you have to price your work with that profit in mind (or more, depending on how you budget.) Then build it into your budget and sales strategy and sell work that will help you hit your goals. Easy to say, harder to implement.

Truth 3. It’s all about your leadership team. All growth starts and stops there. So, take out your organizational chart and grade your team. Do you have an A-team in the key positions? If you are honest with yourself, then you know what your actions as leader must be.

Truth 4. Treat everyone like an owner.

If you want your people to exhibit ownership thinking (and doing), don’t wait for them to start showing up with that attitude. It’s a chick-

32

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en-or-the-egg situation, and the first move is yours.

Truth 5. Identify if it’s a sales problem or a marketing problem. If you are not hitting your sales goals, get critically clear about where your problem originates. Is it a marketing problem (lack of leads), or is it a sales problem (lack of converting the leads into sales)? The solutions for these two problems are vastly different.

Truth 6. Strategy is hard. The hardest part of strategic planning is setting the right strategy. Though focus on processes and vision is important, it’s not enough. Thinking through and defining a strategy are needed to truly spring your company forward!

Truth 7. Have the difficult conversation.

The difficult conversation should be called the critical conversation, because it is critical you keep having these conversations to address important issues. Don’t assume the other person, the one with a performance issue, knows how you feel. Don’t put off this conversation.

Hints are not good enough. Have the conversation this week with the person who most needs to hear what you are thinking and feeling. If it’s difficult then you won’t want to have it, but if it is critical then you will be glad you did.

How many of these seven truths speak to you? Is there one that speaks more deeply?

Now is the time to act to turbocharge your company. |CG

July/Aug 2019 Colorado Green

33

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35

2019 Day of Service – ALCC Southern Chapter

F

ALCC members install landscape at shelter for families starting over

or their 10th annual Day of Service

project April 26, members of ALCC’s

Southern Chapter designed and installed a new landscape at Mary’s Home, a community created by Dream Centers of Colorado Springs to serve women and their children who are transitioning from homelessness. As the program grows, the community is currently constructing two more buildings on the site with crucial classroom, child care, playground and office spaces for more mothers and children to share life together.

A team of nearly 30 landscape professionals and ALCC members volunteered time and donated materials. Following grading and installation of drip irrigation, volunteers planted 12 trees in addition to shrubs, decorative grasses and perennials, and added mulch.

Decorative rock was added including along a meandering dry river bed along the rear of one of the buildings. The rock was selected in lieu of planting sod to minimize the maintenance needs for the nonprofit.

The team put out more than 65 tons of rock materials and removed 40 tons of dirt.

Much of the materials were hand transported in wheel barrows along the property due to re-

stricted access between existing buildings and retaining walls.

“We’re often so busy during the summer that we don’t have time to do anything for the community,” explains Dustin Hamilton with Sunflower Landscapes, who helped design the new landscape for Mary’s Home. “It’s a neat way for us to give back.”

Dream Centers COO/CFO Michael Anthony said, “This landscape project is going to make a huge difference for the aesthetics of these buildings and the moms who will be using them.”

Volunteers prep soil for plant installation.

Volunteers move rock at project site.

36

www.alcc.com

Wil Dixon, Josh Cordova and Kevin Ridenour of Colorado Stoneworks Landscaping.

2019 Day of Service – ALCC Southern Chapter

Southern Chapter Volunteers

Thank you to the organizations that donated.

Companies that provided materials: Harding Nursery, Inc. Heidrich’s Colorado Tree Farm Horizon Timberline Rock N’ Roll

Photos courtesy ALCC

Companies that provided volunteers: Colorado Stoneworks Landscaping, LLC DBC Irrigation Supply Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply Hines Landscaping, Inc. J. Rick Lawn & Tree Myron Stratton Homes SiteOne™ Landscape Supply Sunflower Landscapes, Inc. Timberline Landscaping, Inc. Weisburg Landscape Maintenance

Volunteers were welcomed in the morning.

Organizations that donated meals: Chick-fil-A The Green Line Grill Hatch Cover Mother Muff’s Kitchen and Spirits July/Aug 2019 Colorado Green

37

2019 Day of Service – ALCC Denver Chapter

ALCC Denver Chapter volunteers build raised beds for Pathways school V

Mike Moore speaks with volunteers helping build raised beds at Diggable Designs Landscape Construction.

olunteers from ALCC’s Denver Chap ter donated time and materials to build

raised garden beds for the FFA horticulture students at Arvada West High School (A-West), who participate in the Landscape Career Pathways program.

Multiple weather and logistical delays before the end of the school year presented various challenges preventing completion of the entire project. Nevertheless, Diggable Designs Landscape Construction graciously provided the company’s shop as a workshop for raised bed construction. The project will be installed at a later date. Numerous volunteers are committed to seeing the project through, in particular A-West alumni John Alderman of DBC Irrigation Supply and Kurt DeLucero of Arrowhead Landscape Services, who want to “pay it forward” by providing opportunities to the next generation of landscape industry professionals.

Photos courtesy ALCC

Numerous volunteers are committed to seeing the project through, paying it forward for next generations.

John Majeski, ASLA (Arterra, LLC), Patrick O’Meara (High Country Landscape), and Marie Peacock (Gardenz) look on as Mike Moore reviews plans 38

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Those who helped build planter beds at the April 30th indoor workday included: • Matt Crete, Dylan Hicks, and Mike Moore, Diggable Designs Landscape Construction • John Majeski, Arterra, LLC • Patrick O’Meara, High Country Landscape • Marie Peacock, Gardenz • Aaron Warren, Fresh Aire Enterprises, Inc. Materials donations provided by: • Arvada Rent-Alls • DBC Irrigation Supply • LL Johnson Distributing Company • Renewable Fiber Additional volunteer commitments came from the following companies: • Arrowhead Landscape Services: Mike Bolsinger, Kurt DeLucero and Graham Howard • Bloom Floralscapes: Emilie Hudson and others • BrightView Landscape Services: Paulina Ochoa and LeeAnn Roessler • DBC Irrigation Supply: John Alderman • Diggable Designs Landscape Construction: Chris Wightman • Fresh Aire Enterprises: Jim O’Dowd and Patrick Thomson • LL Johnson Distributing Company: Leo Degenstein • LandCare Management: Eric Haugen, David Brooks and others • Pears to Perennials: Alex Brown, Jessi Burg and Guy Tuccero

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2019 Day of Service – CALCP

C

CALCP Day of Service

olorado Arborists and Lawn Care

Professionals’ (CALCP) 2019 Day of

Service in April included two sites: Brookdale Highline Senior Living Solutions, Denver, and Denver Dumb Friends League shelter.

Approximately 20 CALCP members donated their time and talent at the two locations.

Volunteers planted flowers and trees, pruned existing trees, removed dead trees, aerat-

ed, seeded and cleaned up grounds at both the Brookdale facility and at Denver Dumb Friends League. In addition, some trees were replaced at the Dumb Friends shelter.

Special thanks to Welby Gardens for donating all of the flowers and to Alameda Wholesale Nursery for the deep discount on the trees.

In all, 15 CALCP companies provided volunteers.

Photos courtesy CALCP

CALCP volunteers

40

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CALCP arborist and other volunteers at work.

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Workforce

Plant sales are

about more

than the funds raised

Westminister High School plant sale

P

lants sales raise much-needed funds for school programs. But for students in Landscape Career Pathways programs, the benefits go beyond simple fundraising.

At schools across Colorado, plants sales are a learning opportunity, allowing students to gain not only knowledge about horticulture, but important skills including retail sales and customer service.

Westminster High School

For the plant sale at Westminster High School, benefitting the FFA program, students propagate from mother plants in the school greenhouse or transplant and care for plugs 42

www.alcc.com

Photos courtesy ALCC

Valuable business and life skills are learned

the school receives. Students rotate among sections of the greenhouse, caring for their assigned section one month at a time.

“Our students show tremendous growth throughout the year as they work towards the plant sale. Normally students know basic plants (roses and sunflowers) when we start the year.” explains Westminster horticulture instructor and FFA advisor Heather Crabtree.

“By the end they have seen over 100 different plants and can identify when we have a pest infestation.” They also learn about soil and about the green industry in general.

In preparing for the sale, students also learn budgeting and retail sales skills. At West-

Workforce minster, where the sale has run for more than 40 years, prices are set and adjusted as necessary. But students do learn in class how pricing is set. They talk about cost vs. sale price and learn how a sale can turn a profit.

St. Vrain Valley Schools

At St. Vrain Valley Schools, students are responsible for more than just growing the plants and designing patio planters. “They have to fill out an application and be interviewed in order to be able to work as ‘employees’ in the greenhouse,” explains horticulture and landscape instructor Angie McGreavy.

“Second-year students (of the Greenhouse II course) can grow a crop in the greenhouse and sell it as part of their SAE (Supervised Agri-

culture Experience) that all Ag students are required to have.”

On the day of the sale, McGreavy’s students assist customers and learn retail sales and service skills. They also sell annual bedding plants, hanging baskets, patio planters, and vegetable starts at the Career Development Center in Longmont.

Pickens Technical College

At Pickens Technical College, Aurora, planning and staffing the plant sale is coursework. Students can take a one-credit course in which they learn about all aspects of the annual sale, from creating a budget to proper merchandising.

“Students run the event, set the budget, and decide on fees for a reasonable return,” says Mike Fedison. They research what other plant sales and garden centers charge and why, then think about how their products are different and how they can be priced competitively yet still return a profit.

While volunteers handle the registers, Pickens students identify the plants and draft a bill with correct pricing and totals for each guest.

Students also help customers find and choose plants.

Of course, proceeds from the sale are still an important reason for the sale. One major cost to the Pickens program is procuring insects for their Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. The IPM program supports plants grown in campus greenhouses. Students order and receive the insects weekly, costing about $1,000 each year. The plant sale helps support that program financially.

Creative add-ons benefit more than hort students

2019 Career Pathways Sponsors Strategic sponsor

Signature sponsors

As Westminster High School learned, the sales can also provide an opportunity for students in more than just horticulture to gain real-world experience. This year, Westminster High offered a lawn mower tune-up service led by students taking an agricultural mechanics course. Both the course and the tune-up service are new for 2019. Customers were invited to drop off their mowers on the first day of the sale, April 27. With instructor supervision, students worked in pairs to perform mower tune-ups during class over a two-week period. Mowers were then available for pickup on the second day of the sale on May 11. |CG

July/Aug 2019 Colorado Green

43

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SLM Colorado sponsors

46

www.alcc.com Photo courtesy Enviromental Designs, Inc.

Photo courtesy Landtech Contractors, Inc.

SLM Colorado Initiative is gaining momentum

S

ince the program was announced at ProGreen EXPO, the architects of the

Sustainable Landscape Management Colorado initiative have been hard at

work finalizing the manual of sustainable landscape maintenance practices.

Next, a curriculum is being developed, and a certificate course is planned for fall 2019. For the latest information on SLM Colorado, availability of manuals and scheduled course dates, visit www.alcc.com.

ALCC is excited to announce that CPS Distributors and Hunter Industries/FX Luminaire have demonstrated their support of sustainable landscapes by becoming SLM Colorado Publication Sponsors.

Additionally, ALCC has been working with organizations around the state to get feedback on the content of the manual and has secured endorsements from several organizations.

“With their endorsements, these organizations have established themselves as the foundation of this initiative,” says ALCC CEO John McMahon. “We hope their support will influence landscape companies, municipalities, and community leaders to recognize the importance of making sustainability part of our daily living when it comes to the built environment.”

According to ALCC, SLM’s foundation is simple—apply the right maintenance practices at the right time — but the payoff is huge. The manual establishes higher level of quality workmanship and knowledge which will conserve, protect, and maintain materials and resources that landscape professionals use every day. The manual applies validated research findings as they apply to the landscape contracting business and generates a more sustainable built environment. This supports the primary goal of SLM: to help address Colorado’s rapid growth and imminent future demands on our water resources.

Projected benefits of the SLM Certificate Program are also substantial. It will not simply certify public and private employees in SLM practices. It will position certificate-holding individuals and their employers as innovators and stewards of the urban landscape who seek to be part of the sustainability solution. By establishing

Organizations endorsing SLM Colorado Arrowhead Landscape Services, Inc. Bloom Floralscapes, LLC BrightView Landscape Services City of Greeley CoCal Landscape Services, Inc. Colorado Community Association Management Denver Parks & Recreation

Designscapes Colorado, Inc. Diggable Designs Landscape Construction LLC Green Landscape Solutions Hiner Outdoor Living Lifescape Colorado Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District Zak George Landscaping

Photo courtesy Designs By Sundown

Photo courtesy JBK Landscape, LLC

Why SLM Colorado?

“The support of these businesses is further evidence of their commitment to water conservation in Colorado landscapes,” says Melissa Emdin, ALCC program director.

July/Aug 2019 Colorado Green

47

a common set of standards, the program will level the playing field for landscape contractors big and small.

It also demonstrates that responsible maintenance is part of the water conservation solution, not the problem, and will educate the public on what proper maintenance looks like.

The program is also expected to help make landscape industry careers more attractive, helping attract new talent and increasing consumer interest in ALCC member companies that hold the SLM certificate. |CG

SLM Colorado will: • Set the standard for landscape maintenance in Colorado

Photo courtesy Neils Lunceford, Inc.

• Create a blueprint for all professionals who maintain landscapes • Increase water conservation and reduce plant loss • Raise the level of professionalism in the Colorado green industry

“With their endorsements, these organizations have established themselves as the foundation of this initiative,” says ALCC CEO John McMahon. “We hope their support will influence landscape companies, municipalities, and community leaders to recognize the importance of making sustainability part of our daily living when it comes to the built environment.”

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Top Plant Picks: CSU Research

Use these columnar trees and shrubs in small spaces

C

olorado State University researchers continue to evaluate over 1,300 taxa of woody plants

for adaptability, ornamental flowers, fruit, fall color and pest problems. Of recent interest,

are woody plants with a columnar growth habit that can be planted in residential areas with limited space between homes. Eight such plants presented here are proven adaptable to Colorado conditions. |CG

Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’ (Frans Fontaine Hornbeam)

Celtis occidentalis ‘JFSKSU1’ – Prairie Sentinel® Common Hackberry

Juniperus scopulorum ‘Woodward’ – Woodward Rocky Mountain Juniper

Malus ‘Adirondack’ – Adirondack Crabapple

Tips & Tricks: The current season’s growth curves inward toward the central leaders.

Tips & Tricks: Use this tree for narrow city streets in the toughest conditions.

Tips & Tricks: It is a good tall screening juniper and appears less prone to snow damage but could be in limited supply.

Tips & Tricks: The tree bears some light red to orange fruits about 3/8 inch, which don’t last long.

Zones 4

Zones 4

The narrow, columnar shape of this tree is maintained to maturity. It grows to about 20 to 30 feet in height with a width of 10 to 15 feet. Its dark green leaves turn yellow in the fall.

Zones 4-5 50

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This clone was discovered in rugged high plains of western Kansas. It has a tightly fastigiate columnar growth habit, maturing to about 45 feet in height and 12 feet in width. Medium green leaves turn yellow in the fall. It adapts very well to prairie heat, drought and cold.

Zones 4

This juniper was organically found in western Oklahoma and has a narrow/columnar growth habit with blue/green needles.

A Plant Select® recommendation, the plant is well adapted to Colorado conditions. It appears to be a male since no fruit has been observed.

This clone is a United States National Arboretum introduction with excellent disease resistance.

It has an unusual narrow vase shape/habit to about 18 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The red flower buds open to white single flowers, and its dark green leaves turn some yellow in the fall.

Top Plant Picks: CSU Research

LEGEND Full sun

Useful for containers

Adapts to part shade

Xeric

Prefers shadier conditions

Requires moisture Requires more moisture Contributed by James E. Klett, Ph.D. Colorado State University, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture

Ostrya virginiana – American Hophornbeam

This graceful small tree with drooping branches matures to a more rounded habit. The gray/brown bark grows in long, narrow strips, and the tree’s dark green leaves turn yellow in fall. It has male catkin flowers in spring and fruit that resembles hops in late summer into fall. Though it is an understory tree, it can tolerate full sun.

Tips & Tricks: The tree can be a little slow to re-establish after transplanting.

Zones 4

Quercus robur x alba ‘Crimschmidt’ – Crimson Spire™ Oak

Quercus robur x bicolor ‘Long’ – Regal Prince® Oak

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Gandini Santiago’ Purple Pillar™ Rose of Sharon

Tips & Tricks: It is a great choice where a tall narrow tree is needed, and holds brown leaves though winter.

Tips & Tricks: It is tolerant of clay soils but may not thrive if soil is too alkaline. It is resistant to powdery mildew but could have some aphid problems and sooty mold problems.

Tips & Tricks: It is a good vertical accent shrub which can be used as a tall screen.

Zones 4

Zones 4

Zones 5

Crimson Spire is a hybrid of white oak and columnar English Oak that is resistant to powdery mildew. It has a columnar/fastigiate growth habit with blue green foliage that turns rusty red in fall.

It is adapted to more alkaline soil and matures to a height of about 45 feet tall and 15 feet wide.

A hybrid between columnar English Oak and swamp white oak, this tree has glossy dark green leaves that turn yellow in the fall.

It has an upright, broadly columnar growth habit that grows to about 40 feet tall and 20 feet tall.

This clone has a columnar growth habit that grows 10 to 15 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. The flowers— short-lived, sterile and semidouble—are pink with a purple eye and bloom from July to September. Once established, the plant can tolerate heat and dry soils.

July/Aug 2019 Colorado Green

51

Top Plant Picks: Plant Select®

Native, low-maintenance Goldhill golden-aster survives extremes

N

ative to Colorado and Utah,

Goldhill golden-aster (Heterotheca

‘Goldhill’) is a small and underutilized gem with characteristics Plant Select® strives for: long-blooming, low water needs, noninvasive and habitat-friendly.

Goldhill golden-aster is a hybrid of Heterotheca jonesii and H. villosa that Ray Daugherty, horticulture faculty at Front Range Community College, discovered in his garden. He brought his hybrid to the Plant Select® trials which confirmed that the plant’s sunny yellow flowers bloom spring through fall, it never seeds around, requires very little water if any, and is deerresistant.

A petite plant growing 1-2” tall and 5-10” wide, Goldhill golden-aster can fill niches in all gardens. It never needs to be trimmed or deadheaded and can survive extremes. Plant it in the full sun, dry margins of the garden or next to pathways and driveways. The plant is also a good choice for green roofs or in high elevation mountain communities. It loves the well-drained loam or sandy soil, or areas of degraded granite where many gardeners hate to plant.

Goldhill golden-aster’s bright yellow flowers bring a warm cast on cool evenings and the added benefit of being snubbed by deer. To get it for your garden, you may have to request it at your local garden center or order it online.

Photo courtesy Emily Goldman

Size: 12” tall x 10” wide Flowers: blooms spring through fall, making a dense mound of small yellow flowers Leaves: green foliage is soft and fuzzy, creating a gray appearance Form: petite mounding groundcover Light: full sun Culture: well-drained loam or sandy soils, prefers dry conditions Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-8 Habitat value: food for bees and butterflies Deer resistant: yes Design/maintenance tips • Requires no maintenance and very little water.

• Use for crevice gardens, steppe gardens or trough planters as well as green roofs and green walls.

• Pairs well with all petite rock garden plants or larger well-behaved perennials that won’t shade it out.

— Contributed by Ross Shrigley and Emily Goldman for Plant Select®

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Photo courtesy Bill Adams

For more information, explore www.plantselect.org

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53

Parting Shot

Children dosed with green space make happier adults

By Lyn Dean

In

a world where urbanization is increasing, fewer people have contact with nature. As more studies emerge linking the value of green space to human health, a recent article in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, reports that high levels of childhood green space are associated with lower risk of developing a range of adolescent and adult psychiatric disorders.

During an 18-year time period, the study followed nearly 1 million children in Denmark from birth to age 10, for whom researchers had data on mental health outcomes, socio-

54

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economic status and place of residence. High resolution satellite images, from which a vegetative index was developed, provided yearly information on the level of greenery around each individual’s residence. Results showed that children growing up in urban areas with less green space were at higher risk—up to 55%--of developing a psychiatric disorder as an adolescent or adult, independent from other known risk factors such as socioeconomic status.

New York physician and neurologist Oliver Sacks said, in letters published after his

passing in 2015, “I cannot say exactly how nature exerts its calming and organizing effects on our brains, but I have seen the restorative and healing powers of nature and gardens… [which] in many cases, are more powerful than any medication.”

Keeping our children dosed on greenery and integrating natural areas into urban planning is essential, not just for the well-known benefits of decreasing noise and air pollution, but for supporting psychological restoration, and promoting exercise and social cohesion, as urbanization increases. |CG

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